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 relationship between particle size and volume fraction, viscosity ratio, interfacial tension, and shear stress was suggested, which can be used to estimate quantitatively experimental data of particle sizes in concentrated polymer blends, for simple shear flow. The relationship explains the observation that, for coalescence-suppressed polyethylene/polyamide-6 blends with high viscosity ratio (>>1), to which maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene was added as a compatibilizer, the particle sizes decreased with the increase of the dispersed phase weight fraction.
Unlike properties such as impact or hardness that are directly measured in physical units, Color and Appearance are visual phenomenon that involves a physiological response by an observer. Color and Appearance are personal judgments that depend on how and under what conditions the observation is made. So how do we measure Color and Appearance and how can we set meaningful limits for those measurements?This paper reviews the basics of Color and Appearance measurement, Colorimetry, and addresses some of the important considerations in successful use of numerical tolerances.
Organic and inorganic pigments differ from dyes in that they remain particulate in application. Dyes are substances that are soluble or go into solution during the application process. Dyes’ coloristic properties are almost completely a function of their chemistry, but the properties of pigments greatly depend upon the physical characteristics of their particles. In the discussions below, the relationship of pigments' physical characteristics, especially organic pigments, to their application properties will be examined.
It is the goal of instrumental color measurement to correlate with our visual assessment 100% of the time. Much work has been performed over the years evaluating how well various color difference equations meet this objective. In this new study, seventy-six colors were evaluated using CIELab, CMC, and the proposed CIE DE2000 equations as they compared to the visual assessment. No equation yielded the desired 100% correlation.
Optical characterization of films presents several challenges to manufacturers and processors of polymers. Defects in polymer films create both mechanical and aesthetic problems in end-use situations. Grading of films has historically been subjective and time consuming when determining quantity and quality of flaws. This paper intends to discuss how newer transmitted-light technology can be applied to objectively grade and compare the film quality of polyolefin compounds.
M.P. McCourt, G.M. Mc Nally, A.C. Ruddy, W.R. Murphy, May 2004
This work investigates the diffusion of methanol, ethanol and toluene in Poly(butyleneterephthalate), (PBT) and Nylon 12 over a range of temperatures from 8°C to 60°C. The results show that substantial solvent uptake was noted for Nylon in methanol and ethanol. Solvent uptake in PBT occurred only at the higher temperatures in toluene. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis also showed progressive decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg) and storage modulus (E’) with increase in solvent uptake.
This paper will provide a look at various ways to post-mold decorate plastic parts including material selection, part design considerations, various manufacturing methods and the environment of the decorating process as well as the environment of the finished part.
Eric J. Moskala, Brian T. Eiselstein, Michael C. Morrow, Danny A. Free, May 2004
Ultrasonic welding is routinely used to join thermoplastic parts used in medical devices. This paper examines the effects of physical aging, welding parameters, and joint design on weld strength using an amorphous copolyester. Recommendations for obtaining the optimal ultrasonic weld are presented.
Michelle Moran, A. Lillian Buan-Delos Santos, James J. Penn, May 2004
The effect of blending drop temperature of a highly plasticized PVC resin was studied from compounding through extrusion and e-beam sterilization to produce medical grade tubing. Material characterization of the dry blend, pellets, and sterilized extruded tubing identified parameters in dry-blending and extrusion, which influenced the non-absorbed or free" plasticizer content and mechanical properties of the extruded tubing."
Molding of miniature parts (less than 10 cubic millimeters in volume) from liquid silicone rubber requires specialized molding machines and mold design to minimize flash and assure quality parts. Medical device part examples are used to illustrate sprue, runner, gate and part design concepts for these small parts. Techniques for insert molding LIM into thermoplastic parts to achieve bonding and minimum flash are reviewed.
Charles J. O’Neil, Lawrence A. Acquarulo, Jr., Nikhil R. Jain, Jonathan Faucher, May 2004
Polymer or nanocomposites are a new class of materials having promise of significantly improving properties over traditionally filled polymers.We have recently seen as increase in interest for nanocomposite nylon 12 for use in catheter shafts. The main desire is for increased stiffness. We have found that the amount of clay has a major effect on increasing the stiffness of nylon 12. This study was performed to determine the clay level that gives the best balance of overall properties.
C.M. Vaz, D. Tchalamov, R.L. Reis, A.M. Cunha, May 2004
Novel bi-layer delivery devices have been designed and produced using an innovative processing technique in the field: two material co-injection molding. The study confirmed the potential of these systems to achieve bimodal drug delivery (fast release/slow release/fast release). Depending on the formulation of the skin/core combination it was possible to tailor systems to deliver active agents at a programmed time and rate.
Sealing technologies like heat sealing, impulse heat sealing, high frequency welding or hot air welding. Review of the basic principles of Ultrasonic welding, it’s advantages and limitations. Explanation how Ultrasonics can assure hermetic seals, even with contaminated surfaces (fluids, solids or fibers between the sealing surfaces). Sealing of complex multi layer composite foils (laminate foils) with Ultrasonics. sealing of heat sensitive products (no change of the product flavor). Sealing of extremely thin foils (tube bag applications, flow wrappers).
Supply chain management is quickly becoming an important core competency for many companies. Effective supply chain management doesn’t just involve the procurement process but encompasses any function that can improve internal processes used to satisfy customer orders. An actual business case study will be used to illustrate a successful approach to profitable supply chain management.
The American plastics industry is at a crossroad created by increased international competitive pressures as well as industry maturation and consolidation. Coming from this crossroad most likely will be a new set of value propositions aimed at battling not just on component price, but adding value to other parts of OEM’s and other customers’ businesses. One such value proposition integrates speed and flexibility to drive lower overall total cost of acquisition.
We face increasing sophistication of plastic product development as well as a need to improve competitiveness. To meet these challenges, a large number of computer technologies are being developed, each promising to be the ‘silver bullet’ to success and profitability. This proliferation of new systems includes automation products, optimizations, simulations, monitoring, collaborative tools, etc...This paper explores the injection molded product design and development process and identifies what roll software should play in the process.
Additives which act as flame retardants can contribute significantly to smoke generation because they decrease the efficiency of the fuel source and, as a result, create a sooty combustion. Evaluations of various FRs in vinyl compounds will be discussed with information on a new material which shows significant reduced flammability and low levels of smoke evolution.
Robert E. Lee, Elisabeth Papazoglou, Cindy Doumen, May 2004
This paper deals with controlled rheology (vis-cracked) polyolefins and new concepts in stabilization to reduce peroxide consumption and retain color and other performance criteria. Recently, non-phenolic stabilizer systems have been introduced for improved gas fade resistance but increased peroxide consumption drove up systems cost. Therefore, new concepts must balance total requirements for rheology control and stabilization.
Our research has shown a unique approach to achieving similar physical properties to directly compounded polypropylene-glass fiber composites, using masterbatches with up to 60 percent by weight of chemically coupled glass fibers. The masterbatch compounds were diluted directly with virgin PP in an injection molding process, and are shown to provide nearly equivalent properties to the directly compounded composites.
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.
