Christopher DeArmitt

Chris DeArmitt
PhD, FRSC, FIMMM, CChem
Alma materUniversity of Sussex (BSc, MPhil, PhD)
Known forPolymer additives, Microplastics and environmental impacts, Materials performance
Scientific career
FieldsPolymer chemistry, Materials science
Websitewww.chrisdearmitt.com

Christopher DeArmitt is an American–Swedish polymer chemist and materials scientist. His work focuses on polymer additives, nano-fillers, and environmental assessments of plastics. He is the founder of Phantom Plastics and the Plastics Research Council.

Early life and education

DeArmitt earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and polymer science, followed by an MPhil and PhD in polymer and surface science at the University of Sussex.[1][2] His doctoral research examined conducting polymers, including polyaniline and polypyrrole, with emphasis on polymerisation kinetics, colloids, and surface composition.[1]

Career

DeArmitt has held senior positions at BASF, Electrolux, Hybrid Plastics, Applied Minerals, and LKAB Minerals.[3][4][5] In 2005, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and later became a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM) and a Chartered Chemist (CChem).[6]

In 2009, DeArmitt founded Phantom Plastics, a materials science consultancy.[7] In 2024, he established the Plastics Research Council, a nonprofit organization that reviews research on plastics, microplastics, and environmental impacts.[8][9][10][11] He has provided evidence in reviews concerning decabromodiphenyl ethane and microplastics.[12][13]

DeArmitt has spoken at Plastics in Motion (2015), the Compounding World Forum, and meetings of trade associations including the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association Annual Meeting,[14] the IAPD GenerationNext Virtual Event,[15] the European Plastics Distributors Association Annual Conference,[16] and a seminar at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.[17]

Research

DeArmitt's research includes polymer additives, fillers, dispersants, coupling agents, surface modifiers, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules, hyperbranched antioxidants, polymer composites, conducting polymer colloids, and polymerisation kinetics.[18][3] His publications examine thermomechanical performance, comparative evaluations of fillers, surface modification techniques, and polymer material performance.[19][20][21]

He has contributed chapters to reference works including Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook and Brydson’s Plastics Materials, discussing fillers, fibre reinforcements, and functional additives.[22][23][24][25] Additional chapters include Magnetite (2014),[26] Particulate Fillers, Selection, and Use in Polymer Composites (2017),[27] and Fillers and Filled Plastics (2019).[24]

He has conducted comparative evaluations of polypropylene fillers.[28] His work includes evaluation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) packaging in terms of durability, recyclability, and life-cycle assessment.[29]

Public engagement

DeArmitt has commented on plastics and environmental science in media outlets and public forums.[30] He has appeared in CBS 60 Minutes, Sky News, and the BBC,[31][32][33][34] and has participated in panels on environmental and health aspects of plastics.[35] His work on life-cycle assessment of plastics has been cited in Canadian Parliament by Minister Lianne Rood.[36][37] Some of his analyses have been subject to criticism by environmental groups.[38][39][40]

He has reviewed studies on microplastics in human fluids and environmental exposure and has discussed methodological aspects of such studies.[41][42][43][44][45][46] He has also discussed methodological questions in studies investigating whether microplastics cross the blood–brain barrier.[47][48]

Patents

  • Multimodal polyalkylene terephthalate system, U.S. Patent No. 12,359,022 (15 July 2025), with Mohammed Razeem.[49]
  • Polyethylene terephthalate alloy having talc, Publication No. 20230227617 (20 July 2023), with Mohammed Razeem.[50]
  • Multimodal polyalkylene terephthalate, U.S. Patent No. 11,667,753 (6 June 2023), with Mohammed Razeem.[51]
  • Process for coagulation of aqueous polymer dispersions, U.S. Patent No. 8,470,911 (25 June 2013), with Graham Edmund McKee and Konrad Mitulla.[52]
  • Continuous process for performing a reaction, Publication No. 20110006259 (13 January 2011.[53]
  • Continuous process for performing a chemical reaction in which a gaseous phase is added to a charge system, Publication No. 20090323458 (31 December 2009), with Wolfgang Fischer and Rainer Bardon.[54]

Selected publications

  • DeArmitt, C. & Rothon, R. “Dispersants and Coupling Agents”, in Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook, Elsevier, 2011, pp. 441–454. doi:10.1016/b978-1-4377-3514-7.10025-x.[55][56]
  • DeArmitt, C. & Rothon, R. “Dispersants and Coupling Agents”, in Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook, Elsevier, 2017, pp. 501–516. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-39040-8.00022-5.[57]
  • Rothon, R. & DeArmitt, C. “Fillers (Including Fiber Reinforcements)”, in Brydson’s Plastics Materials, Elsevier, 2017, pp. 169–204. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-35824-8.00008-6.[23]
  • DeArmitt, C. (2011). “Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes in Plastics.” In: Hartmann-Thompson, C. (ed.) Applications of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes. Advances in Silicon Science, vol. 3, pp. 209–228. doi:10.1007/978-90-481-3787-9_5.[58]
  • DeArmitt, C.; Rothon, R. (2007). “Tailor-made Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Molecules for Thermosets.” Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 38(6), 1275–1285. doi:10.1016/S1464-391X(06)70607-9.[59]
  • Bergenudd, H.; Eriksson, P.; DeArmitt, C.; Stenberg, B.; Malmström Jonsson, E. (2002). “Synthesis and evaluation of hyperbranched phenolic antioxidants of three different generations.” Polymer Degradation and Stability, 76(3), 503–509. doi:10.1016/S0141-3910(02)00071-X.[60]
  • DeArmitt, C. & Breese, K. (2001). “Filled Polypropylene: A Cost-Performance Comparison of Common Fillers.” Plastics, Additives and Compounding, 3(9), 28–33. doi:10.1016/S1464-391X(01)80252-X.[56]

Books

References

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  2. ^ Tomorrow's Materials : Today: 34th International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition, Reno Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, May 8-11, 1989. The Society. 1989. ISBN 978-0-938994-47-3.
  3. ^ a b "SPE Automotive Division Newsletter, Fall 2022" (PDF). Society of Plastics Engineers. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  4. ^ Materials World: The Journal of the Institute of Materials. Institute of Materials. 2003.
  5. ^ High Performance Fillers 2007. iSmithers Rapra Publishing. 2007. ISBN 978-1-84735-013-8.
  6. ^ Technology, Rapra; Publishing, iSmithers Rapra (2006). High Performance Fillers 2006: Cologne, Germany, 21-22 March 2006. iSmithers Rapra Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85957-560-4.
  7. ^ Kutz, Myer (2023-11-24). Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook: Processing, Sustainability, Materials, and Applications. Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-323-91067-5.
  8. ^ "About Plastics Research Council". Plastics Research Council. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  9. ^ "Dr. Chris DeArmitt Establishes the Plastics Research Council to Promote Understanding of Plastics & the Environment". Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  10. ^ "IK Aktuell 09-10/2024" (PDF). IK Kunststoffverpackungen. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  11. ^ "Plastic Matters 2022" (PDF). OceanCare. 2022. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
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  13. ^ "Letter of Objection to Canadian Proposal: DBDPE ban proposal" (PDF). Phantom Plastics. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
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  16. ^ "2025 Annual Conference Speakers". Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  17. ^ "Research Seminars : Myths of Plastic – Dr. Chris DeArmitt – Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong". chem.cuhk.edu.hk. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  18. ^ "Plastics: Impacts and Science" – University of Cincinnati". www.uc.edu/. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  19. ^ Hartmann-Thompson, Claire (2011-01-03). Applications of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 978-90-481-3787-9.
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  23. ^ a b "Fillers (Including Fiber Reinforcements)", Brydson's Plastics Materials, Butterworth-Heinemann, pp. 169–204, 2017-01-01, doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-35824-8.00008-6, retrieved 2025-12-02
  24. ^ a b DeArmitt, Chris (2019), "Fillers and Filled Plastics", Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, pp. 1–27, doi:10.1002/0471238961.0609121206011203.a01.pub3, ISBN 978-0-471-23896-6, retrieved 2025-12-02{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  25. ^ DeArmitt, Christopher; Rothon, Roger (2015), "Particulate Fillers, Selection, and Use in Polymer Composites", Encyclopedia of Polymers and Composites, Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, pp. 1–19, doi:10.1007/978-3-642-37179-0_1-1, ISBN 978-3-642-37179-0, retrieved 2025-12-02{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  26. ^ DeArmitt, Christopher (2017), "Magnetite", Fillers for Polymer Applications, Springer, Cham, pp. 245–257, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28117-9_34, ISBN 978-3-319-28117-9, retrieved 2025-12-02{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  27. ^ DeArmitt, Christopher; Rothon, Roger (2017), "Particulate Fillers, Selection, and Use in Polymer Composites", Fillers for Polymer Applications, Springer, Cham, pp. 3–27, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-28117-9_1, ISBN 978-3-319-28117-9, retrieved 2025-12-02{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
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  29. ^ Duelge, Bill (2021-04-15). "BottleOne's PET Bottles Critiqued by Plastics Expert, Chris DeArmitt, PhD, FRSC". BottleOne. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  30. ^ Hickford, Paula (2022-08-15). "Dr. Chris DeArmitt discusses the life cycle, myths and misconceptions of plastics". Symphony Environmental. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  31. ^ "Gynecological mesh: The medical device that has 100,000 women suing - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. 2019-04-17. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  32. ^ Lomas, Charlotte. "Vaginal mesh: Tests on plastic material 'way less' thorough than on washing machine". SkyNews. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
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  36. ^ Lianne Rood M.P. (2025-09-25). Food Affordability 2025. Retrieved 2025-12-02 – via YouTube.
  37. ^ "Lianne Rood on Business of Supply". openparliament.ca. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  38. ^ "Manufactured Doubt - Plastics Science Merchants Doubt Oil Tobacco". SourceMaterial. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  39. ^ Hicks, Robin (2025-09-19). "Lobby group rep raises alarm at HK event with 'denialist' claim that plastics don't harm humans or marine ecosystems". Eco-Business. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  40. ^ "The current negative views are not based on evidence". Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  41. ^ "Microplastics in Antarctic snow: Shocking discovery or a case of plastics persecution?". Packaging Insights. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  42. ^ Rogers, Kristen (2025-07-01). "Scientists discovered microplastics in human semen and follicular fluid". CNN. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  43. ^ Mišíková, Dominika (2025-07-07). "Where are plastic particles hiding in the human body? Scientists have found them in sperm and eggs, and fertility may also be at risk!" (in Slovak). Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  44. ^ DeArmitt, Chris (2025-07-25). "Microplastics and Our Health: What Does the Science Say?". MedCity News. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  45. ^ "Microplastics and Human Health: Scientist Sets Record Straight". Bottled Water | IBWA | Bottled Water. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  46. ^ "The Plastic Paradox. Chris DeArmitt Responds". Raccoltala Giusta (in Italian). Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  47. ^ "Microplastics in the Brain: Credibility Check" (PDF). Plastics Research Council. June 2025. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
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  53. ^ "Continuous Process for Performing a Reaction Patent Application (Application #20110006259 issued January 13, 2011) - Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  54. ^ "Continuous process for performing a chemical reaction in which a gaseous phase is added to a charge system comprising one or more solid phases which have been dissolved or dispersed in water Patent Application (Application #20090323458 issued December 31, 2009) - Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
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  56. ^ a b DeArmitt, Chris; Breese, KevinD. (2001-09-01). "Filled polypropylene: a cost-performance comparison of common fillers". Plastics, Additives and Compounding. 3 (9): 28–33. doi:10.1016/S1464-391X(01)80252-X. ISSN 1464-391X.
  57. ^ "Dispersants and Coupling Agents", Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook, William Andrew Publishing, pp. 501–516, 2017-01-01, doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-39040-8.00022-5, retrieved 2025-12-02
  58. ^ DeArmitt, Chris (2011), Hartmann-Thompson, Claire (ed.), "Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes in Plastics", Applications of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes, Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, pp. 209–228, doi:10.1007/978-90-481-3787-9_5, ISBN 978-90-481-3787-9, retrieved 2025-12-02{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  59. ^ DeArmitt, Chris (2006-07-01). "Understanding filler interactions improves impact resistance". Plastics, Additives and Compounding. 8 (4): 34–39. doi:10.1016/S1464-391X(06)70607-9. ISSN 1464-391X.
  60. ^ Bergenudd, Helena; Eriksson, Petter; DeArmitt, Chris; Stenberg, Bengt; Malmström Jonsson, Eva (2002-06-01). "Synthesis and evaluation of hyperbranched phenolic antioxidants of three different generations". Polymer Degradation and Stability. 76 (3): 503–509. doi:10.1016/S0141-3910(02)00071-X. ISSN 0141-3910.
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