Place:

Hilton Garden Inn

2321 East Beltline Ave SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Presentation(s):
Megan Cadey, PhD. TotalEnergies Cray Valley

Polybutadiene Coagents for Peroxide Cured Rubber and Improved Adhesion

Abstract
The use of coagents can greatly affect the properties of rubber cured by peroxides.
There are many types of coagents suited for different elastomers, and each impart a
balance of properties in the final cured product. In this presentation, polybutadiene
coagents for various elastomers and the improvements they provide in crosslink
density, water resistance, electrical properties, scorch safety, compression set, and
other properties will be discussed. Maleic anhydride functionalized polybutadiene resins
act as coagents as well, but also impart the added benefit of adhesion to substrates like
metal, thermoplastics, fabrics, and other elastomers. These resins are applied in many
complex rubber parts such as reinforced hoses and belts requiring cured-in-place
adhesion. Functionalized resins such as these can be used in other applications such
as rubberized flooring and automotive sound and vibration damping adhesives.

Bio
Megan B. Casey has been with TotalEnergies Cray Valley for 7 years in Applications
focusing on rubber and thermosetting resins, then as manager of the US Applications
team, and has recently moved to a new role in Business Development. She worked
previously at Lonza (now Arxada) with their Composite Materials group, characterizing
and formulating resins for use in electronics and aerospace. Megan received her BS in
Chemical Engineering at Drexel University and began her career at ICI (now Croda) as
a process and pilot plant engineer, eventually leaving to pursue graduate school at
Lehigh University’s Emulsion Polymer Institute, where she received her PhD. She is a
member of ACS Rubber Division and is currently Treasurer of the New Jersey Chapter
of SAMPE.

August Krupp – Molecular Rebar Design

Improved Specialty Elastomer Compounds with Molecular Rebar®

Abstract
Molecular Rebar® (MR) carbon nanotubes have been proven to toughen rubber
compounds without detrimental effects to other key performance properties. This
presentation will focus on the benefits that Molecular Rebar provides for specialty
elastomer compounds- NBR, HNBR, AFLAS® FEPM, FKM, etc. August will provide an
introduction to Molecular Rebar, followed by an overview of MR product offerings for
these applications spaces, with application-focused data sets.

Bio
August graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor’s degree in
Applied Sciences- Mechanical Engineering in 2016. Since that time, he has worked on
Molecular Rebar for rubber in various capacities, eventually taking over the project as
Director in 2021. Throughout his tenure at MRD, August has invented, developed
products & processes, and generated commercial opportunities and sales for the rubber
project.

Agenda:
Board Meeting: 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM
Presentations: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Social Hour: 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
Dinner: 6:45 PM
Note: Bar begins at the start of social hour

TICKETS: $45.00 Reserved or $50.00 at the door.

2024 Michigan Rubber Group Annual Dues: $15.00

Please make checks, U.S. money orders payable to “Michigan Rubber Group.” We take
credit cards too at the door or ahead of time on the website. 

Meal:
The meal will be buffet style with the following:
 Stuffed chicken
 London broil
 Vegetable risotto
 Sides
 Assortment of fresh baked cookies

If there are any special dietary concerns, please contact Hunter at his email address or
phone number below.
Michigan Rubber Group

Please make reservations by Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 by 5pm to Hunter Mazigian

We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP TO:

Email: hunter.mazigian@na.akwel-automotive.com

Phone: (231) 876-1329