Holderchem is offering a two to three months Fall 2023 product testing student internship opportunity. Below is an outline of the proposed internship program.

Students will be required to test Polyvinyl Acetate emulsion polymers. They will be asked to test PVAc emulsions and construction products incorporating such emulsions. They will conduct independent research to suggest means of improving polymer properties to achieve the desired characteristics. The program will include testing of a variety of polymer emulsions to achieve product selection based on stated objectives.

Homopolymers

• Increase the adhesive strength of homopolymers
• Improve wet film scrub resistance.
• Decrease grit content
• Measure the polymer minimum film-forming temperature (MFFT)

Vinyl Acrylics

• Decrease air content in the finished product
• Decrease particle size
• Improve wet film scrub resistance
• Determine elongation in accordance with ASTM D522
• Measure the polymer minimum film-forming temperature (MFFT)

Vinyl Versatics

• Decrease air content in the finished product
• Decrease particle size
• Improve wet film scrub resistance
• Measure the polymer minimum film-forming temperature (MFFT)

Styrene Acrylics

• Research polymerization procedures in literature and suggest a course of action to develop initial styrene-acrylic prototypes

Prerequisite

The above internship should prove of interest to students pursuing a Chemical Engineering and/or Chemistry Bachelor or Masters Degree.