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The Sociology of Engineering
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eanis of comment are published every year about engineering as a profession and about engineers as professionals. The implication behind much of it is that engineers are not recognized as professionals, that they should be, and that engineers should do something to achieve that envisioned state of bliss : professional status. No real progress has been made through this frontal approach. Several of the pronouncements of recent vintage, however, seem to imply that the vocal proponents of professionalism are fixing on a new (and in our opinion devious and undesirable) approach to pushing their claims. The common chord emerging from the cacophony is that engineers in general, and chemical engineers in particular, should address themselves primarily to “the great social problems of our times,” such as air and water pollution, transportation, civilian utilization of federally generated technology, and the like. If only engineers and their societies will attack these problems of significance, the argument goes, then the people involved will by reflection become significant and will thus achieve “professional” status. Not necessarily so. Engineers, including chemical engineers, have trouble getting themselves recognized as professionals because they are not professionals-at least not in the public service sense that doctors, lawyers, and the clergy are. Engineers even lack most of the self-policing, standard-setting mechanisms that scientists have, and scientists have found that these in themselves do not help much toward professional recognition from the public. What is missing from our sociological roles, whether we be engineers or scientists, is the opportunity or the need for the individual member of society to come to us in an emergency to get immediate help through resources and techniques he does not understand. There are parallel voids where modern society as a whole is concerned. Society does indeed need engineers and scientists just as the citizen needs doctors and lawyers. But the time scale is vastly different, as is the intimacy of the relationship between the needer and him who can give assistance. The sociological role of scientists and engineers in society is far too complex a matter to be resolved through “professional recognition.” Sociologically speaking, scientists and engineers are not unique-a quick look at the sociology literature will soon convince even the most resistant of that. But again, sociologically speaking, scientists and engineers are essential and respected, and for the most part appropriately rewarded both economically and in social standing. Attacking the great social problems of our times is a worthy objective. But it would be specious to couple two states of mind that can more beneficially stand separately on their own merits.
VOL. 5 8
NO. 2
FEBRUARY 1966
5
New food packaging uses now opened to chemists for this efficient vinyl catalyst "Varo"cuts cost, improves reaction control
Half-lNe, Mlnules at 170'F (80%)
More chemists are adopting "Vazo" (azobisisobutyronitrile) as their initiator for vinyl polymerization because of its use value, price, and suitability under FDA regulations.
New FDA Status In food packages. "Vazo" presents no food additive problem when used in the production of polyethylene and polyviny/ chloride films where "Vazo" catalyst levels do not exceed 0.08% for ethylene and 0.15% for vinyl chloride based on the monomer. "Vazo" may be used for cross-linking unsaturated polyester resins intended for repeated contact with food where the catalyst does not exceed 1.5% by weight of the finished resin. It may now be used as a polymerization catalyst in paper and paperboard components for contact with aqueous, fatty and dry foods in addition to its existing use as a component of adhesives for food packaging. (Other food packaging uses are currently under consideration.)
aniline dodecyl mercaptan
I
68.7 79.0
isobutvl alcohol
II
67.2
xylene glacial acetic acid
I.
75.5 76.0
a&
The on/y variable which does affect the rate of decomposition of "Vazo" is temperature. This permits improved process control which, in turn, leads to a more consistent product. Furthermore, the consistent high purity of "Vazo" offers added assurance of uniform and dependable results in polymer production.
Improves Products "Vazo" can contribute to the clarity of methacrylates and help improve the aging qualities of certain polymers. "Vazo" leaves no peroxygenated residues to adversely affect pigments or dyes added for coloring.
Catalytic Efficiency
Easier Storage and Handling
"Vazo" can provide substantial savings in catalyst cost. It is two to eight times as effective as average peroxides, on a weight basis. Savings depend on polymer and process. (And "Vazo" costs only $1.50/pound F.O.B. Belle, West Virginia.) In addition, "Vazo" enters into few undesirable side reactions, and is not subject to induced decomposition.
"Vazo" is not explosive when stored in fiber drums with normal precautions and storage facilities. It is not shock sensitive. At room temperature (75'F or below), "Vazo" will not lose its high activity for many months.
Dependableperformance: Easier reaction control Chemists recognize the uniformity of decomposition and dependability of "Vazo." It forms free radicals at predictable rates by a clean, first-order reaction regardless of solvent or the presence of metallic ions or other impurities. For example, note the similarity in the decomposition rates of "Vazo" in the following five solvents:
Versatile "Vazo" can be used in bulk, solution or suspension polymerization of many vinyl monomers including: ethylene, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, methacrylate esters and styrene. To find out what Du Pont "Vazo" can do for your products and processes. write for a sample or additional technical information. Du Pont Company, Room 3675, Wilmington, Delaware 79898 In Canada: Du Pont of Canada, Ltd.. Box 660, Montreal. P.Q.
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