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 new polyetherimide homopolymer with a Tg of ~250°C has been produced. The resin has the melt processability of lower Tg polyetherimides but increases heat related properties by ~30°C. The performance features of this resin will be discussed along with some of its polymer blends. The new polyetherimide sulfone is miscible with existing polyetherimides allowing a range of transparent materials to be produced.
Glass filled polyetherimide blends can offer a wider range of attractive performance features: non-halogen flame retardancy, high strength and stiffness and excellent dimensional stability. One drawback to these resins has been their relatively low flow in injection molding applications. New additive technology has been developed that can improve flow ~25-35% while retaining other important performance features. Commercial products using fiber glass and milled glass blends have been developed using this new technology.
Mikhail Merzlyakov, Yan Meng, Sindee L. Simon, Gregory B. McKenna, May 2004
We have developed two novel methods for measuring isotropic stress development in thermosetting resins during cure and subsequent thermal cycling. We use a sealed stainless steel spherical pressure vessel and thick-wall tube to impose three-dimensional isotropic constraints. The strain at the outer surface of the load cell is monitored by strain gauges. The isotropy of the stresses in tension and compression are examined for both methods.
During the last decade, semiconducting conjugated molecules and polymers have undergone a rapid development and show promise as low cost alternatives to the materials used in current technologies such as silicon and other inorganic materials. In this talk, we describe recent advances in their use for real-time holographic processing, and in organic electro-luminescent devices for displays.
Karolina P. Fritz, Rena M. Greenwald, Gregory D. Scholes, May 2004
It is of interest to develop new anisotropic materials for light emission. To this end, we have aligned poly[2-methoxy-5-(2’-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4- phenylevinylene], MEH-PPV, in two different nematic liquid crystalline matrices, pentylcyanobiphenyl, 5CB, and a mixture of n-cyanobiphenyl liquid crystal, E7. Their alignment was investigated through linear dichroism measurements. Based on this work, a new family of optoelectronic devices and display technologies can be envisioned.
Laser micrometer and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the die swell and shark skin of calcium filled polyethylene. The results were strongly correlated with the filler loading and the temperature.
The structural properties of eight linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) resins are investigated using thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A thermal segregation technique was used to characterize the short chain branching distribution of the resins. Although each of the eight resins has a similar density and melt index, the molecular structures are all very different, with regard to the frequency and distribution of branching.
Common food and drug plastic packaging materials of polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride and polyethylene terephthalate have been analyzed for aromatic hydrocarbons using thermal desorption gas chromatography/ mass spectroscopy. All four types contain detectable levels of benzene, toluene, xylenes and naphthalene compounds. The source, at least in part, is believed to be gasoline vapors in the air. Polystyrene contains the highest level of aromatic hydrocarbons.
A new toughening method which can be used for modifying thermosets is developed. An epoxy resin system is used for demonstration. Expandable hollow microspheres are also used for modification of the resin system. Heat treatment was conducted to produce compressive residual stress around hollow microspheres in solidified epoxy. Toughening mechanisms are discussed. A cavitation criterion in the presence of compressive residual stress is proposed.
Jeffrey M. Lawrence, Mathieu Devillard, Suresh G. Advani, May 2004
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) has been used to manufacture advanced composite parts. In this paper, we present the design and validation of an automated RTM intelligent workstation. A new injection method, which can deliver the resin to various locations within the mold, while still allowing any individual gate to be opened or closed at any time during the filling, was designed and tested.
Charles Swannack, Christopher Cox, Douglas Hirt, Anastasios Liakos, May 2004
Nanocomposite polymer-clay films are inherently complex systems. Many classical and recent models study this system in two dimensions via a “brick-like” structure. However, a 2D approach may not sufficiently capture 3D effects. The results of a 3D simulation will be presented which examines the effects of various geometries on the computed diffusion coefficient will be presented. These results will then be compared to existing models.
Shane Bartus, Chad Ulven, Uday K. Vaidya, Selvum Pillay, Gregg M. Janowski, Klaus Gleich, May 2004
The use of long fiber thermoplastic (LFT) composites has been increasing in the mass transit and automotive industries, as a result of the progress made in new materials and processing technologies. The present work focuses on process simulation of the extrusion-compression molding process for LFTs. Material and process parameters were varied to investigate the flow front and fiber orientation in typical structural shapes such as flat sections and ribs.
John Muzzy, Youjiang Wang, Melinda Satcher, Bryan Shaw, Andrew McNamara, Josh Norton, May 2004
Over 2 million tons of post-consumer carpet is landfilled each year. This waste carpet is a potential resource for composites. Since waste carpets can be rapidly identified and sorted by face fiber, this paper focuses on the processing and properties of nylon 6 post-consumer carpet. The carpet is cleaned, shredded and extrusion pelletized. This feedstock is compounded with glass fibers and compatibilizers. Based on the properties achieved and the projected costs, applications are identified.
A new class of fiber-reinforced composite materials is being designed in our laboratory by using a hybrid of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. The thermosetting polymers form separate phase upon reaction-induced phase separation and create morphology on the fiber surfaces. Consequently, strong fiber-polymer bonding of thermosetting composites and high fracture toughness of thermoplastic polymers are obtained from the same composite.
Orientation tensors are widely used to describe fiber distributions in short fiber reinforced composite systems. This paper considers the effect of using lower order tensors in process simulations, and when computing mechanical properties for the composite structure from the flow calculations. Evaluations are performed by reconstructing the distribution function from successively higher order orientation tensors in a Fourier Series representation. Examples of fiber orientations in simple flow fields are provided.
Filled thermoplastic polyetherimide and polystyrene samples were prepared and their morphological and melt processing properties were studied with respect to the processing conditions and filler loadings. The results should provide insights that are needed to solve complex issues encountered in the industry dealing with the recycling and processing of this important class of thermoplastic materials.
Chuan-Yang Wang, Han-Xiong Huang, Zhi-Min Xie, May 2004
An image processing program suitable for analyzing the microstructure of polymer/organic-montmorillonite (org-MMT) nanocomposites was developed based on the MATLAB software. The TEM photomicrographs of polypropylene/org-MMT were analyzed using the program. It has been revealed that the shape and size of the MMT in nanocomposites can be determined effectively and promptly by using the image processing program.
Intercalated natural crystalline graphite compounds [GICs] were formed followed by exfoliation and milling to produce sub-micron graphite flakes. SEM and TEM images showed that the average size of graphite became 0.86 um with a thickness of around 5 nm. The cost of this new nano-size graphite material was estimated to be around $5/lb or less. Since exfoliated graphite has superior mechanical, electrical, thermal properties and cost effectiveness, this material has been shown to be a superior potential reinforcement for polymer nanocomposites.
High-density polyethylene/clay nanocomposites were prepared, using a twin-screw extruder. The nanocomposites were characterized with TEM, XRD, DSC, optical microscopy and tensile testing. The results show some exfoliation and indicate that the clay does not affect the melting temperature or crystallinity of the HDPE. However, the clay acts as nucleation agent and reduces the crystallite size. The clay improved the modulus, without causing large decrease in the elongation and impact strength.
Laurent Gervat, Anthony Bonnet, François Court, Michel Glotin, Christophe Navarro, May 2004
SBM is a new family of copolymers constituted of three blocks of linear chains covalently bonded to one another: polyStyrene, 1,4polyButadiene and syndiotactic polyMethylMethacrylate.The polar and apolar moieties on the same molecule render SBM ideal interfacial agents for many incompatible systems, offering innovative possibilities in the design of new high performance polymeric blends.This concept has already been successfully applied to several pairs of incompatible polymers. New achievements with PVDF / PPE are presented.
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.
