Medical Plastic Division – APRIL 2021 - Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event
2021-04-07 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Virtual Conference
What: Medical Plastic Division – Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event
When: 1st Wednesday of the Month; 5PM-6PM EST
Agenda: 5:00PM-5:30PM Invited Speaker / Technical Seminar (see below)
5:30PM-6:00PM Networking (topical break out rooms lead by BoD members)
Speaker: Mercy P. Bulsari MASc
Presentation: “Plastics world – Sustainability and Circular Economy with the help of compounding and value-add product modifiers”
Anyone interested in informally meeting and networking with the Medical Plastics Division is welcome to join.
Email Louis Somlai <somlai_louis@lilly.com> or Pierre Moulinie <pierre.moulinie@covestro.com>

SPE Medical Plastic Division – Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event - MAY 2021
2021-05-05 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Conference
What: Medical Plastic Division – Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event
When: 1st Wednesday of the Month; 5PM-6PM EST
Agenda:
5:00PM-5:30PM Invited Speaker / Technical Seminar
5:30PM-6:00PM Networking (topical break out rooms lead by BoD members)
Presentation: “Innovating Inside the Box: Challenges & Considerations When Customizing a ‘Platform’ Delivery Device”
Speaker: Doug Boyd, PE, PMP
Vice President, Device Development – Medical Device Solutions
Battelle Memorial Institute
Anyone interested in informally meeting and networking with the Medical Plastics Division is welcome to join.
Email Louis Somlai <somlai_louis@lilly.com> or Pierre Moulinie <pierre.moulinie@covestro.com>
________________________________________________________________________________
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June 2021 - Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event
2021-06-02 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Virtual Conference
As members of the Medical Plastics Division, you are cordially invited to join the MPD Board of Directors for an informal virtual meeting to chat, catch-up, and network.

We will kick off the meeting with a presentation from an invited speaker (including a short Questions & Answers session), followed by a “half-hour social” to network virtually.

For more details or meeting invite please email:
Louis Somlai or Pierre Moulinie

Wednesday June 2, 2021
6:00-6:30PM EDT
“Computational Modeling for Medical Device Regulatory Submissions per ASME V&V40”
– by Dr. Nilesh Billade, Senior Associate, Stress Engineering Services Inc.
6:30-7:00PM
Networking (topical break out rooms lead by MPD Board of Director members)

Computational Modeling for Medical Device Regulatory Submissions per ASME V&V40
Abstract:
There is a growing acceptance and reliance on computational modeling and simulation as scientific evidence for regulatory submissions. The FDA has included this in its strategic plan for regulatory science through several specific initiatives. With growing use of computational modeling and simulation for medical device submissions, there is a critical need to ensure that the models represent an appropriate approximation of reality. The ASME V&V 40 (2018) standard provides a risk-informed credibility assessment framework for computational modeling, specifically intended for medical devices. The credibility assessment is performed through a series of verification and validation activities for the computational model. The presentation will provide an overview of the ASME V&V 40 process along with a few case studies.

Speaker & Bio:
Nilesh Billade, PhD.
Senior Associate, Stress Engineering Services, Inc.

Dr. Billade is a Senior Associate at Stress Engineering Services. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati. His primary areas of interest include mechanical testing and numerical characterization of linear and non-linear engineering materials and biomaterials, and advanced nonlinear computational modeling techniques, such as the finite element analyses (FEA). He has 12 years of engineering work experience in the use of these techniques for innovation, product design and development, and optimization of a variety of products in the medical device and consumer products industries. Relevant experience includes: (a) Shipping and distribution simulation of a sterile barrier system and verification and validation of the computational model under the framework provided by ASME V&V40 Standard (b) Product integrity evaluation of a drug delivery system through its shelf life, using computational modeling and testing.

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Medical Plastic Division – July 2021 Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event
2021-07-07 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Conference
Title: Developing Cost Effective and Reliable Plastic Medical Products
Presented by: Jeff Ellis PhD, Senior Technical Leader, EWI

Abstract:
Medical device failures occur more often than we would like. Many times, these failures stem from material, design, or processing issues. During this presentation strategies for fielding robust medical products will be discussed through capabilities and case studies. Topics will include material selection, polymer welding (ultrasonic, laser, IR, spin, etc.), dissimilar material joining, modeling, and characterization. Case studies will be used to show novel applications for small parts, as thin as 0.003 inches, and continuous fiber filled thermoplastics. The audience will gain an understanding of new ways to join and assemble medical devices in a cost effective and reliable manner.

About EWI:
EWI empowers industry leaders to overcome complex manufacturing challenges and integrate new processes to bring products to market more quickly and efficiently. Since 1984, EWI’s comprehensive engineering services have helped companies identify, develop, and implement the best options for their specific applications. Backed by unmatched professional expertise, state-of-the-art lab facilities, and technology resources, EWI offers customized solutions that deliver game-changing results.

This invite is a calendar place holder. Meeting specifics (speaker, title/abstract) will be updated here.

What: Medical Plastic Division – Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event

When: 1st Wednesday of the Month; 6PM-7PM EDT

Agenda: 6:00PM-6:30PM EDT Invited Speaker / Technical Seminar (20 min seminar; 10 min Q&A)
6:30PM-7:00PM EDT Networking (topical break out rooms lead by BoD members)

This is a free event open to anyone interested in informally meeting and networking with the Medical Plastics Division.

Email Louis Somlai <somlai_louis@lilly.com> or Pierre Moulinie <pierre.moulinie@covestro.com> to be added to the distribution or if you are interested in presenting
________________________________________________________________________________
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Medical Plastics to Help Save the World - 2021 MiniTec
2021-08-10 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Anaheim Convention Center, 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA, 92802-3415, United States
The SPE Medical Plastics Division is happy to announce MiniTec 2021
“Medical Plastics to Help Save the World”
To be a LIVE In-Person event within the MD&M Conference Program
August 10, 2021, Anaheim, CA

October Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event
2021-10-06 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Virtual Conference
As members of the Medical Plastics Division, you are cordially invited to join the MPD Board of Directors for an informal virtual meeting to chat, catch-up, and network.

We will kick off the meeting with a presentation from an invited speaker (including a short Questions & Answers session), followed by a “half-hour social” to network virtually.

For more details or meeting invite please email:
Louis Somlai or Pierre Moulinie.

Wednesday, October 10th
6:00-6:30 PM EDT
“Derlin® Renewable Attributed: Advancing Sustainability through Leading Environmental Impact Profile”
– by Ned LeMaster, Applications Development Consultant for Medical Markets, DuPont
6:30-7:00 PM EDT
Networking (topical break out rooms lead by MPD Board of Director members)

Medical Plastic Division – Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Events - FALL 2021 Series - NOVEMBER
2021-11-03 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Virtual Conference
As members of the Medical Plastics Division, you are cordially invited to join the MPD Board of Directors for an informal virtual meeting to chat, catch-up, and network.

We will kick off the meeting with a presentation from an invited speaker (including a short Questions & Answers session), followed by a “half-hour social” to network virtually.

For more details or meeting invite please email:
Louis Somlai or Pierre Moulinie.

Wednesday, November 3rd
6:00-6:30 PM EDT
“Wearable Medical Devices
that Stay Put”
– Joanne Moody, Principal Consultant
Zeta Scientific LLC
6:30-7:00 PM EDT
Networking (topical break out rooms lead by MPD Board of Director members)

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Medical Plastic Division – Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Events - FALL 2021 Series - DECEMBER
2021-12-01 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Virtual Conference
As members of the Medical Plastics Division, you are cordially invited to join the MPD Board of Directors for an informal virtual meeting to chat, catch-up, and network.

We will kick off the meeting with a presentation from an invited speaker (including a short Questions & Answers session), followed by a “half-hour social” to network virtually.

For more details or meeting invite please email:
Louis Somlai or Pierre Moulinie.

Wednesday, December 1st
6:00-6:30 PM EDT
“Compounding in a GMP Environment: Managing Melt Temperature (and avoid degradation) in a Twin Screw Extruder”
– Charlie Martin, President/GM
Leistritz Extrusion
6:30-7:00 PM EDT
Networking (topical break out rooms lead by MPD Board of Director members)

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Phone Conference ID: 668 094 26#
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Medical Plastics Division Monthly Virtual Networking Hour - January 2022
2022-01-05 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | PA
Speaker:
Dan Gorsky
Title:
Polymers in Ultra-Cold Environments in Packaging and Devices
Abstract
The role of polymers in the successful implementation of new pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices/packaging is increasing as products become more sensitive to environment. To manage stability and integrity, products are stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures (<-40°F); a temperature range at which many traditional polymers are not well understood at an application level. This presentation highlights the level to which polymers can be characterized and analyzed to understand from a fundamental physics perspective whether there is a technical right for success of these applications. Through characterization testing at ultracold temperatures, TMA and Analytical modeling, and thermocouple instrumentation to identify necessary temperature constraints, packaging and products can be de-risked prior to shipping valuable product.
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Medical Plastic Division – Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event - FEBRUARY 2022
2022-02-02 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Virtual Conference
Title: Manufacturing of Micro Medical Parts without Cold Runners
Abstract:
Micro medical parts are often molded out of expensive resins such as PEEK or PLGA. Conventional technology requires molders to use cold runners to mold micro parts. The weight of the cold runner volume can be 2X to 50X the weight of the part. The cold runner also significantly increases the cycle time and secondary molding operations. The combination of increased material usage and length cycle times results in higher part costs, increased waste, and higher energy consumption.
In this presentation, Westfall will present how a proprietary molding machine and process was used to eliminate cold runners from micro molding of medical parts. Case studies showing micro molding of bioabsorbable resins and PEEK bone screws will be presented – which resulted in a significant reduction in part costs, material usage, and energy consumption.
Speaker:
Bio:

Vijay Kudchadkar is the Director of Advanced Engineering for Westfall Technik. Vijay is a Plastics Engineer with 16 years of experience in injection molding, specializing in material properties, hot runners, screw design, micro molding, and flow simulation. Vijay also has 8 years of experience in extrusion, thermoforming, and blow molding, and has numerous publications and 9 patents in the field of polymer processing. Vijay is an active member of the Society of Plastics Engineers and is currently the Councillor of SPE Ontario and Newsletter editor for the SPE Medical Plastics Division.

Vijay Kudchadkar BEng (Polymer); MS (Plastics)
Director of Advanced Engineering
Westfall Technik, Inc.

This is a free event open to anyone interested in informally meeting and networking with the Medical Plastics Division.

Please email Louis Somlai <somlai_louis@lilly.com> or Pierre Moulinie <pierre.moulinie@covestro.com> to be added to the distribution or if you are interested in presenting
________________________________________________________________________________
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Medical Plastics Division Virtual Technical Forum and Monthly Networking - April
2022-04-06 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Virtual Conference
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Use caution before replying, clicking links, and opening attachments.

—–Original Appointment—–
From: Pierre Moulinie
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 4:28 PM
To: Pierre Moulinie; Gregorio.Velez@stryker.com; Vijay.Kudchadkar@Westfall-Technik.com; ned.e.lemaster@dupont.com; mreitman@exponent.com; Kumin.Yang@bsci.com; VDave1@its.jnj.com; lczuba@czubaenterprises.com; suneel.bandi@evonik.com; Don.DeMello@celanese.com; glennbeallplas@msn.com; ashter2000@gmail.com; ajay.padsalgikar@dsm.com; amin.sedighiamiri@astrazeneca.com; anil.mahapatro@wichita.edu; bmwright@teel.com; jenniferhoffman@eurofinseag.com; jmchoff@gmail.com; kulwicki_kyle@network.lilly.com; kyle.kulwicki@kimballelectronics.com; m_hanna@yahoo.com; makoto.yamaguchi@ewikonusa.com; mwallick@invibio.com; natedoyle@gmail.com; nathan.rader-edkin@bd.com; rayyar@lilly.com; rklein@atricure.com; satyamkumar.modi@terumobct.com; selvaanish.selvam@clariant.com; shah@tepha.com; wjaekel@teel.com; sanjayodak@msn.com; cmartin@leistritz-extrusion.com; mbulsari5@gmail.com; reeves_kristine_anne@lilly.com; KuteS@battelle.org; steele@battelle.org; lafreniere@battelle.org; Wayne@rjrsafety.com; boydde@battelle.org; Martin.Gibler@stress.com; jeremy.hemingway@stress.com; mmarcus@ewi.org; drobinson@ewi.org; aghosh@fostercomp.com; erikfoltz@gmail.com; prsdraut@gmail.com; stephanie.steichen@dupont.com; akiezulas@coatings2go.com; Rob.Haley@celanese.com; vsastri@winovia.com; Daniel.Gorsky@stress.com; rtatu@psnlabs.com; joanne@zetascientific.com; Tony.Walder@lubrizol.com; Jennifer.Green@Lubrizol.com; smata@LHBlind.org; JEllis@ewi.org; c.moran@compoundingsolutions.net
Cc: Diana Peninger; John Smothers; Raeginia Shepherd
Subject: Medical Plastics Division Virtual Technical Forum and Monthly Networking – March
When: Wednesday, April 6, 2022 6:00 PM-7:00 PM (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting

Note the new time for this meeting (March has been cancelled… this presentation will take place at our April telco).

APRIL SCHEDULE

Speaker:
Vinny Sastri
Winovia LLC
vsastri@winovia.com;

Title and Abstract:

Focus on the Latest Regulatory and Risk Management Requirements for Medical Plastics

The last five years have brought about significant changes to global regulatory and risk management requirements for medical devices, including stringent considerations for the plastics used in these applications. The requirements stem from the European Medical Device and In-Vitro Device Regulations (EU MDR and EU IVDR), the biocompatibility standard ISO 10993:2018 and risk management for medical devices ISO 14971:2019. The General Safety and Performance Requirements in the EU MDR and EU IVDR stipulate several requisites (including risk management) when considering plastics for medical device applications. In addition, biocompatibility must be linked to the risk management process. The FDA has also published a guidance document on biocompatibility and risk management requirements. This presentation will highlight the key regulatory and risk management requirements for plastics and their additives used in medical devices all the way from design and development to processing, manufacturing and use.

________________________________________________________________________________
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What: Medical Plastic Division – Virtual Technical Forum & Networking Event

When: 1st Wednesday of the Month; 6PM-7PM EDT

Agenda: 6:00PM-6:30PM EDT Invited Speaker / Technical Seminar (20 min seminar; 10 min Q&A)
6:30PM-7:00PM EDT Networking (topical break out rooms lead by BoD members)

This is a free event open to anyone interested in informally meeting and networking with the Medical Plastics Division.

Please email Louis Somlai <somlai_louis@lilly.com> or Pierre Moulinie <pierre.moulinie@covestro.com> to be added to the distribution or if you are interested in presenting

2022 MPD MiniTec - "Back to the Future with Medical Plastics"
2022-04-12 07:30 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | PA
MedPlasticsMiniTec_22_flyer_8x11 x2
MiniTec 22 Promo Letter v3x 18Feb22
MiniTec 22 Sponsors Tabletops Posters v2x 18Feb22

“Hot Topics in the Medical Devices Industry” and Recognition of Our New Emeritus Member: Glenn Beall
2022-10-12 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Holiday Inn Gurnee, 6161 West Grand Avenue, Gurnee, 60031, United States
The Society of Plastics Engineers Medical Plastics Division joint meeting with the Chicago and Milwaukee Sections will host an evening of
“Hot Topics in the Medical Devices Industry” and Recognition of Our New Emeritus Member: Glenn Beall
“Hot Topics in the Medical Devices industry” event: this is a live in-person event and you will need to register.
Paul Calhoon and our friends at the SPE Chicago Section are handling registration at this link:
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejd0dnhe408ab11d&oseq=&c=&ch=

SPE Medical Plastics Division MiniTec 2023
2023-02-06 08:00 - 2023-02-07 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Anaheim Convention Center, 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA, 92802-3415, United States
SPE’s MiniTec 2023
Innovation in medical plastics continues in the form of new materials, improved processing methods, new designs for devices and packages and new sustainability initiatives. This is despite the many new challenges that MedTech has faced in the form of the pandemic limitations, supply chain challenges and new regulations. Trends in the industry have also helped define new approaches for innovation and best practices to demonstrate effective and safe medical technologies.
Join medical plastics experts as they share the latest, including:

Enabling materials for medical device technology
Precision and tight tolerance molding
Process optimization and design
Sustainable solutions for medical devices
Compliance in the current device climate
Advanced processing methods
New developments in chemical evaluation, resins and implantables
Panel discussions featuring industry experts

This year’s MiniTec will be a two-day event Starting Monday morning and extending through Tuesday evening and will include multiple networking opportunities with industry leaders. SPE’s Medical Plastic Division will also feature table-top exhibitors in the conference room and our popular poster session display with more information for Plastics and MedTech professionals. Don’t miss it!
REGISTER ON-LINE HERE: https://www.imengineeringwest.com/en/education/conference-partners.html
CONFERENCE AGENDA: MiniTec 23 Schedule Draft 11-23-22 LC (002)

Medical Plastics Division Webinar - Plastics Rheology in Micro Injection Molding
2024-01-10 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Conference
Join us for the first Medical Plastics Webinar of 2024!

Medical Plastics Division “Happy Hour Speaker Series”
Featuring: Patrick Haney from MTD Micromolding

Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 6:00p – 7:00p EST

Agenda:
6:00 Welcome / Introductions / Review Session Format
6:05 Introduce our featured speaker, Patrick Haney
6:30 Begin Q&A & continue “Happy Hour” discussion
7:00 Wrap up and Thanks to all for participating, especially Patrick!

Title: Plastics Rheology in Micro Injection Molding
Abstract: It is widely considered that plastics in the molten state demonstrate non-Newtonian flow behavior. In the large majority of cases, this assumption is correct and reliable. However in the extreme shear environments of micro injection molding, shear thinning behavior is often pushed to the limits into a region sometimes referred to as “the second Newtonian plateau”. In this presentation, we will discuss conventional plastics flow behavior and explore some of the phenomena that occur under extreme shear exposure. Some side effects of these behavioral changes to the resultant molded product will also be discussed.

Speaker info:
Patrick Haney
814.706.8838 – MTD Micro Molding
PHaney@mtdmicromolding.com
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2024 MPD MiniTec: Medical Plastics - Innovations for Life
2024-02-05 08:00 - 2024-02-06 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Anaheim Convention Center, 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA, 92802-3415, United States
SPE’s Medical Plastics MiniTec will be held Monday February 5th and Tuesday February 6th, a day prior to and concurrent with the first day of the 2024 MD&M West Expo & Conference in the Anaheim Convention Center.
Innovations in medical plastics and associated applications are rapidly advancing in exciting ways. Concurrently, the medical device and healthcare industries face several new and evolving challenges related to materials, regulatory requirements, product design, and materials characterization and validation in order to ensure better outcomes for patients while being mindful of plastic wastes in the environment and focusing efforts on sustainability. Join us for a two-day program with experts in the medical plastics industries that explore these topics and more.
Topics include:
 Innovations in Resins, Surface Modifications, and Processing
 Silicones Bringing New Benefits & the Use of Surface Modifications
 Global Impact of PFAS on Medical Polymers & Devices
 Progress Updates in Sustainability of Medical Polymers
 New Product Designs Highlighting & Enabled by Medical Polymers
 Characterization & Validation of Medical Devices
 Drug Delivery & Novel Processing of Medical Polymers
Poster Sessions:
In addition to this technical program from the podium, this MiniTec will feature a poster session with additional presentations unable to be squeezed into the live program. These posters will be on display in the conference room and Mezzanine level hallway between the escalators and the conference rooms. The posters will be displayed throughout the conference program for three days! Make sure you take time to view this work!
A special keynote speaker, Dr. Maureen Reitman, will present after lunch on the first day of the program.
These live technical presentations combined with an enjoyable Membership Reception allowing us to continue our discussion and view the poster offerings. Join us for this must-attend event! We look forward to seeing you and your colleagues there! Don’t miss it!
To register click here: https://www.imengineeringwest.com/en/education/conference/spe-mpd-minitec.html
Please see our MiniTec Flyer: MiniTec 24 Flyer v11 22Dec23 LC (003)

Medical Plastics MiniTec 2025: Medical Polymers – Improving the Quality of Life
2025-02-03 07:30 - 2025-02-04 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Anaheim Convention Center, 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA, 92802-3415, United States
Medical Polymers – Improving the Quality of Life MedTech Trends in Materials, Product Design and Packaging, Processing, Regulations, and Sustainability
SPE’s Medical Plastics MiniTec will be held Monday February 3rd through Tuesday February 4th, a day prior to and concurrent with the first day of the 2025 MD&M West Expo & Conference in the Anaheim Convention Center.
Innovations in medical plastics and associated applications are rapidly advancing in exciting ways, enabling therapies and new devices that improve patients’ quality of life. Concurrently, the medical device and healthcare industries face several new and evolving challenges related to materials, regulatory requirements, product design, and materials characterization and validation in order to ensure better outcomes for patients while being mindful of environment waste and sustainability efforts. Join us for a two-day program with experts in the medical plastics industries that explore these topics and more!
Topics include:

Innovations in Medical Polymer Materials
New Product Designs Enabled by Medical Polymers
Sustainability of Medical Polymers Throughout the Product Lifecycle
Materials & Methods to Address Evolving Regulations and Improve Patient Safety
Evolving Sterilization Technologies to Improve Safety
Advances in Next-Generation Polymer Processing

Registration & more information: https://www.mdmwest.com/en/education/conference/spe-mpd-minitec.html
Sponsorship Opportunities are still available! MiniTec 2025 – Sponsoring Opportunities – 31-July-2024
Preliminary Program: MiniTec West 2025 Program Ver1

Thermoplastic Hydrogel-Elastomer Composites Through Compatibilization
2025-08-13 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar via Teams
Medical Plastics Division – Happy Hour Speaker Series
Featuring: Dr. William Boston Morris
newly granted PhD of Material Science & Engineering from Colorado State University
Title: “Thermoplastic Hydrogel-Elastomer Composites Through Compatibilization with Common Copolymer End-Blocks”
Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 6:00p – 7:00p Eastern / 3-4pm Pacific
Microsoft Teams Online Meeting
Meeting ID: 261 198 853 692 9
Passcode: [REDACTED]
>> RSVP
Agenda:
6:00 Welcome / Introductions / Review Session Format
6:05 Introduce our featured speaker, Will Boston Morris
6:30 Begin Q&A & continue “Happy Hour” discussion
7:00 Wrap up and Thanks to all for participating, especially Will aka “Boston”!

Abstract: The development of immiscible polymer-polymer composites that unify disparate material properties into a single bulk material has long been hindered by challenges in stabilizing incompatible polymer domains against macrophase separation while achieving sufficient interfacial adhesion for efficient mechanical load transfer. This work introduces a new class of polymer-polymer composites designed to address these challenges based on forming composites between styrenic block copolymer (SBC) thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) containing immiscible copolymer midblocks with distinct material properties.
Leveraging the inherent microphase separation behavior of ABA block copolymer systems, which are widely used in TPEs to generate reversible physical crosslinking, this work establishes a simple, scalable, and tunable method for fabricating tough, durable, and intrinsically lubricious hydrogel–elastomer composites. By combining TPE materials that share common vitreous polystyrene end blocks, each component forms its own phase-separated elastomeric network while simultaneously experiencing enhanced interfacial adhesion. Continuous vitreous polystyrene domains formed at the component interfaces stabilize the blend morphology and enable mechanical load transfer between phases. Adjusting the compositional ratios and specific TPEs selected, allows this composite platform to be tailored to meet a diverse range of performance specifications pertinent in medical devices, soft electronics, and membrane technologies.
The thermoplastic hydrogel–elastomer composites developed in this work specifically address the persistent need for intrinsically lubricious, low-friction elastomers and silicones. Traditional elastomers, while flexible and durable, often suffer from tacky surfaces that require secondary lubricious treatments for medical device applications. Conversely, hydrogels offer excellent lubricity and poroelastic relaxation but typically lack scalable methods for introducing the needed mechanical strength and toughness. By integrating an SBC thermoplastic hydrogel phase into commercial SBC TPEs, this work demonstrates the creation of versatile hydrogel composites featuring hydrophilic lubricious surfaces and outstanding mechanical durability while remaining thermally processable using standard processing techniques such as injection molding and extrusion.
Bio: Dr. William Boston Morris recently completed his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at Colorado State University following a bachelor’s degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering. His doctoral research developed thermoplastic elastomer-hydrogel composites, a promising new medical plastic designed to provide hydrophilic low-friction intrinsically to styrenic TPEs, such as SEBS, for medical devices like catheters and soft tissue mimics. William has experience working with Gelastomerics, a startup commercializing this technology, and managed a materials testing lab at CSU, where he trained and mentored students. He is currently seeking industry opportunities to apply his materials science expertise.
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