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.
Irene Howell, Steve McCartney, Garth Wilkes, Eugene Joseph, May 2011
Styrene-ethylene/butylene styrene (SEBS) block copolymers are used in a wide range of film and molded applications, particularly where good weatherability (i.e. UV resistance) is needed. These block copolymers also have poor moisture transport characteristics. NexarTM is a family of pentablock copolymers recently developed by Kraton Polymers LLC, whose properties include (a) high water vapor transport, (b) good mechanical integrity, both dry and wet, (c) thermal and chemical resistance, and (d) ion selectivity. The purpose of this work was to create elastomeric films that have moisture transport properties and, to investigate the structure and properties of SEBS / Nexar's blends
Ultrasonically assisted extrusion of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds filled with carbon black (CB), carbon nanotube (CNT) and carbon nanofiber (CNF) was carried out. The effects of ultrasonic amplitude on extractable amount, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, abrasion, electrical resistivity and morphology were investigated. Ultrasonic treatment at certain amplitudes led to an increase of the crosslink density, modulus and tensile strength. Also, it caused a reduction in the electrical percolation threshold. A better dispersion of ZnO and creation of unique nanofiller agglomerates were observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy.
Melt blowing is an extrusion process that starts with a material in resin form and creates a final web in one step. The microfibers produced in this process are in the 0.5 to 10 micron range in diameter. Applications for this technology include filtration, fluid absorption and sound management . Electrospinning is a process that is used to produce nanofibers, and most of the current work is focused on electrospinning from solutions. The work presented will deal with the structure property behavior of single component and multilayer layer melt blown webs, and melt electrospun submicron fibers and webs.
Joseph Dooley, Jeff Robacki, Steve Jenkins, Patrick C. Lee, Robert Wrisley, May 2011
Many polymers are extruded through blown film dies to produce monolayer and multilayer films. The most popular style of die in use today to produce blown films is the spiral mandrel die. This type of die can be used effectively for many polymers in structures containing up to approximately 10 layers. This paper will discuss technology in which layer multiplication techniques are combined with unique die geometries to produce microlayer blown film structures with significantly greater numbers of layers.
The achievable final volatile content within kneader devolatilization processes is highly dependent on the final melt temperature. For thermosensitive polymers the state of the art process performs poorly. The amount of dissipated energy leads to a heat up of the polymer, limiting the maximal kneader shaft speed and therefore volatile removal rate. This new process uses a suitable additional volatile compound to cool off the dissipated energy by evaporation using the off gas to strip and boost the mass transfer coefficient. A complex multi-parameter study is presented, to predict performance of industrial equipment from pilot scale data.
Aminul Islam, Hans Hansen, Stefania Gasparin, Martin Bondo, May 2011
Glass fibers are used to reinforce plastics and to improve their mechanical properties. But plastics filled with glass fibers are concern for molding of micro parts. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of glass fiber on the replication quality and mechanical properties of polymeric thin ribs. It investigates the effect of feature size and gate location on distribution of glass fibers inside the molded parts. The results from this work indicate that glass filled plastic materials have poor replication quality and non-homogeneous mechanical properties due to the non-uniform distribution and orientation of glass fibers.
In this review paper the fundamentals of polymer viscoelasticity will be explained and its applications to different polymers will be discussed. Firstly, the viscous-state properties like viscosity, shear thinning, Newtonian flow, and molecular structure will be explained. Secondly, the solid-state properties like the storage modulus, loss modulus, thermal stability, and molecular mobility will be clarified. The relation of these properties to the thermo-mechanical properties of different polymers and nano-composites will be reviewed as well. Finally, a successful story of using viscoelasticity as a failure analysis tool will be summarized.
Deepak Langhe, Christine LaPorte, Andrew Shaver, Donald Paul, Anne Hiltner, Eric Baer, May 2011
Layer-multiplying coextrusion technology was used to produce multilayered films of polystyrene (PS) and polycarbonate (PC). The multilayered films with PS layer thickness down to 20nm were extruded. The structural relaxation of polystyrene under PC confinement was investigated using two approaches. In the first method, the PS layers were cooled from the melt at different rates. The subsequent heating thermograms revealed that the relaxation of the PS was similar to the bulk sample. Another experiment included physical aging of PS layers below the Tg at 80?øC. The subsequent heating thermograms showed that the aging rate of PS remained unchanged under confinement.
Christian Hopmann, Walter Michaeli, Andreas Schobel, May 2011
An important basis for a development of technical elastomer parts is the numerical structure analysis for the mechanical dimensioning i.e. Finite-Element-Analysis (FEA). The mechanical properties of carbon-black filled elastomers are highly dependent on the load-condition (uniaxial, pure shear and equibiaxial). Standard material models do not take the load condition into account and describe the material behavior rather poorly. In order to describe the load condition-dependent mechanical material behaviour accurately, subroutines are developed for the FEA. The usage of these hyperelastic material models furthermore leads to a more accurate description of the mechanical behaviour for the examined carbon black filled rubber.
The ability to be recycled is an important attribute for many plastics. By melting and reprocessing thermoplastics for re-use the carbon footprint can typically be reduced compared to the use of virgin materials. The benefits of incorporating recycle content into new and existing applications, however, must be tempered by the reality that recycled plastics may not have the same performance as virgin materials due to either 1) degradation by weathering/aging, 2) contamination, or 3) thermo-mechanical degradation from re-processing. To minimize these effects, it is important to understand the benefits of utilizing impact modifiers and compatibilizers.
There are many ways to characterize and communicate essential information about plastic materials destined for use in lighting applications. Most lack the specificity required by the lighting systems designer in order to predict system performance. There are ways to model and specify materials that provide easier intuitive understanding and techniques that allow predictive CAD tools to be used.
Lighting materials description
Conventional methods of characterization
Improved methods of characterization and description
Influence on solid state light sources
Comparisons of methods for use in subsequent modeling
Indah Widiastuti, Igor Sbarski, Syed Masood, May 2011
This paper evaluates the potential use of biodegradable polymer for fuel system components by considering operating conditions. Organic liquid diffusion into biodegradable polymer was observed by fuel immersion at various temperatures ranging from 5 to 50§C until the equilibrium condition was achieved. During the immersion time, mass uptake and length swelling were recorded periodically. The data were plotted for diffusion coefficient calculation at each temperature. Changes in mechanical properties were also investigated through tensile, flexural and impact testing. The results resemble the impact of gasoline absorption on biodegradable polymers when used for the under-hood components of a vehicle.
Header Haddad, Igor Sbarski, David McPherson, May 2011
This paper examine thermal expansion coefficient (CTE), flexural strength (FS) of polymer concrete (PC) containing different resin volume fraction (RVF) and figuring out the influence of the CET on the precision of the CNC grinding machine. Different samples of PC have been prepared adopting variety RVF as follows 17%, 15% and 13%. Aggregates were Basalt, Sand, and Fly Ash. CET was tested using custom built device. FS was tested according to Australian standard AS 1012.11. Results illustrates that RVF in PC has significant effect on CET, FS. ANSYS 12.1 visualize the CET influence on effective components of CNC grinding machine.
Because of the difficult contact with miniaturised components the following treatment steps must already considered with the micro injection molding production . Micro injection molding parts have connected a low weight with a surface relatively big to the mass. The electric-static forces lead to the liability of the parts in the tool surfaces, what prevents dropping into the container.A manual use of the parts is, because of the low dimensions no more possible. With the micro injection molding process, the application of using automation devices are necessary already with unusually low numbers of micro parts.
The last decades have seen rapid development in hard-machining, enabling faster tool-manufacturing when using pre-hardened tool steels. Such steels are usually delivered in hardness up to Approx. 40 HRC. However, pre-hardened tool steel having 45 HRC is today available on the market. Such hardness is suitable in many molding applications, but when molding reinforced plastics, such as glass-fiber reinforced ones, higher mold surface hardness is required to achieve desired mold life length. Application of surface engineering (Nitriding, PVD-coating etc.) on pre-hardened tool steel enables the tool designer/tool maker to tailor-make the desired mold surface properties
To reduce manufacturing costs and address environmental issues, coatings free Mold-In-Color plastics are now replacing coated plastics. This paper will explore the physical property retention / weathering performance of various Mold-In-Color plastics used for exterior trim. Exposed specimens are analyzed for their change in physical properties then analyzed for change in surface chemistry via infrared spectroscopy and surface topography. It is concluded that some plastics containing styrene experience a change in physical properties and surface chemistry upon UV expose while other materials like PMMA acrylic retain their original performance.
Mingyi Wang, Wenli Zhu, R.K.M. Chu, Hongtao Zhang, Chul B. Park, Nanqiao Zhou, May 2011
The PP/PS/Nano-clay blends were foamed in this paper using a single-screw extruder foaming system and cell structure of foamed samples was characterized using SEM. By comparing cell morphology, foam expansion ratio, cell density etc, the effect of blend ratio for R-PP/PS/Nano-clay blends on cell morphology of foamed samples was studied. The results showed foaming behavior of PP could be improved when it was blended with PS, and the addition of Nano-clay further improved the foaming property of the blends. Microcellular foamed plastics with cell-population density as high as 2.16 108cells/cm3 were obtained when 5wt% Nano-clay was included in the formulation.
Mingyi Wang, R.K.M. Chu, Wenli Zhu, Chul B. Park, Nanqiao Zhou, Hongtao Zhang, May 2011
Foaming behavior of PP/PDMS blends was investigated using a single extruder foaming system, with CO2 as the foaming agent. Influences of die temperature and foaming agent conten on foam expansion ratio, cell density and die pressure were analyzed. Our research showed that gas loss and crystallization stiffening of the melt at low temperature were the two governing factors of foam expansion ratio, and the addition of PDMS improved the expansion ratio of PP foamed samples at higher loadings (5wt% and 7wt%) of foaming agent. Foamed samples with expansion ratio as high as 23 were obtained as 5wt% CO2 was used.
Duana Priddy, Brad Arnold, Kevin Battjes, May 2011
CPVC pipes and fittings are commonly used in hydronic heating systems. However, there are occasional failures of CPVC pipes and fittings used in these systems due to chemical contamination by the lubricant oil used in the heat exchanger refrigerant. Although leaks in the heat exchanger are rare, when a leak does occur, it can lead to almost immediate failure of the CPVC piping system. This paper discusses the results of our forensic failure analyses on CPVC hydronic piping. Also we present the results of our studies on the chemical compatibility of refrigerant lubricant oils.
The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) and the electrical properties of linear low density polyethylene modified by heat treated carbon nanofibers (Pyrograf III PR-19) and mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers were investigated. After thermal treatment of the nanofibers to 2500C, 20 wt% PR-19 thermal treated nanocomposites displayed a resistivity of ~1e5 cm, and EMI SE values as high as 15 dB for most of the VHF-UHF frequency range. These nanocomposites retained half of the flexibility and strength as well as one-third of the ductility, relative to the LLDPE. EMI SE analysis indicates that absorption is the primary shielding mechanism.
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.
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