Mantova Invests in Human Development to Build the Future of Industry
Innovation Day, celebrated on October 19th, represents one of Mantova’s core pillars: a permanent commitment to evolving through knowledge, people, and technology.
This vision is reflected in several of the company’s strategic initiatives, including the encouragement of scientific research and the development of new talent. Through academic partnerships with institutions such as the University of Caxias do Sul (UCS) and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Mantova promotes the exchange between academia and industry, strengthening the creation of applied knowledge and the development of high-performance technological solutions.
Research Highlighted at the Brazilian Polymer Conference (CBPOL)
One of the results of this collaboration is the study developed by master’s student Eng. Thais S. Santos, co-supervised by Mantova’s collaborator Dr. Juliano R. Ernzen, which will be presented at the 18th CBPOL – Brazilian Polymer Conference, held from October 19th to 23rd in Campos do Jordão, São Paulo.
The research, titled “Effect of Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene on Thermal Properties and Phase Separation in Thermoplastic Polyurethane,” investigates the behavior of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) modified with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), an additive that alters the molecular structure of the material.
Key findings include:
- A reduction in glass transition temperature (Tg) from -29 °C to -32 °C, indicating increased flexibility;
- An increase in the fraction of hydrogen-bonded urethane groups, from 0.59 to 0.69, demonstrating more intense phase separation;
- A reduction in crystallinity, with smoother thermal transitions, resulting in a more amorphous and elastic matrix.
Part of the synthesis and thermal analyses were conducted at Mantova’s laboratory, highlighting the company’s technical infrastructure and support for applied research.
Innovation with Purpose
At Mantova, innovation begins with people. By encouraging the training of new researchers and the continuous development of its team, the company reinforces its role as a partner in knowledge and a driving force for transformation in the Brazilian industry.
“We believe that the integration between companies and universities fosters knowledge, drives technological development, and nurtures talents capable of transforming the future of industry. To innovate is to build the future and at Mantova, this is a daily commitment,” says Juliano Ernzen, Project Manager.
About CBPOL
The Brazilian Polymer Conference (CBPOL) is the leading scientific event in the country’s polymer sector, bringing together researchers, industry professionals, and academic institutions to discuss advancements in materials, processes, and applications.
