Formulation Material Selection

Fillers in Thermoplastics: Essential Principles for Efficient Optimization

Language: English
Length: 90 min
Recorded on: 04 Nov 24

Package Includes

6 months access to Course Recording, Presentation Slides, Q&A Transcript

Course Description

Maximize the performance / cost ratio of your thermoplastics formulations by getting structured knowledge on fillers and the impact of their particle size/shape, distribution... on final performance.

Trevor Hutley will discuss what is only acquired by experience to go one step further in your optimization quest by providing you a cheat sheet to select appropriate fillers for your thermoplastics.
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Trevor Hutley
Trevor Hutley
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Dr. Trevor J. Hutley is a leading polymer and petrochemical industry specialist. He is a research & innovation advisor with global experience in many pioneering and complex situations. Dr. Hutley possesses a rare combination of broad and deep technology and science knowledge, combined with expertise in finance, marketing, manufacturing, and business. He has consistently demonstrated success in new product development, new market expansion, and technology innovation, with a proven track record of commercializing cutting-edge technologies and scientific advancements.

Dr. Hutley has worked for and consulted/advised for companies including:

  • Ford
  • Lotus Engineering
  • SABIC
  • PIRA
  • AMI
  • OneChem
  • Arizona Chemicals
  • Royal Commission in Saudi Arabia
  • GPCA (The Gulf Petrochemical and Chemical Association) in Dubai
  • The Dhahran TechnoValley Company
  • Pan Gulf Holding
  • Polykem Sàrl
  • The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR)
  • SCG in Thailand

His past roles include Dunlop (5 years), DuPont Engineering Polymers (almost 15 years), and Sipchem (5.25 years), with work based in the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and for 10 years in the Middle East.

Dr. Hutley's qualifications include:

  • PhD in Polymer Engineering from Cranfield Institute of Technology
  • Executive MBA summa cum laude in finance and marketing from BSL (Business School Lausanne)
  • First-class BTech in Polymer Technology from Brunel University
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Participants of this course includes

Why should you view this course?

Fillers have a huge impact on the processing, performance & cost of your filled thermoplastics. Reaching optimal performance can be quite tricky, unless you know how to efficiently select and deploy appropriate fillers. Join this course to:

  1. Master the design and development of filled thermoplastic formulations for enhanced performance and functionality.

  2. Easily adjust your formulations with a cheat sheet to select appropriate fillers (acicular, isotropic…) & additives (impact modifier, dispersant, coupling agent...).

  3. Develop your skills faster by saving yourself from reading countless papers, with an organized review of fillers & their impact on cost/performance ratio.

  4. Focus your efforts on getting desired performance (high strength, modulus...) with the insight shared from Dr. Trevor's own industrial optimization experience.

Who should join this course?

  • Filler suppliers, polymer suppliers, recyclers, Compounders, Processors, OEMs with a need to compare materials in terms of performance/cost ratio, select the best material for each application, or a desire to develop plastic products through a better knowledge of how to use fillers in polymer formulations.

  • Complete the course and (unlock your personalized certificate)– your badge of accomplishment awaits!

  • This course is suitable for beginner level proficiency
    Beginner
Questions you will be able to answer after this course:

  1. Which filler should I choose to improve stiffness without making the part brittle?

  2. Why is my filled compound showing poor surface finish or warpage?

  3. How can I improve dispersion and avoid agglomeration or inconsistent parts?

  4. How do I pick the right particle size, shape, or aspect ratio for optimal performance?

Course Outline

The following sections will be covered during this session:

Introduction to Industrial Polymers and Plastics

  • Overview of polymer types and their industrial applications
  • Evolution of plastics and their role in modern materials
  • Market trends

Polymer Modification & Additives

  • Key additives for enhancing polymer performance
  • How polymer structure influences properties
  • Interactions between additives

Fillers for Plastics: Selection & Characteristics

  • Overview of common fillers: Talc, Carbon Black, Calcium Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Clays, Barium Sulphate, and more
  • How filler properties impact formulation decisions
  • Global filler market

The Effect of Fillers on Thermoplastic Properties

  • Influence on mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties
  • Impact on polymer processing and performance

Optimizing Filler Performance: Dispersants & Coupling Agents

  • Enhancing compatibility and dispersion in polymer matrices
  • Strategies for improving adhesion and mechanical stability
  • Practical steps in formulation development
  • Case studies demonstrating key design principles

The Role of Particle Size, Distribution & Shape

  • Effects on rheology, processing, and final material properties
  • Cost vs. performance trade-offs in formulation design

Cheat Sheets & Key Takeaways

  • Comprehensive cheat sheets summarizing essential concepts and key learnings
  • Clear insights into how fillers, additives, and polymer properties interact
  • Practical reference for optimizing filled thermoplastic formulations

Additional Resources & Expert Insights

  • Recommended web resources, textbooks, and expert consultants
  • Interactive Q&A session for troubleshooting and guidance

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Prerequisites for this course

It would be beneficial to have some prior knowledge of:

  • Different types of polymers and their general properties.
  • How thermoplastics are used in various industries and the role of additives in modifying their properties.
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