Polymer Upcycling via Reactive Extrusion: FTIR Microscopy Insights into Blend Compatibilization

In response to growing environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable practices, the upcycling of post-consumer and reprocessed plastics has become a critical focus. This webinar will delve into the upcycling of reprocessed polypropylene (rPP) through reactive extrusion, emphasizing the use of a compatibilizer and the optimization of key process variables.

Key Topics Covered:

• Optimization of Extrusion Parameters: Learn how factorial design of experiment techniques can be utilized to assess and optimize important extrusion parameters.
• Rheological Testing: Discover how rheological measurements can evaluate polymer structure, processability, and performance.
• FTIR Microscopy Mapping: Explore how FTIR microscopy mapping aids in understanding the structure of polymer blends.
• Compatibilizer Benefits: Gain insights into how the addition of a compatibilizer can improve the mechanical properties of immiscible polymer blends. 

Attend This Webinar to:

• Enhance your knowledge of polymer upcycling and reactive extrusion.
• Learn about cutting-edge analytical techniques for evaluating key process parameters.
• Discover how to optimize polymer processing for improved sustainability and performance.

Ideal For Those Who:

• Explore advanced methods for polymer recycling.
• Develop eco-friendly processing technologies.
• Optimize workflows for circular material use.
• Apply cutting-edge techniques for polymer analysis.
• Implement scalable, sustainable recycling solutions.
• Want to gain insight into next-generation polymer recovery.

Meet the Webinar Speakers

Lucivan Barros is a Senior Applications Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, specializing in extrusion and rheology applications. He earned his Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science from Case Western Reserve University. With expertise in polymer processing, materials development, and structure–property relationships, he is dedicated to advancing sustainable materials and supporting innovation in polymer processing and characterization.

Ron Rubinovitz, Ph.D. is a Senior Applications Scientist with 14 years of experience at Thermo Fisher Scientific working with FT-IR applications including FT-IR microscopy, FT-Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics.  Ron obtained his Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania utilizing FTIR and continues to use the benefits of the FTIR techniques in numerous applications.