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.
Phosphonium-modified montmorillonite (PMM) organoclays were used to produce polystyrene (PS)/clay nanocomposites by melt processing. Two PS resins with different molecular weights were used, along with four different PMM organoclays. The structure of the resulting nanocomposites was characterized using wide angle X-ray and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the quality of clay dispersion, nanocomposite thermal stability, and flexural mechanical properties depend on the combination of organoclay type and PS molecular weight. The differences are discussed in light of the interfacial tension values measured for the different PS/PMM systems.
Flow instabilities cause various problems in extrusion blow- or flat film processes. Especially shark skin is affected by the molecular structure. This phenomenon is analyzed in various scientific works using apparatus that are complex or difficult in operation.A new set-up, now available is being presented as an option for new and existing capillary rheometers, consisting of a special designed die and a fast responsive transducers system. The software allows the evaluation of diverse pressure frequency regimes causing flow instabilities. Measurement examples are given for different shear rates and polymers. The measured frequency regimes are related to molecular parameters.
Gowrishankar Srinivasan, Michael Kessler, David Grewell, May 2007
This paper reviews an investigation of the processability and properties of commercially available corn protein polymers for cast film products. Different formulations of protein substrates were cast and characterized for their mechanical properties. In this study it was seen that zein plastic sheets could be cast with tensile strengths as high as 6 MPa with a strain to failure of 6%. In addition, ultrasonic treatment of the solution, prior to casting, reduced the tensile strengths; however, the treatment did enhance the strain to failure to as high as 200%. Lastly, the addition of nanoclays also reduced the tensile strength of the cast films.
R.Vedaiyan, C.Banerjee, Jag Sankar, J.Lou, May 2007
A novel nanocomposite membrane, poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS)/Au was prepared for carbon dioxide/methane separation. Synthesis of stabilized nano particles is also reported. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hybrid membrane was characterized morphologically by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the change in inter-segmental distance due to filler loading by wide angle X-ray diffraction patterns (WAXD). The gas transport properties were measured at different pressures and temperatures. The effects of filler loading on permselectivity, diffusivity selectivity and solubility selectivity are reported for CO2/CH4 separation. Reverse selective phenomena of PDMS/Au nanocomposite membrane over the conventional PDMS membrane is explained based on sorption kinetics of CO2.
Xin Hu, Chuntai Liu, Guojun Xu, L. James Lee, May 2007
Understanding the free surface flow of viscoelastic fluids in micro-channels is important for the design and optimization of micro-injection molding processes. In this paper, flow visualization of a non-Newtonian polyacrylamide (PA) aqueous solution in a transparent polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) channel with microfeatures was carried out to study the flow dynamics in micro-injection molding. The transient flow near the flow front and vortex formation in microfeatures were observed. Simulations based on the control volume finite element method (CVFEM) and the volume of fluid (VOF) technique were carried out to investigate the velocity field, pressure, and shear stress distributions. The mesoscopic CONNFFESSIT (Calculation of Non-Newtonian Flow: Finite Elements and Stochastic Simulation Technique) method was also used to calculate the normal stress difference, the orientation of the polymer molecules and the vortex formation at steady state.
M.D. Sanchez-Garcia, E. Gimenez, J.M. Lagaron, May 2007
PET is one of the polymers most widely used in the packaging industry. However, it is highly desirable to enhance its barrier properties for applications such as carbonated drinks and for other rigid and flexible packaging applications. The nanocomposites route offers unique possibilities to enhance the properties of this material, provided that adequate thermally resistant and legislation complying nanofillers are used. This paper presents novel nanocomposites of PET with enhanced barrier properties to oxygen, water and d-limonene based on a new specifically developed food contact complying montmorillonite grade. Morphology and thermal properties are also discussed as a function of filler content.
Sarah Chung, Ken Oliphant, Patrick Vibien, Jingguo Zhang, May 2007
The three most common disinfectants in potable water are chlorine, chloramines and chlorine dioxide. While these disinfectants are all oxidants, their unique characteristics can result in a significantly different impact on the performance of plumbing system components. In this paper, the chemistry and characteristics of the oxidants are discussed in the context of oxidative degradation of plastic piping system components. Testing strategies to ensure material performance in potable water applicationsare presented and reviewed.
Thania Gaído, Narayan Bhagavatula, José M. Castro, May 2007
Selecting proper process settings is crucial in injection molding as part quality is greatly influenced by the process conditions. The locations of the injection gate need to be decided before the mold is made. Other processing variables can be adjusted during start up; however changing the gate location at a later stage involves great cost. In this work, we analyze the effect of gate location on process consistency for an automotive part, using a multivariable optimization method called Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA).
Electron beam (E-beam) exposure is becoming increasingly popular as a lower cost alternative for the sterilization of medical devices and rigid medical packaging. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of E-beam sterilization on several plastics typically used in medical devices and packaging including: copolyesters, polycarbonate, acrylic and cellulosic polymers. Exposures of 25 and 50 kGy (2.5 to 5.0 Mrad) were found to induce significant yellowing. However, color measurements performed at various intervals subsequent to the exposures indicated that the yellowing decreased over time, each plastic to a different degree. Effects of these E-beam exposures on physical properties of these plastics were also determined.
An integrated optimization system that can adaptively and intelligently determine the optimal process conditions for injection molding has been developed. Nonlinear statistical regression techniques and design of computer experiments are used to establish adaptive surrogate models that can substitute time-consuming numerical simulation and quickly provide predictions with adequate accuracy for system-level optimization. While the Gaussian process (GP) surrogate model is being refined, a multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) is employed for the global optimal solutions in a concurrent fashion. The performance and capability of various surrogate modeling approaches—i.e., Gaussian process (GP), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector regression (SVR)—are also investigated and compared in terms of accuracy, robustness, and efficiency. The examples presented in this paper show that the adaptive optimization procedure helps engineers determine optimal process conditions more efficiently and effectively.
Sarah Chung, Tony Kosari, Tieqi Li, Ken Oliphant, Patrick Vibien, Jingguo Zhang, May 2007
Disinfectants in potable water, such as chlorine and chlorine dioxide, can impact the performance of plastic piping system components. In this paper, field failures of plastic piping components exposed to potable water are examined. Analysis of the oxidative and mechanical initiation and propagation mechanisms leading to failure is performed. Field and laboratory samples are also compared to assess the test methodologies that are available to evaluate the impact of disinfectants on plastic piping systems.
Lilac Cuiling Wang, Markus Bussmann, Chul B. Park, May 2007
This paper presents a mathematical model and numerical analysis of momentum transport and heat transfer of polymer melt flow in a standard cooling extruder. The finite element method is used to solve the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations based on a moving barrel formulation; a semi-Lagrangian approach based on an operator-splitting technique is used to solve the heat transfer advection–diffusion equation. A periodic boundary condition is applied to model fully developed flow. The effects of polymer properties on melt flow behavior, and the additional effects of considering heat transfer, are presented.
Compressed viscose sponges can be applied in devices in which a force is exerted when the compressed sponge is wetted. These sponges are used as actuator in a device to rescue keys attached to the floating device when it drops in water.Experiments have been carried out to determine the magnitude of the exerted force as a function of the mass of compressed sponges, but also as a function of the gap between the sponge and the object on which the force is exerted.From the experiments it was learned that the gap is predominant. Compressed sponges exert a force which is more than 4 times higher than the case when a gap of more than 1.5 mm exists.
Ideal nucleating agents are expected to improve the cell morphology of plastics foams (i.e., higher cell densities, smaller cell size, and narrower cell size distribution) by providing heterogeneous nucleation sites. Surface geometry is one of the factors that govern the nucleating power of nucleating agents. Based on the computer simulation of a batch foaming process of polystyrene/carbon dioxide system, this paper indicates that nucleating agents having numerous crevices of small semi-conical angles, are most desirable for polymeric foaming processes.
Ronald D. Moffitt, Wei Zhang, William J. Donohue, Tom A. Zbell, W. Charles Mattox, Wesley J. Queen, May 2007
Welding time shifting expressions based upon time-temperature superposition (tTS) and hot air nozzle spacing were used to establish industrial process scale-up and design relationships for a continuous cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liner manufacturing process. The application of tTS was successfully demonstrated to apply equally well to the commercial CIPP assembly bonding of thermoplastic polyurethane tape to a coated thermoplastic polyurethane coated felt substrate and to the hot air self-welding of a polyester needle-punched felt.
Models for hard-block segmented polyurethanes were synthesized using a pre-polymer process. Urethane linkages were synthesized using hydrogenated methylenediphenyldiisocyanate (H12MDI) reacted with dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA) and hexanol. Urea linkages were synthesized using H12MDI and hexylamine. The resulting small molecules were then subjected to solution and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to determine the reaction coordinates, to investigate possible side reactions, and to document 13C peaks and reaction times.
Marianne Gilbert, Noreen L Thomas, Xiaoran Zheng, Styliani Georgiadou, Brian Brooks, May 2007
The most widely used nanofillers for plastics are the organically modified nanoclays, in particular montmorillonite. However these clays cannot be used successfully in PVC, as they contain ammonium groups which accelerate PVC degradation. This paper considers a number of alternative nanofillers for both rigid and flexible PVC, and focuses on methods of dispersion of these fillers (involving mixing, melt blending, and polymerisation), suitable formulations to avoid thermal degradation, and potential for property enhancement.
Dale B. Edwards, Lawrence J. Broutman, Alan I. Kasner, May 2007
Polypropylene has been used for many years in hot water applications with varying degrees of success. Failures in one instance were traced to a stabilizer package that inadequately protected the polymer in a hot, chlorinated water environment. This same stabilizer system performed extremely well in oven aging tests. The current study involved examination and analysis of failed samples from the field, along with laboratory aging studies designed to replicate the field failures and compare the performance of the stabilizer system in different environments.
Renewable resource based bioplastic are the next generation of materials, which will play a major role in building of a sustainable bioeconomy. Polylactide (PLA) is a renewable resource based bioplastic. The realm of PLA bioplastic is expanding through innovative research methodology, products and processes. There is pressing want to enhance the versatility of this bioplastic, so that it can compete with conventional polymers. Inclusion of nanostructures in polymeric matrices is looked upon as unique approach to create revolutionary material combinations. Harnessing the benefits of nanotechnology in generating new biobased material is considered as a benign approach. Biodegradable polymer-clay nanocomposites have already been explored extensively. The niche application of nanotechnology to bring breakthrough research in the field of biobased polymer is still elusive. Recently, polylactide (PLA) has been modified with a new technology based on nanoscopic hyperbranched polymers (HBP) at Michigan State University. The modified PLA has shown a unique balance of stiffness and toughness. Such modified PLA bioplastic will act as ideal matrix for nano-clay, talc as well as natural fiber reinforcements leading to the development of new materials from PLA bioplastics.
With a recent push toward non-brominated flame retardants, phosphorus-based alternatives, such as phosphate esters, are used more frequently for various applications. Their use as plasticizers is also well known. However, their function as environmental stress crack agents of various thermoplastics is less well recognized. Two case studies, one - in which a triaryl phosphate was a component of the formulation, the other – in which it was migrating from an adjacent component illustrate some of the problems with their use. Fractographic analysis and various analytical techniques were used to determine a root cause of each of the two failures.
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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