Materials Science & Sustainability
Advanced & Bio-Based Materials
Process bio-based polymers, nanocomposites, and novel material systems at micro scale where synthesis yields are measured in grams, not kilograms.
01 / 05 — OVERVIEW
Advanced materials research — bio-based polymers, nanocomposites, conductive compounds, shape-memory alloys in polymer matrices — often starts with materials available only in gram quantities from synthesis or pilot reactors. The Three-Tec platform compounds these materials without the 50–100 g minimum batch sizes typical of larger lab extruders. The Hybrid Micro Compounder allows researchers to screen on 5 mm barrels, then scale through 9 and 12 mm on the same frame to confirm processing windows before moving to pilot equipment. Interchangeable screw configurations support everything from gentle distributive mixing for nanoparticle dispersion to intensive dispersive mixing for breaking agglomerates in filled systems.
02 / 05 — CHALLENGES
03 / 05 — WORKFLOW
How it comes together.
Characterize feedstock (DSC, TGA, moisture content) to define processing window
Select screw configuration for target mixing intensity (distributive vs. dispersive)
Compound on ZE5 (1 g) or Hybrid frame (5 → 9 → 12 mm) for scale-up study
Feed moisture-sensitive materials via sealed ZD-series feeder with nitrogen blanket
Pelletize and characterize dispersion quality (SEM, XRD, mechanical testing)
04 / 05 — TEST LAB
Run it in our lab first.
Our Piscataway, NJ facility is equipped to run feasibility studies for this application. Ship your material and we’ll process it on validated equipment — onsite observation or video-call available.
Explore the Lab05 / 05 — RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
