Polymer scientists around the world had been searching for ways to improve the compatibility of polyolefins with other materials. Many avenues have been explored but none led to the ideal solution.
Dr Chris Kay of Interface Polymers Ltd (IPL) created a co-polymer comprising a polyolefin segment joined to a polar polymer segment. When added in small percentages to polyolefin resins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, the additive molecules migrated to the surface and rendered them more attractive to other polar materials such as metals, ceramics and polar plastics, including those containing acrylic, styrene and vinyl acetate-based polymers. The unique discovery gave the ability to independently modify both segments in the co-polymer chain.
Polarfin® additives will transform the performance, cost competitiveness and above all recyclability of polyolefin-based materials across a diverse range of market applications. There is potential to add substantial value in the packaging, construction, agriculture and automotive sectors, where the ability to satisfy demand for improved compatibility and surface functionality will open up a world of new business opportunities for IPL. IPL is starting up the pilot plant in India in 2023 to demonstrate and produce sufficient quantities of the polymer that will demonstrate the qualities described above. The pilot plant will be a toll manufacturing unit, located in Southern India. IPL approached Rosnik to provide process engineering support for the project.
Rosnik Process Manager Prashant Bhosle had 10 years of experience in the process industry, worked closely with Welspun Maxsteel, Aarti Industries and Firmenich in the past. He is experienced in both process design and operation of process / pilot plants. Prashant is starting off his work in India after undergoing training at the IPL facility in UK. Prashant will support pilot plant design and construction as well as the startup and commissioning of the pilot plant at the toll manufacturer facility. He is expected to lead unit monitoring and stabilizing efforts of pilot plant. Prashant’s responsibility includes analyzing the pilot plant data to develop the design specification for the commercial unit and represent IPL business development activities in India.
Rosnik India Emissary Services Several Capital Projects are designed at the high efficiency centers in India. These projects are investments in resolving core operational and reliability challenges or capturing new market opportunities. Unfortunately, many owners struggle post commissioning with lingering issues stemming from poor design, construction or engineering resulting from communication issues. Our India Emissary service can raise owner’s confidence in a flawless startup, commissioning and subsequent sustained operations. We can bring highly experienced engineers in India to assist the plant owners ensuring the communication to and from the site in US and Europe and the design engineering contractor housed in India. This result in designing the project in an efficient manner, to deliver the desired outcome. Good communication and early resolution of issues impact cost, schedule, reliability, and operability in a positive way.