Many commercial polymer manufacturers do not have the capabilities needed to create polymers that meet certain specialty requirements. Some applications use relatively small quantities of specialty polymers which precludes supply by larger companies. Luckily, contract polymer synthesis may be the solution you need. These processes can provide many benefits, including meeting the needs of your specific industry.
How Contract Polymer Synthesis Meets Industry Needs
Contract polymer synthesis provides companies with the polymers needed for their unique applications. These applications each have different requirements that commercial polymers just cannot meet. With contract polymer synthesis, industry needs can easily be met, including:
Narrow Molecular Weight Distribution Needs
Narrow molecular weight distribution requires most chains in a polymer to be of similar lengths. This impacts the melting point, viscosity, crystallinity, mechanical strength, and solubility of the polymer. While many commercial polymers are not created with narrow molecular weight distribution, custom contract polymer synthesis can serve these needs.
Purity
The purity of polymers can greatly impact their performance, and can even lead to products failing to meet performance standards. Contract polymer synthesis allows your manufacturer to be in full control of the purity of your polymer, ensuring that your products live up to their requirements.
Functionality
Many products require polymers to have unique properties that help them in their applications. Commercial manufacturers do not carry or produce these types of polymers, often because the quantities required are smaller than what fits into their manufacturing plan. Custom polymer synthesis allows you to create polymers with the exact quantity you require.
Types of Polymerization
Emulsion
This type of polymerization creates polymers by dispersing monomers in water with a surfactant. Emulsion is commonly used to create acrylics, styrenes, and vinyl acetates.
Solution Polymers
Solution polymers include popular polyurethanes. This polymerization process also includes free radical addition polymers, such as acrylics, styrenated resins, and other specialty polymers. Acrylate function oligomers for UV curable systems are also created through this type of polymerization.
RAFT
RAFT, or Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer, is a type of polymerization that controls the molecular weight in addition-type polymers.
Condensation Polymerization Techniques
Alyds, polyesters, polyamides, and nylons are created through condensation polymerization techniques.
What Contract Polymer Synthesis Looks Like at National Polymer
At National Polymer, we have the specialty equipment needed to create polymers from small-scale to large lab-scale that other companies do not. Our team also has extensive knowledge of a wide range of polymers and polymer synthesis techniques. With our combination of knowledge and best-in-class equipment, we can easily manufacture the specialty polymers that our customers cannot get commercially.
Our team typically works to create smaller-scale reactions that range from grams to several kilos in our lab. We also work with partner manufacturers who can provide extremely large-scale quantities if needed — from drums to truckloads.
Contact Our Team Today to Learn More About Contract Polymer Synthesis at National Polymer
At National Polymer, we are experts in custom polymer development. Our team has decades of experience in the synthesis and formulation of custom polymers, adhesives, coatings, and more.
If you are looking for a contract polymer synthesis partner, contact our team today to see how we can help with your project.
