Browsing by Author "Van Reenen, Albert"

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    A better mousetrap? a new look at some old issues
    (2015-03) Van Reenen, Albert; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Science. Dept. of Chemistry and Polymer Science.
    Albert van Reenen was born in Stellenbosch in 1957. He obtained both his MSc (1985) and PhD (1988) in polymer science at Stellenbosch University. He joined Stellenbosch University as a researcher at the Institute for Polymer Science in 1989 and was subsequently appointed as senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry. From his early research, which focused on polymeric membranes for waste water treatment, an interest in understanding the fundamental relationship between polymer microstructure and macroscopic material properties developed. Coupled with a long-standing collaboration with local industry, Prof van Reenen’s research has been primarily focused on the structure-property relationship in commercially important thermoplastics, in particular the polyolefins. Related to this are research projects that encompass wood-polymer composites, polyolefin nanocomposites, and the study of solution crystallisation of polymers. A new focus area that is being developed at present is the use of bioactive polymers or polymer systems in packaging applications. The collaboration with industry has also allowed him to leverage substantial funds for the purchase of analytical equipment that is essential for successful research. Professor Van Reenen has a keen interest in furthering polymer science education in Southern Africa and through a collaborative effort with colleagues regularly presents short courses and workshops in both academia and for local industry.
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    Hydrogen effects in the polymerization of propylene with C2 symmetric metallocene catalysts
    (De Gruyter, 2013) Amer, Ismael; Van Reenen, Albert
    Propylene was polymerized with two C2symmetric metallocene catalysts, ethylene bis(indenyl)zirconium dichloride and dimethylsilyl bis(2- ethyl-benz(e) indenyl) zirconium dichloride, in the presence of increasing amounts of hydrogen. The hydrogen influenced the molecular weight significantly, as was expected. The degree of isotacticity of the polypropylene was influenced by the level of hydrogen added during polymerization, and the amount and type of stereoerrors as determined by 13C NMR increased as hydrogen levels were increased. Results indicated that efficiency of enantiomorphic site control is dependent on the length of the growing polymer chain during polymerization.