Alice Albrinck's start in the plastics industry was an internship at General Cable Technologies Corp., now Prysmian, working in the analytical lab. She was responsible for customer complaint investigation, manufacturing issue resolution and competitive analysis.
"I began to learn more about the polymers and ingredients used in the wire and cable industry and how they brought unique properties which were needed for a variety of applications," she said. "I was specifically interested in PVC and how to develop highly flame-retardant compounds."
With a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana, Albrinck also worked as a chemical applications engineer and lead development engineer at the company, as well as a senior materials development engineer at Belden Inc. and senior scientist of polymers at Omya. She holds several patents, including a "hybrid high-frequency separator with parametric control ratios of conductive components" and "compositions for riser and plenum cables."
Now, as a vinyl technical service associate for Teknor Apex Co., Albrinck assists current and future customers with selection and optimization of the correct compound for their applications; contributes to cable design or industry standards when applicable; troubleshoots issues to determine root causes and solutions; and develops new PVC and HFFR (halogen-free, flame-retardant) compounds to meet customer needs. She also works closely with the electrical and electronics market manager to "stay on top of current trends and developments in the wire and cable industry and assisting our manufacturing facilities with any formulation- or ingredient-related questions or issues."
"Flame retardants have always been of interest to me," she said. "My husband is a retired firefighter, so the intersection of developing high-performance, flame-retardant polymers as well as keeping people like him safe has always been a goal for me."
Albrinck is involved with the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Green Building Council, among others.
Albrinck said her greatest professional achievement has been being recruited to join the Teknor Apex team, with all of her "other career experiences and networking have built the foundation of knowledge and skills that I need to be successful in this position."
"Technical women in the wire and cable segment of the plastics industry are still rare, especially those with decades of experience," she said. "I pride myself in being able to work with anyone to solve problems and help our customers find the success they are looking for."