Cost savings with polymers

In this process, the matrix polymer is modified by additives to tailor properties such as long-term temperature resistance or mechanical endurance for specific applications. This means development of a material for each specific application, resulting in improved material properties as well as in cost savings with further consequences (Table 13) [12]. 

Reducing the temperature by 75-100°F dramatieally improves the thermal stability of packaging adhesives, resulting in significant cost savings for equipment maintenance, as well as greater worker safety. Such adhesives became possible with the availability of low MW EVA base polymers (MI of 800 and above). They rely on low MW refined paraffin wax and a blend of resins chosen for the specific application [67,68]. 

Laser desorption methods (such as LD-ITMS) are indicated as cost-saving real-time techniques for the near future. In a single laser shot, the LDI technique coupled with Fourier-transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) can provide detailed chemical information on the polymeric molecular structure, and is a tool for direct determination of additives and contaminants in polymers. This offers new analytical capabilities to solve problems in research, development, engineering, production, technical support, competitor product analysis, and defect analysis. Laser desorption techniques are limited to surface analysis and do not allow quantitation, but exhibit superior analyte selectivity. 

The cost savings are very different per weight and per volume. For two fillers with the same price, 10% of the polymer price, but of very different densities, 2 and 5 respectively, cost savings are ... 

Today s polymer industry, however, is mainly driven by economy of scale. High- pressure production units with a capacity up to 500,000 tonnes of polymer a year are being built. Thermodynamic optimization of such processes has led to significant cost savings. 

Daqing polymer flooding performance shows that oil rate increased before produced polymer concentration increased. Produced polymer concentrations peaked at 400 to 900 mg/L, approximately half of the injected concentration. As mentioned earlier, the produced water with polymer may be re-injected to save water cost and polymer cost. 

In this chapter we will discuss the basic families of materials used in today s automobiles. We will concentrate on polymers, although the chemist s role deals with all materials used in a vehicle. The use of polymers has steadily increased ever since their introduction into a vehicle s structure. Exterior as well as interior parts and trims made from polymers are increasingly replacing traditional steel or aluminum parts [1], The drive for mass and cost savings is enhanced by the material s ability to be customized and to decrease material cost. Coatings are applied to interior parts as well as to exterior parts to enhance appearance and provide corrosion resistance. Stabilization is required of many of the polymeric components (this topic is addressed in Chapter 4). 

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