Laboratories

PTG/e owns different laboratories situated in our Catalyst building, but also has access to labs located at the TU/e campus.

By using this state-of-the-art infrastructure we are able to perform all kinds of polymerizations and organic syntheses in different chemical labs. This includes our unique olefin polymerization platform.

Chemical and physical characterization is carried out on analytical equipment which is located in our own labs, as well as at the facilities of the TU/e departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering.

In addition to the extensive synthesis and analysis capabilities, PTG/e is also able to perform material processing on a small scale in dedicated labs.

Equipment & techniques

Laboratories

Chemical lab

The chemical labs of PTG/e are fully equipped to perform a wide variety of chemical syntheses and/or modifications. We have ample experience and a broad knowledge base to be able to perform any type of reaction.

These reactions or syntheses can range from small, molecular scale modifications to extremely high molecular weight polymers. Multiple different reactors can be assembled ranging from small volume glass reactors up to multiple liter scale steel reactors. Important parameters such as temperature, time, pressure and/or atmosphere can be monitored and controlled accurately.

Analytical lab

Experiments performed in the chemical or processing lab will typically be characterized in our analytical labs.

PTG/e owns (or has access to) multiple spectroscopic, thermal and mechanical analysis techniques that can be used to identify and characterize all sorts of materials. For example, newly synthesized compounds can be identified in detail by TGA-IR-GC/MS hyphenated technology. Or, improved mechanical properties of uniaxially drawn polymer tapes can be quantified by DMTA or tensile testing.

Within our broad inventory of analytical techniques, PTG/e can offer solutions to determine almost any material characteristic.

Processing lab

Polymer processing is crucial in determining the properties and performance of a final product. In PTG/e's processing lab, small-scale variants of the most common industrial processing techniques are available, such as batch kneading, compression molding, injection molding, and (multi-layer) extrusion.

Micro-compounding can be performed with as little as 5 grams, allowing for quick screening of experimental materials (when quantities are limited). Larger scale extruders (single- or twin-screw) with throughputs of 1-2 kg/hr are available to evaluate continuous polymer processing. With our equipment, different processing parameters or performance of specific additives can be evaluated. Furthermore, our specialized drawing line enables investigation of the effects of specific post-processing steps.

Olefin polymerization platform

The olefin polymerization platform at PTG/e is designed for testing homogeneous as well as heterogeneous catalysts in slurry or solution.
An extensive purification system delivers monomers and solvents to four 125 mL and one 1 L autoclaves. Automated catalyst injection and extensive parameter logging (P, T, monomer consumption) make the system ideal for studying (de)activation and propagation characteristics of catalysts. Available solvents are toluene and isopar E. Monomers available are ethylene, propylene and various liquid olefins. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are available as chain transfer agent and quenching gas, respectively.

Chemical lab

Temperature, time and catalysis all have a big impact on material yield and properties during synthesis.

PTG/e has excellent knowledge and equipment to perform various syntheses and to vary these parameters precisely. The syntheses can range from small, molecular scale modifications to extremely high molecular weight polymers.

Multiple different reactors can be assembled ranging from small volume glass reactors up to multiple liter scale steel reactors.

Analytical lab

What happens in the chemical or processing lab will eventually end up in the analytical lab.

PTG/e has possession of multiple core techniques that can be used to identify and characterize all sorts of materials. Whether it is a polymer synthesized from scratch in the chemical lab that needs molecular weight assessment or a polymer that has been modified in the processing lab that needs mechanical testing.
PTG/e owns many techniques that can determine important material characteristics.

Processing lab

Polymer processing is of high importance to modify existing polymers. Multiple machines can be used to accommodate this.
Additives can be mixed in using a kneader. Different composites can be produced using mini extruder. Very strong films can be produced using a stretching line.

This is just a small selection from our range of different machines.

Olefin polymerization platform