The characteristic properties exhibited by plastics are the direct result of their unique molecular structure. Plastics are polymers of very high molecular mass. To enhance their properties, they often contain additives, however, the underlying attributes of a plastic material are determined by the polymer. The molecular weight of the base polymer is a fundamental factor in the characteristics of plastic materials. This includes the mechanical, thermal, chemical, and environmental properties of the material, and ultimately the formed part.
Through the polymerization process, polymers - materials of relatively high molecular weight, macromolecules - are produced. Higher molecular weights are associated with longer molecular chains, and this results in a greater level of entanglement. This has important implications, as higher-molecular-weight grades of plastics will have superior mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance properties compared with lower molecular-weight grades of the same material.
Through this course, the viewers will:
Gain an appreciation of the criticality of Molecular Weight on the performance of polymeric materials
Get insight as to how Molecular Weight can be altered during life cycle of the polymer
Identify different analytical tools to measure Molecular Weight, and recognize which is best in different circumstances
Jeffrey A. Jansen is the Engineering Manager and a Partner at The Madison Group, an independent plastics engineering and consulting firm. Jeff is a proven plastic professional with more than 30 years of experience solving problems and addressing opportunities related to polymeric materials. He specializes in failure analysis, material identification and selection, as well as compatibility, aging, and lifetime prediction studies for thermoplastic materials. Jeff has performed over 5,000 investigations, both for industrial clients and as a part of litigation. He is a regular presenter on the SPE webinar series, covering a wide range of topics related to plastics failure, material performance, testing, and polymer technology. Jeff is a graduate of Carroll College and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
This course is ideal for a wide range of technical professionals working with plastic products, including:
Designers, engineers, and technical managers involved in the design and manufacturing of plastic-based products, seeking to optimize performance and reliability.
Technical sales and marketing staff who want to enhance their understanding of material properties to better serve clients.
Polymer processing professionals looking to gain insights into how molecular weight impacts material processability and production efficiency.
Polymer material purchasing professionals aiming to make informed decisions and contribute to the optimal selection of materials.
Professionals working with recycled materials striving to address performance gaps and improve the quality and consistency of recycled products.
Quality assurance professionals seeking a deeper understanding of how molecular weight influences the performance and durability of final products.
Why Should You Attend?
Are you working with plastic materials and want to optimize their mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties?
Understanding the role of molecular weight in determining a polymer’s performance is essential for selecting and engineering materials that meet your application needs.
Are you struggling to understand why there are so many references to the same material?
One key reason is molecular weight. Selecting the right grade requires balancing processability and performance to meet your specific application requirements.
Are you working with recycled materials and want to understand better why you get lower performance than with virgin materials?
Molecular weight is one of the key factors influencing the performance of recycled materials. Understanding this can help you address performance gaps and improve the quality of recycled products.
Are you interested in learning how molecular weight changes throughout a polymer's life cycle?
The ability to assess and control molecular weight is critical for ensuring the durability and reliability of plastic products, even under challenging conditions.
Are you seeking to master analytical tools to measure molecular weight effectively?
Knowing which techniques to use and when can provide valuable insights into material behavior, helping you make informed decisions in material selection and process optimization.
If these challenges resonate with you, the Molecular Weight and Its Role in Plastic Material Performance course is designed for you!
This educational program is provided as a service of SPE. The views and opinions expressed on this or any SPE educational program are those of the Speaker(s) and/or the persons appearing with the Speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. (SPE) or its officials, employees or designees. To comment or to present an opposing or supporting opinion, please contact us at info@4SPE.org.
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30 days prior to the event start date a full refund minus a $50 processing fee will be granted. No refunds after. Please contact customerrelations@4spe.org for assistance with registration.
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