Properties and Testing

Abstract

To achieve optimal properties, PVC products need to marry proper formulation design, blending, and melt processing. Discussions will focus on morphological changes that occur in the PVC resin grain and their overall impact on the development of PVC properties during melt processing. Using common tests, we show how these changes influence the development of PVC properties giving the attendee ideas about how the various parts of the product production cycle impacts the finished product and how this combination often exceeds the contribution of any one process or ingredient.

Additionally the presentation will discuss common test methods used in the industry.

About the Speaker

Employed by Arkema Inc. for over 35 years, Mark currently manages its North American Analytical and Systems Research Group. Prior to holding this role, he was responsible for all North American PVC Additives technology development and support involving acrylic modifiers, and organotin stabilizers. He holds multiple US Patents and is a four-time recipient of the Best Technical Presentation Award at SPE’s annual Vinyltec® Conference. Mark is currently Chairman of ASTM International’s D20 Committee on Plastics where he oversees 1200 technologists with responsibilities for over 500 standards utilized daily in the polymers and plastics marketplace. Awarded D20’s Award of Excellence in 2009, Mark received ASTM International’s Award of Merit, carrying with it the title of Fellow of the Society in 2012. Mark actively participates on the Technical Committees of the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) receiving the Institute’s “Ken Mieure Award for Distinguished Service” in 2011. He also serves on SPE’s Vinyl Division Technical Program Committee and served as Technical Program Chair for Vinyltec® 2010 and 2013 as well as General Chair for Vinyltec® 2016 and 2020. In recognition for his contributions to vinyl technology in 2016, he received the SPE Vinyl Division’s prestigious “Contributions to Vinyl Award”. Mark holds an M.S. in Engineering Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology as well as a Certificate in Technology Management from the California Institute of Technology.

In his spare time he enjoys all types of music and bowling where he is a United States Bowling Congress Silver Level Coach and holder of a 300 Game (perhaps the only time in his life he was “perfect”). An avid softball player Mark played at the Class A Fast Pitch level.