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.
Stefan A. Wilson, Soren E. Maloney, Nigel L. Williams, May 2012
A prototype of a vacuum thermoforming machine was designed and built at the Metal Industries Company Limited and was commissioned in December 2009. The need for the capability of plastics thermoforming at the Metal Industries Company Limited is described together with the basis for the thermoforming machine design.
ANTEC 2012 Technical Paper - The applications of lasers for welding polymers in industry are slowly increasing but the main problem to date is that joints may only be welded by the transmission welding technique and this significantly reduces design flexibility.
As consumers in mature and growing geographical markets become more sophisticated and discriminating, the color and appearance of products such as home appliances, consumer electronics, or vehicle interiors has become a dominant criterion in consumers’ buying decisions. This fundamental trend requires that not only functional design, but that color, appearance, and finish differentiate successful products’ brand identities and quality from their competitors.
Moinuddin Sarker, Mohammad Mamunor Rashid, Sadikur Rahman, May 2012
Waste plastics usages are increasing all over the world every day. People are consuming plastics in their daily life for all necessary purposes. After they are used all plastic become garbage and its goes to land fill or incineration facilities. It’s creating environmental problem. Waste plastic can be transform into alternate or renewable energy for electricity or feedstock refinery. The thermal degradation process applied with mixture waste plastics of high density polyethylene (HDPE-2), low density polyethylene (LDPE-4), Polypropylene (PP-5) and Polystyrene (PS-6) using stainless steel reactor has been successful in converting into liquid fuel. The polymer has been selected for the experiment 100% HDPE, LDPE, PP and PS by weight. The temperature used for degradation ranges from 150-400 °C and the experiment takes about was 5 -6 hours. The obtain products are liquid fuel, light gas and black carbon residue. Various techniques such as, (Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometer, FT-IR and DSC) are used for obtain the analysis of the fuel purposed. GC/MS result indicates hydrocarbon compound in the produced fuel ranges from C3-C28 and also present C1-C4 light gases. Also further fractional distillation process was used to obtain different 5 (Gasoline, Naphtha, Aviation, Diesel and Fuel Oil) category liquid fuel by using different temperature profiles. All of the fraction fuels have different carbon range and contain long chain hydrocarbon like alkane and alkene and some aromatic compound.
Packaging seals must be both easily opened and strong enough to maintain integrity. To tailor the strength of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) seal layers, Polybutylene (PB-1) is often added. This study examines the effects of seal layer composition, gauge, and sealing temperature on seal strength. A composition and structure/property map for EVA/PB-1 sealant layers was developed. This work helps provide an understanding of material origins of seal strength, so that strength may be easily tailored.
Huiji Liu, Chunmeng Lu, SubHASH h. Patel, Linjie Zhu, Ming-Wan Young, Costas G. Gogos, Peter C. Bonnett, May 2012
In conjunction with UV technology, a fluid energy mill (FEM) was demonstrated to simultaneously and in-situ achieve several functions, namely: size reduction of pre-coated coarse micron-sized particles with UV-curable chemicals into smaller (ca. 1~10?m) particles, coating of UV chemicals onto the milled particles, and curing of the UV chemicals. IR analysis showed that the double bond conversion was up to 71% and 93% using air and nitrogen as motive gas, respectively.
Ravi Ayyer, Tom Rosenmayer, William Schreiber, Jonathan Colton, May 2012
This investigation focuses on understanding the effects of particle size and surface area of cryogenically- ground micronized rubber powders (MRP) on the properties of MRP/polypropylene (PP) composites. Comparisons are made with ambient-ground rubber powders and its PP composites. The morphology of the fracture surfaces of the composites is studied in relation to the effects of particle size on mechanical properties. In addition, this paper discusses utilizing a compatibilizer with MRP in improving the mechanical performance of the PP composites for its use in various market segments, such as automotive, consumer and, construction.
Katsuyuki Wakabayashi, Joshua T. Clark, Philip J. Brunner , John M. Torkelson, May 2012
Solid-state shear pulverization is a unique, emerging processing technique for mechanochemical modification of polymers, compatibilization of polymer blends, and exfoliation and dispersion of fillers in polymer composites. The instrumentation is a modified twin-screw extruder, where the barrels are continuously cooled below the transition temperatures of polymers. Using a model system of neat polypropylene, the effects of various processing parameters, such as barrel dimensions and temperature, screw design, and material feed rate, are correlated to output morphology, structure and properties.
Febin Cyriac, , J.M.Franco, M. Carmen Sánchez, May 2012
The prediction of the pressure drop gradient and the evaluation of the drag reduction phenomenon observed during the piping multiphase flow of a Carbopol/Air mixture have been investigated. Viscous flow tests in rotational rheometers and pressure drop measurements in pipe lines have been carried out with both smooth and rough surfaces. The Power law model is used to predict the pressure drop gradient. The pressure drop gradient in the intermittent multiphase flow regimes can be predicted by modifying the classical approach of Lockhart and Martinelli with an empirical correction factor. An Empirical model with quadratic equation has been proposed to describe the experimental evolution of drag ratio as a function of Re'L / Re'TP.
Micronized Rubber Powder (MRP) is classified as dry, powdered elastomer in which a significant proportion of particles are less than 100 microns. It is used as a compound extender to offset the spiraling prices of natural and synthetic virgin rubber materials. MRP is typically made from cured elastomer feedstock via a cryogenic process at a temperature below the Tg of the polymer. A better understanding of MRP surface properties is needed to facilitate efforts to utilize the material as a high value, sustainable material for use in various industrial and consumer rubber products. An update on MRP characterization is presented, including surface morphology by SEM, surface chemistry by XPS, surface area by Kr BET, and particle size distribution by laser diffraction. An example is given that demonstrates how the surface chemistry can be used to explain the effect of MRP on cure and physical properties in rubber compounds.
Desmond J. VanHouten, Will
iam E. Smith, Stephanie A. Rinne, David R. Hartman, May 2012
A new class of thermoplastic reinforcements was recently developed using technology whereby carbon nanostructures (CNS) are grown on the surface of glass fibers. This hybrid reinforcement results in specialized, multifunctional thermoplastic compounds that exhibit 60 dB of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. This paper will discuss the recent research that has been conducted in incorporating the carbon nanostructure/glass fiber hybrid into polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) and polyamide-6,6 (PA-6,6) and give a highlight of the material properties of the resulting compounds.
Sizing is applied to carbon and glass fiber during manufacturing to protect the fiber during and after production, impart processability, enable composite fabrication and provide interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix resin. If the sizing’s only function was to improve processability then it would be possible for one sizing to “fit all”, however interfacial adhesion is critical and for every matrix resin a different sizing chemistry is required. This presentation will provide an overview of sizing chemistries available and examples of their impact on processing and mechanical properties.
Ralph Buoniconti, Torben Kempers, Steven MacLean, May 2012
Establishing meaningful and reliable flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) requirements for aircraft and train components made from engineering thermoplastics is an ever-evolving task for the mass transit authorities throughout the globe. This paper attempts to clarify the current state of the US and EU regulations, the associated test methods and typical FST performance of the polymeric materials used today in the mass transit markets. Pending improvements to current FST requirements by the US FAA and the EU EASA regulating bodies, including provisions for heat release and smoke density, are also discussed.
Nazbanoo Noroozi, Jaclyn A. Thomson, Laurel L. Schafer, Savvas G. Hatzikiriakos, May 2012
The viscoelastic behaviour of a number of commercial and newly synthesized linear biodegradable polyesters - poly (?-caprolactone) (PCLs) with different molecular characteristics was investigated using both rotational and capillary rheometry. The variation of the zero-shear viscosity and relaxation spectrum with molecular weight was studied in detail. The PCL processing instabilities were studied by capillary extrusion using a number of capillary dies having various diameter and length-to- diameter ratios. Sharkskin and gross melt fracture was observed at different shear rates depending on the molecular characteristics of the resins and the geometrical details of the capillary dies.
Pigment loading level is one of the most critical factors, governing the properties of the injection molded components. Changing the ratio of the pigment (Colorant) to the base resin could result in failure of the molded component. Material characterization such as Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) can be conducted to determine the pigment loading level and correlate the failure with functional characteristics of the molded component. Higher concentration of the pigment results in loosing mechanical property of the plastic and thus resulting failure during end use of the product.
Tamas Deak, David Kazmer, Norbert Kovacs, May 2012
The process simulation of thermoset molding processes (e.g. transfer molding, liquid injection molding) becomes increasingly important, because it can significantly reduce the cost of product development. This demands the correct determination of heat transfer and rheological coefficients. The aim of this study was the designing and construction of an apparatus which can measure the thermal contact resistance and thermal conductivity of epoxy molding compounds in the same circumstances which they encounter during processing.
Ming-Shyan Huang, Sheng-Wei Tsai, Je-Wei Lian, Shih-Chih Nian, May 2012
The objective of this study is to find an optimal design of electromagnetic induction coil for mold surface heating. To simulate the temperature distribution of mold surface in the induction heating process, the commercial software of COMSOL Multiphysics is employed. Design parameters such as induction coils include coil diameter, heating distance, coil space, and electromagnetic induction frequency are considered in this research. The Taguchi method is used to analysis the effects of process parameters on the mold surface temperature distribution and heating rate. The simulation shows that: (1) coil diameter and coil space are the most significant parameters of affecting heating rate and temperature uniformity. (2) Small coil diameter increases the heating rate but results in non-uniform heating temperature. (3) Short heating distance is helpful for the heating rate but creates worse temperature variation. (4) Small coil space results in fast heating rate but generates significant temperature difference. (5) High induction frequency facilitates heating rate.
Thermal analytical techniques that are used to characterize nanocomposite formulations. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC, HyperDSC™), Thermogravimetry (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and the hyphenated technique Thermogravimetry-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TGA-GC-MS), are used to measure nanocomposites. These measurements help ensure that the nanocomposite manufacturing process is stable, reproducible, and reliable. This poster concentrates on the formulation and end product validation through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (HyperDSC™) characterization of the rigid and mobile amorphous fractions of a nanocomposite.
This paper presents the tensile properties of ABS parts fabricated by Fused Deposition Modeling rapid prototyping process. The mechanical behavior of FDM processed ABS parts for engineering applications is dictated by the FDM process parameters. This paper characterizes the tensile properties of ABS parts considering process parameters such as air gap, raster width, raster angle and build orientations. The tensile properties of FDM processed ABS parts are compared with that of injection molded ABS parts.
Richard Spragg, Geert van den Poel, Lilian Willems, Enrique lozeno Diz, Peng Ye, May 2012
Nylon 6 (polycaprolactam) is a polyamide that is widely used in the form of fibers. There are two crystalline forms, ? and ?. The common ? form has a fully extended planar zigzag conformation. The ? form differs in the hydrogen bonding between chains which produces a twisted gauche conformation about the C-N bond of the amide group. This change in conformation leads to significant differences in the Raman spectra of the two forms. The crystallization behavior of nylon-6 is known to differ between virgin and previously extruded material. DSC measurements show that crystallization from the melt occurs at about 173°C for virgin material but at about 185°C for samples that have previously been extruded. Combined Raman and DSC measurements provide different insights into thermally induced phase changes. In the case of semi-crystalline materials Ramandata gives qualitative information about molecular conformations to complement the purely quantitative information from DSC. We have used this approach to study crystallization in nylon-6.
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.
84 countries and 85.6k+ stakeholders strong, SPE
unites
plastics professionals worldwide – helping them succeed and strengthening their skills
through
networking, events, training, and knowledge sharing.
No matter where you work in the plastics industry
value
chain-whether you're a scientist, engineer, technical personnel or a senior executive-nor
what your
background is, education, gender, culture or age-we are here to serve you.
Our members needs are our passion. We work hard so
that we
can ensure that everyone has the tools necessary to meet her or his personal & professional
goals.
Need help from SPE Headquarters?
SPE HQ provides a range of services to Chapters. If you are a chapter and need HQ services (i.e.,
event registration - full list of HQ services can be found here), please fill out and submit the HQ services request form found
here: www.4spe.org/HQservices.
IMPORTANT! If you are simply looking to post your
event on SPE's calendar, please click the "Submit an Event" button below. All events
submitted for inclusion in the SPE calendar are subject to approval.
Going to a SPE event?
If you are going to a SPE event and need a Visa invitation letter, please submit your request for a Visa Invitation letter.
SPE Members receive discounted rates on all event registrations. Not a member of SPE? Join today!
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.
