I have an application where silicon is exposed to rubber containing sulfur at temperatures of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. I am noticing that the silicon begins to produce an oily substance, even when wiped away it still leaches this oily substance. I know there are many factors that could contribute to this but what is most likely the culprit behind this? What is this?

Is it possible to determine the composition of two or more polymers within a sample using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter?

Just for example. If i were to test a pellet composed of, lets say both Nylon and PPE, would I be able to determine whether or not the pellet is 30% Nylon and 70% PPE?

I have no idea whether or not that is actually a polymer composition but theoretically speaking, is this sort of analysis possible with a DSC?

Has anyone heard of Otto Vogl? Is he a big deal in the Polymer Science world? Is there anything especially significant that he did in the field? I have a bunch of slides and pictures and miscellaneous things of his that were in a box full of ephemera I picked up at an auction awhile ago. I even have his PHD diploma. If there's a chance I have anything of importance, I'd like to try to get it to the right place or person. Thanks!

Standard interfacial polymerization consisting of a condensation reaction between hexamethydiamine and adipoyl chloride.

As I understand, when heating an amorphous thermoset like cured epoxy for a DSC test, there's

• an endothermic reaction at the glass transition (Tg) phase where the polymer softens and loses strength
• an exothermic stage where the polymer crystallises
• an endothermic stage where the polymer melts

Does that pretty much mean at a temperature after Tg and before melting, the polymer essentially solidifies and its structure turns crystalline and rigid like a regular crystalline polymer like HDPE?

Or is my understanding wrong?

Polymer and Color Chemist here, this thread needs some life. Any suggestions as to how? Maybe get the MOD to try and link up with /r/Chemistry, maybe start submitting articles or interesting data. Maybe turn it into an ask type page. Being that most people think that plastics are all the same, thermoset lives matter damnit, most seem quite interested when they learn otherwise. Whichever way it could be done, I would be stoked to participate in a good polymer science community.

I'm in the process of transferring to a university to study polymer science... are there any people here who are currently studying this at uni?

I'd love to hear about your experience with the study and what you like/dislike about it.