We will have an unique program in December.  First of all, Zaffer Sange, Commercial Manager for INEOS Olefins & Polymers, formerly BP Petrochemicals, will once again provide our annual resin update.  Last year, Zaffer caused several jaws to drop with his perditions of the magnitude of the economic crisis.  Get ready for 2010, by attending this month's meeting.  In addition to having our annual resin update, we will have presentations on some cutting edge uses of resins--solar panels and advanced car batteries.  As you know, the United States is seeking ways to lower our carbon footprint and solar energy and new plug-in hybrid cars are a couple of examples of new technology that will move us closer to this goal.  You will not want to miss this exciting program and enjoy a little holiday cheer with your SPE peers.

Program details:  Shari Weinberg Axelrad is a global market manager in the Ultra Polymers business unit for Solvay Advanced Polymers.  Shari will discuss Solar Impulse, which is an ambitious project to create an airplane that takes off and flies autonomously, day and night, propelled uniquely by solar energy, right around the world without fuel or pollution. It is a revolutionary concept in the field of aviation and requires the effective integration of cutting edge technology in materials, energy management, and man-machine interface. The use of ultra-light materials and optimized composites achieves a 1500kg take-off weight and a wing span capable of low speed flying. A battery powered propulsion system is part of an overall energy management system powered by 12,000 monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells making 24-hour flight possible. The on-board computing system gathers and analyzes hundreds of flight parameters in order to minimize energy consumption. All of this is made possible by a 50 person team, consisting of more than a hundred experts and advisors. The cutting-edge work in high performance materials includes high-temperature, high-strength, wear-resistant and flame-retardant polymers among many others.

Additionally, Mary Lou DeLucia, Ph.D., of Exide Technologies will be presenting a talk on uses of plastic in batteries and stored electrical energy products. Plastic is an integral part of the research efforts to enable better and faster means of introducing innovative products and services, thus changing the way the world uses and stores electrical energy. New advanced battery and electric drive projects have commanded $2.4 billion in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.