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.
Christian Hopmann, Walter Michaeli, Janina Overbeck, May 2012
Material changeovers steadily grow in importance in the context of the sinking batch sizes in extrusion plants. For understanding the influences on material changeovers, the changeover performance of polyolefins in a simple round strand die has been examined. In this regard the viscosity of the material turned out to be the key factor.
Models developed by DuPont or found in the literature are described that help the package engineer design new package structures by optimizing package performance, minimizing cost and ensuring the film or laminate can be fabricated on converting equipment. A case study is presented to illustrate how the use of these tools can speed up new package development.
With the current trend for lightweighting, accurately modeling the complex interactions between the closure and bottle is critical for a package design. X-ray Microtomography, a non-destructive technique is shown as a tool for studying design and geometrical features of beverage packaging. It allows seeing through the assembly, to determine actual dimensions to a micron resolution and reconstruct a real 3D geometry for FE analysis. This technique also helps identify critical locations for better material distribution.
A model drug acetaminophen was mixed with PEO, and the morphology, nucleation numbers, and crystallization kinetics of PEO were altered accordingly. The spherulitic growth rate and isothermal DSC endotherm were analyzed by Hoffman-Lauritzen theory and Avrami theory, respectively. It was found that the fold surface free energy increased significantly with increasing drug content, indicating the chain folding of PEO became much more difficult in the presence of the small molecule drug.
HDPE was blended with TPS and blow molded into bottles. The packaging related GHG emissions were reduced 80 percent. The method involved two extruders. The first converted the starch into TPS, while the second mixed the HDPE and TPS for a co-continuous morphology. Further dilution during the melt forming stage resulted in fine droplets of TPS dispersed throughout. The TPS was used in various layer combinations without sacrificing the appearance or performance of the bottles.
This study established the benefits of chaotic mixing in polymerization of two immiscible components by considering one-step synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethanes from aliphatic diisocyanate, chain extender, and a soft segment diol. The efficient mixing in chaotic flow reduced the time scale of mixing and led to faster polymerization.
Saied H. Kochesfahani, Caroline Abler, Jerome Crepin-Leblond, Frederic Jouffret, May 2012
The use of talc in PLA compounds for durable applications has been studied, and it is shown that talc could significantly increase stiffness, reduce thermal expansion (CLTE), and enhance thermal stability and HDT of crystallized PLA compounds. The high aspect ratio Luzenac HAR talc could be used to maximize these functions or to achieve desired mechanical properties at lower talc loadings, which may be desirable for compostability or other requirements.
Thermally conductive polymers open up a vast range of design concepts for the thermal management of optoelectronic systems based on high-brightness light emitting diodes. This paper presents an innovative material approach for manufacturing three-dimensional thermoplastic circuit carriers, combining a selective, laser-assisted metallization technology and highly filled polymers with thermal conductivities up to 8 Wm-1K-1.
Piezo inkjet technology offers microprinting and macroprinting processes new and exciting product applications. This technology offers opportunities unparalleled in markets for entrepreneurial manufacturers and specialty printers.
This paper will discuss published transfer efficiency of a spray applicator versus the real transfer efficiency of the spray applicator. The testing protocols used to determine the published transfer efficiency of a spray applicator will be discussed in relation to actual use of the spray applicator in a manufacturing coating process. The most common sources of material waste and the methods to reduce them to acceptable levels will be used to guide the reader to maximize the real transfer efficiency of their spray application system.
Calcium sulfate whiskers (CSW) were patented in 1974. But then the price was too high. In the last 5 years, interest in CSW as reinforcement has grown due to availability and low cost relative to polymers. Surface treated CSW have been found to increase notched Izod impact properties of polypropylene by 60%. CSW increase strength, stiffness and HDT in PA6, PA66 and PBT. CSW improves friction materials based on phenolics, PA66/PVDF blends, and PTFE.
A special test device was used to make laboratory measurements of the lateral stress and bulk density of four resin feed polymers: polycarbonate (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), and polypropylene (PP). Data for lateral stress, lateral stress ratio, and density as a function of primary compressive stress are given, and regression functions are provided. Data for the bulk temperature rise during compression are also provided.
Breanna G. Boyden, Brian C. LaBrec, Vijay Wani, May 2012
This work studied the effect of blending two different grades of thermoplastic polyurethanes with a constant percentage of radiopaque filler (bismuth subcarbonate) and varying percentages of filler. A titanate binding agent was added to the blend to investigate the impact of improved polymer/filler adhesion. The results showed that varying grades of thermoplastic polyurethane in conjunction with different filler loadings can modulate the physical properties of the compound.
Andrea Wibbeke, Volker Schöppner, Miriam Sasse, May 2012
On manufacturing uniaxially stretched film made of polycarbonate, elevated strengths are obtained. In doing this, the molecular chains are aligned parallel to the stretching direction and thereby elevate the strength. The properties of thermoplastics depend on various process parameters. Orientating the molecules causes the molecular chains to lie close together and the stabilising bonds become active. This change can be detected by using x-ray diffractometer investigations as well as photography.
Fabian Meyer, Jan Philip Plog, Manfred
Feustel, May 2012
A new combination of a rheometer and a FTIR-spectrometer will be presented. The Rheonaut module allows the coupling of the Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS rheometer with an FTIR-spectrometer. With this set-up, samples can be characterized rheologically while IR-spectra are being recorded simultaneously. To test this concept, polymerization reactions have been followed with the combination of the HAAKE MARS and the Rheonaut module. Details of the instrument set-up as well as selected results will be presented.
The UV-cure segment’s growth can be attributed to the coatings’ many competitive advantages, including low energy costs, no pot life issues, reduced environmental impact and a fast cure speed. In fact, one-component (1K) UV-cure coating technology is one of the fastest chemistries currently available. This paper will discuss trends within the two main UV coating platforms – 100 percent solids UV formulation and waterborne UV systems. Both are sustainable chemistries, having ultra-low-volatile organic compound (VOC) levels.
Blends of soy flour and linear low density polyethylene were melt-compounded at soy loading levels of 0-40% with and without a compatibilizer. Films were formed from the blends through compression molding and were characterized for thermal, mechanical and barrier properties. Measured shifts in the glass transition temperature of the soy component with and without compatibilizer are reported. Oxygen and water vapor permeation rates of the films are also presented and compared to the neat polyethylene film.
PHA biodegradable plastics can be made into biodegradable bottles with reasonable impact and tensile strength. PHBV and P(3HB-4HB) grades of PHA were compounded with processing additives and blow molded into bottles with an extrusion blow molding process. Mirel based P(3HB-4HB) had superior processing properties and demonstrated a wide processing window to two other PHA materials. Mirel based P(3HB-4HB) had superior tensile and impact properties and superior permeation resistance than two other PHA materials from China.
The creep test was applied to obtain rheological information in low-frequency range that is not reachable by use of the frequency sweep test for polyethylene industrial research and development. The test time scale and the applying stress were considered to make the measurement on a large group of samples. By testing several high molecular weight resins having broad molecular weight distribution or long chain branching, we demonstrated utility of this methodology.
Estanislao Ortiz-Rodriguez, Herman Zuwardie, Linjie Zhu, Costas Gogos, May 2012
The non-Newtonian non-isothermal flow in a capillary die is simulated by means of a 2D axis symmetric model. For the momentum equation, slip as well as no slip conditions are implemented at the wall of the flow geometry, whereas for the energy equation constant wall temperature and constant convective heat flux are specified. The results are analyzed in terms of the resulting temperature profiles arising from the different sets of implemented boundary conditions.
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.
