The SPE Library contains thousands of papers, presentations, journal briefs and recorded webinars from the best minds in the Plastics Industry. Spanning almost two decades, this collection of published research and development work in polymer science and plastics technology is a wealth of knowledge and information for anyone involved in plastics.
A methodology utilizing a non-linear topology-optimization technique was applied to develop designs of mass- efficient composite beam structures. The traditional linear optimization technique is shown as suitable to develop designs that are maximized only for part stiffness. Non- linear effects like plasticity and material failure are not taken into consideration using linear techniques and hence the suitability of the linear-optimization technique can prove to be inadequate for applications that require energy management. Non-linear topology optimization using the software tool LS-Tasc from LSTC uses fully non- linear LS-Dyna simulations to arrive at the optimized design shape. Plasticity material damage and failure and load path variation on account of contact are taken into consideration as is typical with non-linear LS-Dyna simulations. The optimization process tracks the contribution of each element in the finite-element model of the design space to the stated objective and performance constraints to determine the ideal load path and hence the part shape. Development of the beam structure designs using this methodology results in design shapes that can be optimized for energy management rather than stiffness.
Most industrial composite parts that are large and complex in geometry are manufactured by the hand layup method. The resin transfer moulding (RTM) process is a better substitute but is not used readily due to the lack of proper manufacturing technology. Development of a proper RTM manufacturing process for a specific application requires a proper mould design. In addition the difficulty in the tooling design and mould fabrication cost increases with size and complexity of the component. The scale down strategy of full scale product avoids bigger size mould requirements prototype production for product testing and quality check at the starting phase of product development. Moreover the scale down strategy can be used to validate the process and the product with less capital input. In this work we propose a methodology to develop a scaled down prototype for a large and complex composite structures based on virtual simulation technique keeping the mold fill time and mold fill pattern unchanged. The methodology has been demonstrated taking a composite cab front that is currently used by the hand layup technique as case study. From the simulations and actual experiments it was found that the injection pressure at the full scale model has to be reduced to the times of reciprocal of square of geometrical mould scale down factor to meet the same mould fill time and mould fill pattern keeping the injection strategy the same.
A method to identify root causes of manufacturing quality defects has been developed that allows for the implementation of process and material improvements via a databased analysis system known as “The SMC Consistency Method.” In 2006 a statistical method that ties SMC molding parameters to process and raw material parameters was introduced. The following year an SMC viscosity improvement effort using this method was announced. The current paper presents additional examples that have identified root causes of material and process variations that have resulted in sporadic defects in the molded product. The case study will show how defect data from the molding plant was successfully used to identify key molding compounding and raw material factors. The SMC consistency method utilizes actual production data as opposed to the use of data generated by conducting special DOEs.
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is considered to be a good candidate for energy absorption due to its high specific energy absorption (SAE) as the ratio of energy absorbed by the tube mass. However composite damage distribution in the components should be carefully designed to confine damage progression in the load application region and prevent any premature catastrophic failure. This presentation addresses different damage and failure modes triggered in composite crush tubes that have different ply orientation angles. The modeling strategy is validated by experimental quasi-static crush tube experiments and the study contains a comprehensive damage-mode tracking in each ply to identify the effectiveness of the candidates. The correlation between the damage propagation is compared with the overall crash response in terms of crush load vs. crush displacement.
The delamination resistance of multilayer PET/ PA-MXD6 coinjection stretch blow molded bottles was found to be significantly improved through the use of small amounts of specific dual-functional compatibilizer additives, blended into the nylon layer during the sequential coinjection molding step. Such modified multilayer PET bottles resist delamination even under stress-concentrated impact testing conditions.
Joseph Dooley, Hyunwoo Kim, Patrick C. Lee, Robert Wrisley, May 2013
Multilayer coextrusion is a process in which two or more polymers are extruded and joined together in a feedblock or die to form a single structure with multiple layers. This paper will discuss the effect of die manifold channel symmetry of the flow of coextruded structures through coathanger style dies.
Surface treatments of metals and polymers are frequently necessary to control properties such as adhesion of paints and sealants. Because surface properties are determined by only the uppermost few molecular layers, measuring these properties in manufacturing environments can be challenging. Water contact angles can be obtained very rapidly and conveniently and provide sensitive, quantitative feedback of surface properties important for adhesion.
Application of the electrical resistant and diffusion laws is effective way of the estimation of the ensure safe operation of the GRPL between overhaul periods and increase reliability of the technological equipment of concrete, steel or high filler plastic.
Maximilian Bader, Dirk Schmiederer, Ilonka Maier, Carsten Tuechert, May 2013
The thermal conductivity of various thermally conductive thermoplastics commercially available was determined experimentally and is compared with da-tasheet values. It was found that in most cases the thermal conductivities in-plane and through-plane deviate substantially from the manufacturers' values. The rea-sons as different measurement methods, part geometry and specimen preparation are discussed in detail in this paper. Finally the use of standardized methods is recommended.
This work focused on the study of thermal and morphological behavior of degradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and Calcium Sulfate Whiskers (CSW) blends processed by Vane extruder, which is a novel equipment for polymer processing. Different from the shear force field of traditional Screw extruder, the blends produced in elongation force field of Vane extruder were investigated through analytical techniques correlated to their morphology and thermal properties.
ANTEC 2013 Technical Paper - Biodegradable and biomass base polymers are gaining attention from the view of environmental concern. In this report, novel poly (lactic acid) based multibranched polymers self-emulsified in 100 % water are described.
Non-isothermal crystallization growth rates of isotactic Polypropylene were determined by Polarized Light Microscopy. For molten isotactic Polypropylene with temperatures <195°C and above its melting temperature, nodules and spherulites morphological formations were obtained from a melt crystallized non-isothermally at different cooling rates. The results show non-linear growth rates for both morphological formations while the spherulite growth rate is higher than the nodule.
The use of analytical techniques for analyzing organic colorants in plastics is described. These include spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques such as mass spectrometry(MS), visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), FTIR, and high performance or ultra performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, UPLC).
Patrick C. Lee, Joseph Dooley, Jeff Robacki, Steve Jenkins, Robert Wrisley, May 2013
Microlayer coextrusion is a process in which two or more polymers are extruded and joined together in a feedblock or die to form a single structure with multiple layers. This paper describes a multilayer coextrusion process technology to maintain the gas barrier property of Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) barrier films after flexing.
Marco Lenzen, Andreas Unger, Johannes Wortberg, May 2013
In contrast to electrically driven injection molding machines, for hydraulically driven machines energy recovery during the breaking process of the single axis is not state of the art. Particularly in these cases there is the highest capability for energy recuperation. For this reason a new hydraulic drive module has been developed, which is able to recover the kinetic energy of the clamping unit. In this paper the results of the model based investigations are shown.
The existing technologies to foam polyurethane (PU) in a discontinuous molding process show all several disadvantages regarding to the achievable foam properties. At the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) a physical foaming process has been developed that allows to foam PU molded parts using CO2 as a blowing agent. Two different methods which enable a controlled dissolving process of CO2 out of the reaction mixture and con?sequently a homogenous cell structure have been investigated.
The purpose of this study is to determine how plastic-packaging companies define sustainability or sustainable practices and communicate sustainable practices to its target audience e.g., customer, consumer. There are two research questions this study intends to answer. First, how do such companies define sustainability or sustainable practices, and second, what persuasive appeals are used to communicate sustainable practices to their audiences via a company website?
Tobias Koplin, Hans-Josef Endres, Gerhard Ziegmann, May 2013
The compounding of natural fiber composites (NFC) requires a preferably low melt temperature to prevent thermal damage from the fibers. In this test series the influence of the melting zone and the role of melt temperature by addition of natural fibers on compound properties are examined.
A new flow improvement technology (FIT) including reactive extrusion and Ticona’s proprietary compounding technology enables a high flow liquid crystal polymer (LCP) with lower warpage. LCP polymer chain and its molecular weight distribution were tailored via reactive extrusion, while filler length was also controlled via the compounding technology. As a result, this technology makes it possible to improve product flowability, warpage, surface smoothness, and weldline strength for electrical and electronic devices.
Kim McLoughlin Senior Research Engineer, Global Materials Science Braskem
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Kim drives technology programs at Braskem to develop advanced polyolefins with improved recyclability and sustainability. As Principal Investigator on a REMADE-funded collaboration, Kim leads a diverse industry-academic team that is developing a process to recycle elastomers as secondary feedstock. Kim has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cornell. She is an inventor on more than 25 patents and applications for novel polyolefin technologies. Kim is on the Board of Directors of SPE’s Thermoplastic Materials & Foams Division, where she has served as Education Chair and Councilor.
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Gamini has a BS and PhD from Purdue University in Materials Engineering and Sustainability. He joined Penn State as a Post Doctorate Scholar in 2020 prior to his professorship appointment. He works closely with PA plastics manufacturers to implement sustainability programs in their plants.
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Tom Giovannetti holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Tulsa and for the last 26 years has worked for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. Tom started his plastics career by designing various injection molded products for the chemical industry including explosion proof plugs and receptacles, panel boards and detonation arrestors for 24 inch pipelines. Tom also holds a patent for design of a polyphenylene sulfide sleeve in a nylon coolant cross-over of an air intake manifold and is a Certified Plastic Technologist through the Society of Plastic Engineers. Tom serves on the Oklahoma Section Board as Councilor, is also the past president of the local Oklahoma SPE Section, and as well serves on the SPE Injection Molding Division board.
Joseph Lawrence, Ph.D. Senior Director and Research Professor University of Toledo
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Dr. Joseph Lawrence is a Research Professor and Senior Director of the Polymer Institute and the Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization at the University of Toledo. He is a Chemical Engineer by training and after working in the process industry, he has been engaged in polymers and composites research for 18+ years. In the Polymer Institute he leads research on renewably sourced polymers, plastics recycling, and additive manufacturing. He is also the lead investigator of the Polyesters and Barrier Materials Research Consortium funded by industry. Dr. Lawrence has advised 20 graduate students, mentored 8 staff scientists and several undergraduate students. He is a peer reviewer in several journals, has authored 30+ peer-reviewed publications and serves on the board of the Injection Molding Division of SPE.
Matt Hammernik Northeast Account Manager Hasco America
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Matt Hammernik serves as Hasco America’s Northeast Area Account Manager covering the states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He started with Hasco America at the beginning of March 2022. Matt started in the Injection Mold Industry roughly 10 years ago as an estimator quoting injection mold base steel, components and machining. He advanced into outside sales and has been serving molders, mold builders and mold makers for about 7 years.
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How to reference articles from the SPE Library:
Any article that is cited in another manuscript or other work is required to use the correct reference style. Below is an example of the reference style for SPE articles:
Brown, H. L. and Jones, D. H. 2016, May.
"Insert title of paper here in quotes,"
ANTEC 2016 - Indianapolis, Indiana, USA May 23-25, 2016. [On-line].
Society of Plastics Engineers, ISBN: 123-0-1234567-8-9, pp. 000-000.
Available: www.4spe.org.
Note: if there are more than three authors you may use the first author's name and et al. EG Brown, H. L. et al.
