MidAtlantic Rubber and Plastics Group

MARPG Social Event @ Workhorse Brewing Co.
2023-08-10 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Workhorse Brewing Co., 250 King Manor Drive, Suite 300, King of Prussia, PA, United States
Please join us for a social event at Workhorse Brewing Co. in King of Prussia! In addition to our Summer Lunch & Learn series, we are hosting an event to allow members to meet & network in person.
Where: Workhorse Brewing Co. 250 King Manor Drive, Suite 300, King Of Prussia, PA 19406
When: Thursday, August 10, 4–6 PM
Who: MARPG members & non-members are welcome
Cost: Free to attend, attendees will be responsible for purchasing food & drink
Please RSVP here to give us headcount for the venue:
RSVP to the MARPG Social Event

We will have a 50/50 raffle to raise money for our scholarship fund. Please bring cash!
We will also collect scholarship donations. For donations, we can accept cash, check, Venmo, PayPal or credit card (via our website).
Hope to see you there!

MARPG Summer Lunch & Learn Series
2023-08-24 12:00 - 13:00 | PA
We are excited to announce our Summer Lunch & Learn Series! We will be hosting three online Lunch & Learn talks throughout the summer, during the fourth Thursday of June, July, and August. The speaker schedule is outlined below:

June 22, 12-1 PM
Steve Chase (Lianda) – “PFOA, PFAS, PFCA, FKM: So Many P’s and F’s – What Does it All Mean for the Rubber Industry”

July 27, 12-1 PM
Christoph Maczkiewitz (Elkem) – “Sidistar® – A Different Kind of Silica”

August 24, 12-1 PM
Michael Schmitz (ARDL) – “Sustainability of Rubber and Plastics”

Time: All talks will be held from 12 – 1 PM EST

Cost: Members: Free (please consider a $10 scholarship donation)
Non-Members: $20 scholarship donation*

*Non-members can also join MARPG for $20 and attend the full series at no additional cost.

MARPG Educational Symposium 2023
2023-11-16 08:30 - 15:30 | The Inn at Villanova University, 601 County Line Rd, Radnor, 19087
Please join MARPG in November for a day of technical talks and networking. Registration price includes light breakfast and lunch. We will have several speakers and plenty of time for networking. Agenda will follow shortly. Register now!
Accommodations: While MARPG does not have a room block, attendees from out of town can stay at “The Inn” details can be found here https://theinnatvillanova.com/hotel-information/accommodations
MARPG Education Symposium Agenda, November 16, 2023
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:00 – 9:15 AM
Opening remarks – Liz Opsitnick, MARPG Chairperson

9:15 – 10:00 AM
Mike Himes & Gaurab Samanta, Air Products – Cryogenics & Industrial Gas Applications in Rubber and Plastics Industry

10:00 – 10:30 AM
Phillip Bischot, OCSiAL LLC – Graphene Nanotubes for Conductive & Reinforced Rubber Compounds with Unmatched Low Dosages

10:30 – 10:40 AM
Break

10:40 – 11:10 AM
Laura Mohanty, Shimadzu – Mechanical Testing (AGX-X) and Thermal Analysis (DSC & DTG) of Rubber

11:10 – 11:35 AM
Elevator pitches and Supplier Overviews

11:35 AM – 1:05 PM
Lunch & Networking

1:05 PM – 1:50 PM
Seth Glasgow, ARDL — Vibration Test Methods

1:50 – 2:20 PM
Steve Henning, Resin Solutions – Structure-Property Relationships of Resins in Tire Applications

2:20 – 2:35 PM
Closing Remarks

Register Now

Need help registering?

MARPG Spring Technical Meeting & Tour
2024-05-30 13:00 - 17:00 | Air Products Global Headquarters, 1940 Air Products Blvd, Wescosville, PA, 18106, United States
Please join MARPG on May 30th @ 1:00p for talks, networking, and a tour of Air Products Technology Center. Registration includes light refreshments and snacks. We will have several speakers and plenty of time for networking. We look forward to having you. Register now! $20 Members / $30 Non-Members
MARPG Spring Technical Meeting & Tour Agenda, May 30, 2024
The Tentative Program Schedule is:
1:00 PM – Welcome/Introduction MARPG Chair

1:15 PM – Industrial Gas Technologies & Solutions for Decarbonization in Rubber & Plastics Industry ~Mark D’Agostini (Manager and Global leader on Combustion Technology Development at Air Products) & Timothy Lebrecht (Industry Manager for Chemical and Clean Energy Processes at Air Products)

2:00 PM – Advanced Materials for Energy ~Dr. Mehdi Emad (Technical Development Americas Team Leader at Solvay)

2:30 PM – Carbonized Soybean Hull as a Replacement for Carbon Black in Plastics Applications ~Mike Schmitz (Compound Development Chemist at Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc.)

3:00 PM – Networking Break / Light Refreshments

3:30 PM – Cryogenics and Combustion Lab Tours ~Air Products Technology Center

4:30 PM – Ending Remarks/ Networking

Register Now

Need help registering?

2024 MARPG Educational Symposium
2024-11-20 08:30 - 17:00 | The Inn at Villanova University, 601 County Line Rd, Radnor, 19087
Please join MARPG in November for a day of talks and networking. Guests will be treated to a light breakfast, refreshments, and a catered lunch. We will have several speakers and plenty of time for networking. Register now!
Accommodations: While MARPG does not have a room block, attendees from out of town can stay at “The Inn” details can be found here https://theinnatvillanova.com/hotel-information/accommodations

Register Now

Need help registering?

Piping Integrity & Optimal Performance: An Introduction to High Integrity Connectors & Metal Sealing Solutions with Freudenberg Flow Technologies
2025-05-30 12:00 - 13:00 | PA
Digital online Event:
When: May 30, 2025 @ 12:00 EDT (noon)
Where: We will email link just before the event
Cost: Free – Thanks to our corporate sponsors
Title: Piping Integrity & Optimal Performance: An Introduction to High Integrity Connectors & Metal Sealing Solutions with Freudenberg Flow Technologies
Topic: Participants will receive a comprehensive introduction to High Integrity Connectors and Metal-to-Metal Sealing Solutions, with an emphasis on actual case studies and their implementation across the diverse sectors serviced by Freudenberg. This presentation is designed for engineers, maintenance specialists in static equipment, and operational executives within industrial facilities and Engineering Groups. It aims to provide valuable knowledge on achieving optimal performance, adhering to stringent safety protocols, and enhancing efficiency across a variety Piping Systems applications.
Tentative Agenda:

Introduction to Freudenberg (5 mins)
High Integrity Connectors & Metal Sealing Solutions (45 mins)

Techlok Clamp Connectors:
Techlok Sealring (benefits over Crush Gaskets)
Compact Flanges:

Flangelok & Sealring
Vector SPO & Sealring

Piping Misalignment Solutions

Bluesky Dynamic Joints
Alignlok

Ecoseals
Vector Optima Connector & DuoSeal Ring.

Q&A/Discussion (10 mins)

Presented By:
Antonio Antunes (Sr. Business Development Manager)
John Schroeder (Strategic Marketing Manager)
Register Now

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2025 MARPG Educational Symposium
2025-10-21 08:30 - 17:00 | Lehigh University – Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, United States
Special Joint Educational Symposium Event
50th Anniversary of Lehigh University Polymer Science & Engineering Department and Mid Atlantic Rubber and Plastics Group (MARPG) 2025 Educational Symposium
We are excited to announce the 2025 MARPG Educational Symposium. Do not miss this dynamic event. Open to all members, non-members, and students.
Register Now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/yrwzuy3
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Doors Open at 8:30 am. Presentations begin at 9:00 am
Where: Lehigh University, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr, Bethlehem, PA, 18015
Cost: (in person) $80.00 per person MARPG Members, non-Members $85.00
Cost: (Remote-connection) $10.00 per person ACS/Rubber Division/MARPG members, non-Members $15.00 per person.
Agenda
Special Event: 50th Anniversary of Lehigh University Polymer Science & Engineering Department and 2025 Mid Atlantic Rubber and Plastics Group (MARPG) Joint Symposium.
When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Presentations begin at 9:00 am. Doors open at 8:30 am.
Where: Lehigh University, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr, Bethlehem, PA 18015
8:30 – 9:00 AM | Arrival, Light Breakfast, Registration, and Networking

Check-in and casual networking over coffee and catered light breakfast/snack and coffee

9:00 – 9:30 AM | Opening Remarks

Welcome by the Lehigh President Joseph Helble
Raymond Pearson – Brief history and importance of the program’s 50-year milestone
Introduction to MARPG – Joe Martin Chairperson, Evan Silo Vice-Chairperson

9:30 – 12:00 PM | Symposium – Morning Sessions

9:30 – 10:10 AM (PSE Keynote morning session): Mohamed El-Aasser, Lehigh University, Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – “Reflections on the history, key milestones, and future directions of polymer science and engineering”
10:10 – 10:50 AM: Zach Zacharia, Lehigh University, Director of Center for Supply Chain Research at College of Business – “Follow The Molecule – How Today’s Supply Chain is Impacting the Elastomer and Plastics Industry”
10:50 – 11:30 MA: Pat Carroll, Greene Tweed – “Analytical Tools for Troubleshooting Elastomer Issues”
11:30 – 11:45 AM: Recognition of the Contributions of Emeritus Members to MARPG
11:45 – 12:00: “MARPG Corporate Member Spotlights” This firm 2-3 minute single slide presentations are open to all current MARPG Corporate member to highlight their company and products.

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking – Catered lunch

12:40 PM – Provost Nathan Urban: afternoon session opening remarks followed by PSE alumni and current students highlights video

1:00 – 3:30 PM | Symposium – Afternoon Sessions

1:00 – 1:40 PM (PSE Keynote afternoon session): John Rogers, Northwestern University, Louis Simpson and Kimberly Querrey Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Neurological Surgery (and by courtesy Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry and Dermatology) and Director, Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics – “Polymers for Skin-Integrated Medical Sensors”
1:40 – 2:20 PM: Jason Poulton, ARDL – “Failure Analysis”
2:20 – 3:00 PM: Christian Sims, Syensqo, Customer Technical Development Engineer Transportation – North America: “Redefining Possibilities: The Strategic Role of Ultrapolymers in the Engineering Materials Landscape”
3:00 – 3:40 PM: Bridgette Budhlall, UMass Lowell, Chair of the Plastics Engineering Department: “How an interdisciplinary degree in polymer science & engineering influenced my career in industry and academia: an introspective 25 years later”

3:40 – 3:45 PM – closing remarks
All attendees are welcome to celebrate:
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Retirement Celebration & Farewell Reception for Professor Raymond Pearson

Speeches (PSE alum)/toasts for the retiree (colleagues, students, friends)
Light refreshments, photos, mingling

Need help registering?
No paypal account is needed, just look for the BLACK credit card button on the last page of registration.

2026 MARPG Educational Symposium
2026-10-21 08:30 - 17:00 | Lehigh University – Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, United States
Special Joint Educational Symposium Event
50th Anniversary of Lehigh University Polymer Science & Engineering Department and Mid Atlantic Rubber and Plastics Group (MARPG) 2026 Educational Symposium
Please mark your calendars for our 2026 Fall Technical Symposium October 21 at Lehigh University’s Lacocca Hall which will include a student poster session.
Register Now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/yxdrqp6
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, October 21, 2026 | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Doors Open at 8:30 am. Presentations begin at 9:00 am
Where: Lehigh University, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr, Bethlehem, PA, 18015
Cost: (in person) $80.00 per person MARPG Members, non-Members $85.00
Cost: (Remote-connection) $10.00 per person ACS/Rubber Division/MARPG members, non-Members $15.00 per person.
Agenda
Special Event: 50th Anniversary of Lehigh University Polymer Science & Engineering Department and 2026 Mid Atlantic Rubber and Plastics Group (MARPG) Joint Symposium.
When: Tuesday, October 21, 2026 | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Presentations begin at 9:00 am. Doors open at 8:30 am.
Where: Lehigh University, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr, Bethlehem, PA 18015
8:30 – 9:00 AM | Arrival, Light Breakfast, Registration, and Networking

Check-in and casual networking over coffee and catered light breakfast/snack and coffee

9:00 – 9:30 AM | Opening Remarks

Welcome by the Lehigh President Joseph Helble
Raymond Pearson – Brief history and importance of the program’s 50-year milestone
Introduction to MARPG – Joe Martin Chairperson, Evan Silo Vice-Chairperson

9:30 – 12:00 PM | Symposium – Morning Sessions

9:30 – 10:10 AM (PSE Keynote morning session): Mohamed El-Aasser, Lehigh University, Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – “Reflections on the history, key milestones, and future directions of polymer science and engineering”
10:10 – 10:50 AM: Zach Zacharia, Lehigh University, Director of Center for Supply Chain Research at College of Business – “Follow The Molecule – How Today’s Supply Chain is Impacting the Elastomer and Plastics Industry”
10:50 – 11:30 MA: Pat Carroll, Greene Tweed – “Analytical Tools for Troubleshooting Elastomer Issues”
11:30 – 11:45 AM: Recognition of the Contributions of Emeritus Members to MARPG
11:45 – 12:00: “MARPG Corporate Member Spotlights” This firm 2-3 minute single slide presentations are open to all current MARPG Corporate member to highlight their company and products.

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking – Catered lunch

12:40 PM – Provost Nathan Urban: afternoon session opening remarks followed by PSE alumni and current students highlights video

1:00 – 3:30 PM | Symposium – Afternoon Sessions

1:00 – 1:40 PM (PSE Keynote afternoon session): John Rogers, Northwestern University, Louis Simpson and Kimberly Querrey Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Neurological Surgery (and by courtesy Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry and Dermatology) and Director, Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics – “Polymers for Skin-Integrated Medical Sensors”
1:40 – 2:20 PM: Jason Poulton, ARDL – “Failure Analysis”
2:20 – 3:00 PM: Christian Sims, Syensqo, Customer Technical Development Engineer Transportation – North America: “Redefining Possibilities: The Strategic Role of Ultrapolymers in the Engineering Materials Landscape”
3:00 – 3:40 PM: Bridgette Budhlall, UMass Lowell, Chair of the Plastics Engineering Department: “How an interdisciplinary degree in polymer science & engineering influenced my career in industry and academia: an introspective 25 years later”

3:40 – 3:45 PM – closing remarks
All attendees are welcome to celebrate:
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Retirement Celebration & Farewell Reception for Professor Raymond Pearson

Speeches (PSE alum)/toasts for the retiree (colleagues, students, friends)
Light refreshments, photos, mingling

Need help registering?
No paypal account is needed, just look for the BLACK credit card button on the last page of registration.
