Sparx Engineering acquired the Mix-Molder(TM) system to evaluate polymer blends and determine optimum pigment loadings. Having previously worked with expensive capital equipment such as the Process 11, we were particularly interested in the effectiveness of the mixing system for blending additives. Experience driven effects observed from shear upon additives in reactive extrusion, presented a trueRead more
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The recent deluge of rain in the Houston area has me considering trading my car for an airboat. Except for February, each month of 2015 has exceeded the normal monthly rainfall average. Several very heavy rains in the last week of April, have been followed with several ‘monsoons‘ already here in early May. In theRead more
Sparx recently participated in a Houston area workshop on oil and gas chemistry. Oilfield chemistry can be largely divided into chemical analysis, viscosity control, and fluid management. Each of these areas depends heavily upon the use of organic polymers with mineral additives. While drilling and completion operations may be viewed as unique projects, these operationsRead more
One way a chemist works could be thought of as engineering the relationship between structure and function at the level of molecules and formulations to achieve desired physical properties. How is that accomplished? In short, chemical synthesis provides the tools to change the properties of molecules with chemical reactions that add to or take awayRead more