Spring 2011 Newsletter
Q&A with Christopher J. Andren
This issue welcomes back Christopher Andren! Many of our past clients remember Chris for his great customer service and strong analytical expertise in polymers, coatings, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He worked at Chemir from 1996 to 2007 in a variety of roles, and recently returned as Senior Director-Technology. He’s responsible for speaking with clients about their projects, designing investigations and quotations. It’s great to have him back!
Q. What have you been doing since 2007?
A. In 2007 I left Chemir Analytical to accept a R&D position with PolyAd Services, LLC, which was an independent business unit of Ciba Specialty Chemicals. My primary responsibilities as R&D Staff Scientist included design of client-specific polymer additive formulations for use in polyolefins and polyvinylchloride, as well as in nylon and other engineering resins. Working in this R&D environment was interesting and very challenging. As many know BASF acquired Ciba Specialty Chemicals in 2009/2010.
Q. What brought you back to Chemir?
A. There is a well-known saying “you can remove the Chemist from Chemir but you can’t remove Chemir from the Chemist.” During my years at Ciba/BASF I maintained interest in Chemir and how they were growing and changing. In 2010 a continuing series of positive changes within Chemir deepened my interest. The growth potential I saw at Chemir was very appealing to my nature and was something I felt I wanted to be part of. I was proud to be part of Chemir’s steady growth during the early years. I feel fortunate to once again be part of a team that helps direct the next stages in the company’s growth.
Q. What are your favorite types of Chemir projects?
A. Chemir is approached almost daily with projects that don’t offer a clear technical approach towards resolution. These are the projects that appeal to me due to their inherent challenges. Chemir is a powerhouse in state-of-the-art technology. Knowing we have such deep technical expertise allows Chemir to confidently design projects incorporating LC, GC, MS, NMR, wet chemistry, XPS, TOF-SIMS and others to successfully address difficult projects. Although my role at Chemir may provide the initial directions for project design, it is Chemir’s talented and innovative technical staff that brings these projects to life and successful resolution.
Q. What’s your favorite polymer?
A. Curious question, but after some thought I’d say polyethylene holds a lot of appeal. Polyethylene (PE) comes in a wide variety of flavors with broad applications and very defined properties. PE spans the spectrum from liner low-density (LLDPE), ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW), metallocene and even PE waxes. Mixtures of different PE resins used in thin film expands the spectrum even more. Perhaps it’s by coincidence but my career has had a diverse focus on various steps in the life of PE. My early days with AlliedSignal included R&D on catalysts for production of high-density PE (HDPE). Later years provided a focus on dispersion of organic and inorganic additives in PE film. My days at Chemir included many projects designed to characterize PE chemistries as well as investigate modes of failure.
Q. What kind of activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A. Most activities outside work center around my wife and our three sons ages 10, 7 and 1. I’m involved in Boy Scouts with the two older boys including as a trained leader for our Webelos den. Scouting is a wonderful organization and provides good experience and development for the boys. As most parents of young children know personal ‘free time’ is very elusive. Before our children I was involved in many outdoor activities including long-distance biking, caving and even rock climbing. I am slowly working my way back into these activities.
