Two questions

Aug 05, 2004 1 Replies
L

Hi everyone! I'm new here and hope that some people could give me their opinions about my situations. :)


  1. My company produces silicone ink transfer pads (among other things). We currently use the condensation cure/organotin catalyst method for the pads However, we hope to switch over to another method of production that's less toxic for the workers (since the TLV of the particular organotin is 0.1ppm) and the environment (we're becoming interested in green chemistry). Other people in the company are balking at the idea of switching from condensation cure to addition cure. Perhaps you can give me your input as to which method works better, or any other less toxic ideas. Peroxide catalysts are also out because of the toxicity. Has anyone heard of using bismuth catalysts for ink transfer pads? I know it's used in the formation of some rubbers, but I can't find the mechanism anywhere and don't know if it pertains to silicone rubber anyway.


  1. I just graduated this past May with a BS in Chemistry, but next fall (2005) I plan to start a PhD program in polymer science. My main interest is conductive/luminescent polymers and OLEDs, though this project dealing with silicone curing is also piquing my interest. Any ideas on good graduate schools in these areas of chemistry (in New England, if possible)? I'm planning on applying to UMass Amherst but I'd like other ideas too.



Thanks!


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J

How is it that the workers are being exposed to the organotin? Most of the dangers that I see for it are from ingestion or skin/eye contact, both of which are fairly easy to prevent.

If you are concerned about the environment, take a cradle-to-grave view. Look at the chemicals that are involved in refining the silicon, creating the intermediates and then the products that you purchase. Compare it to other options. You will most likely find that there are no clear cut answers. Are you willing to accept more air pollution at the expense of greater water pollution? Why? Can everyone agree with that? How does solid waster factor in? Energy uses? Mining/extraction impacts on the environment? ...

MIT? If you are open to other areas of polymer science, consider anything that is nano... It's still way more hope, hype and hate than reality, but there are so many workers in such broad areas that something will come of it, and being on the cutting edge is always good for finding employment.

John

John

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