Disapproval of Proposed Amendments to APA Bylaws.

I am returning to the Election Committee my ballot on proposed amendments to the APA Bylaws with a vote to "disapprove" on the amendment that deals with the Committee on Scientific and Professional Ethics and Conduct. This vote will not, I hope, be construed as opposition to procedures being "clarified and made more realistic." I am strongly in favor of having definitive, prompt, vigorous, and forthright action by the Committee provided for in the Bylaws. I believe, however, that the proposed amendment falls short of these objectives and at the same time contains wording to which valid exception may be taken. Accordingly, I offer and make arguments for the following amendments to the proposed amendment in the hope that they can be given serious consideration. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The advantages of one pack additive packages in PVC processing

With the push towards higher production rates and tighter SPC/SQC in the PVC industry today, the disadvantages of having many microingredients in a formulation become readily apparent, especially to the plant personnel who have to deal with the weighting and blending of these microingredients. The concept of adding microingredients in a “one pack” form has been explored in the past using lubricant/stabilizer combinations designed to eliminate some of the problems inherent in adding a liquid stabilizer. This paper explores the concept of a one pack system consisting of impact modifier, process aid, calcium stearate, and stabilizer. Advantages of such a one pack combination are discussed in relation to formulation, blending, materials handling, and processing.     

Toward a fair and realistic research salary scale in government.

The problem of devising and maintaining an appropriate salary structure for research workers in government agencies exists. Four "… generally accepted notions in personnel philosophy… " are cited briefly and rejected as inapplicable to the classification of research positions. Comparisons between GS grades and university research positions are indicated. The author proposes that "… the evaluation of the research job can, administratively, be only a matter for decision by personnel authorities who depend professionally upon a scientific panel… ." The problem of "… establishing and maintaining effective research salary schedules… " can be grasped and solved. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Selecting the proper process aid for the application

With the advent of new and demanding applications such as foam core pipe and coextruded siding and profile, coupled with the demand for more highly efficient cost/performance products in older PVC applications resulting from the desire to increase output, and with the push towards recycling, there is a strong need for efficient and effective processing aids. Process aids have been used for many years to improve the appearance and properties of PVC. In the past they were limited to low and high molecular weight products (0.3 to 0.5 reduced viscosity value), lubricating type acrylics, and some lower-efficiency styrenics. This paper will describe a much broader range of process aids that are designed to fit the requirements of specific formulation and processing techniques. Rather than force fitting the few older processing aids into all applications, the PVC processor now has the luxury of optimizing his formulation by choosing from a wide molecular weight range of products (0.1 to 0.9 reduced viscosity value). The different structures and molecular weights of currently commercial process aids are discussed, as well as their “fit” in today's formulations.     

An examination of DSC as a method of characterization of PVC lubricants

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) has been used to characterize various lubricant additives for PVC in order to determine effectiveness. Depending on the processing period, and therefore the temperature profile, each lubricant undergoes a change in the internal vs. external nature of its behavior. In the process described, monitoring of the glass-transition temperature produces evidence for the effectiveness of additives as internal lubricants.