Michael O. Wells Presents “Controlled Radical Polymerization in Vacuum Infusion of Large Parts” Paper at Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Bosshardt
Phone: 215-419-7230
Philadelphia, PA - January 27, 2010

Luperox^® IS 300 organic peroxide, the latest innovation from Arkema Inc.’s Functional Additives business, will be launched at the upcoming Composites 2010, in Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, February 9-11 (exhibit hall open Feb 10 and 11 – Arkema Booth 729).  Intended for large part infusion systems, Luperox^® IS 300 can assist in having infusion completed more quickly by controlling the speed and level of the final cure by the application of heat.  This process allows for a controlled cure and predictable final product quality, without introducing heat stresses from excessive exotherms, thus eliminating the need for post cure.

On Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at 4:00 PM, Michael O. Wells, applications engineer for Arkema Inc., will present this topic in his paper titled Controlled Radical Polymerization in Vacuum Infusion of Large Parts*. 

“While vacuum infusion exists as one of the most remarkable new processes of recent decades, it still has drawbacks,” states Wells.  “The chief among these is the need to use expensive epoxy materials to get the desired properties when dealing with large parts, such as windblades and bridge girders.  Through the use of Controlled Radical Polymerization and Controlled Temperature Vacuum Infusion, we can precisely control the rates of fill and cure of such large parts using lower cost vinyl ester resins with shorter processing times, faster turnarounds, no need for postcuring, and exceptional mechanical properties compared to what is currently available.” 

Additionally, while exhibiting at booth #729 at the show, the group will demonstrate a cross section of branded products specifically for the composites industry including Luperox^® organic peroxides, BlocBuilder^® reactivity controllers, and Graphistrength^® multi-wall carbon nanotubes.

Wells, along with Arkema Inc. business managers, will be available during the show for interviews – contact Amy Bosshardt at (cell) 610-322-7099 to set up a time.  Additional information can be found on the Composites show website at www.acmashow.org.

*In addition to Wells, the paper was co-authored by Andre Coquet, president of ACSM.

About Wells:
Michael O. Wells is a 20-year veteran of the composites industry, which includes employment with companies such as A. O. Smith, Witco, and most recently with the Arkema Group in their Functional Additives business.  Mr. Wells holds a BS in Chemistry from Arkansas State University and is currently completing his graduate work in Polymer Science and Engineering from Lehigh University.

Luperox^® and BlocBuilder^® are registered trademarks belonging to Arkema Inc., Graphistrength^® is a registered trademark belonging to Arkema.