SPE Library

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.

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Conference Proceedings

New Color & Effect Pigments and Trends for Plastics

Doreen Becker, May 2014

This paper will review the newest color and effect pigments that have been recently introduced to the marketplace including features benefits and comparisons to traditional products that have been used in the past few years. The paper will also review color trends for teletronics, aviation, sporting goods and toys for 2010.

Developing Cost Effective Co-Extruded Film Structures for Flexible Packaging

Nitin Borse, Norman Aubee, May 2014

Co-extrusion enables the combination of attributes of different polymeric resins to create films having unique and tailor-made properties. In this study we show that the proper selection and the correct placement of different polyethylene resins in co-extruded structures enables one to produce films having improved toughness and optical properties in a cost effective way. It was concluded that using single-site linear low density polyethylene in film structures makes this possible.

Rapid Heat Cycle Molding, Surface Topography and Visual Appearance of Injection Molded Parts. Research Work in Leoben in the Last 10 Years.

Gerald R. Berger, Dieter P. Gruber, Gernot A. Pacher, Johannes Macher, Walter Friesenbichler, May 2014

Different aspects on surface quality of injection molded parts have been researched in Leoben in the last decade. This paper will give a short overview on our research work, considering rapid heat cycle molding, surface topography and visual appearance of polymer part surfaces with special focus on weld lines, sink marks, and gloss differences, respectively.

Using One-Sided Constraints to Improve Prediction of Core Shift during Mold Filling Simulation

Alexander Bakharev, Zhiliang Fan, David Astbury, May 2014

Uneven distribution of melt flow around a core pin during injection molding can result in core shift. Many real life injection molds establish one-side constraints for the cores then the core is free to deform in one direction but cannot deform in the opposite direction. In the article we present algorithms and results of mold filling simulations that take into account one-sided constraints on deformation of the mold cores.

A Comparison of the Residence Time in Micro-Extruders and its Effect on Molecular Weight for Low Output Applications

Kevin R. Slusarz, May 2014

This study investigates the residence time in micro extruders for low output applications. The micro extruders that were analyzed included extruder diameters between 12mm and 25.4mm. This study will show the effect of extruder screw speed on the residence time and compare that to theoretical calculations. Additionally, the study also demonstrates the change in molecular weight for a fixed output rate on the different extruder diameters.

Light Cure Adhesive Best Practices/Technical Overview

Daniel Hanscom, May 2014

While light curing technology provides many benefits to manufacturers, careful product selection and planning are needed to assure a smooth change over from existing, slower curing processes. Manufacturers must carefully weigh a variety of process variables to assure a smooth transition from older adhesive technologies when setting up a new light curing process like choosing the light source, understanding the substrates, opacity of materials, implementing process monitoring, adhesive selection and numerous other factors.

The Sole Effect of Lateral Stress on Solids Conveying

Stephen J. Derezinski, May 2014

The lateral stress ratio of the solid feed resin has been shown to be a key factor in solids conveying. The lateral stress ratio has also been measured to be a function of primary stress, and it can vary significantly. Modeling of solids conveying is done to illustrate the effect of different stress ratio functions of polyethylene on solids conveying. Experimental results are used to validate the model and the fact that normal variations in lateral stresses are significant in solids conveying performance.

Cyclic Olefine Copolymer (COC) Nanocomposites and Nanocomposite Foams: Preparation, Morphology and Properties

Yan Li, Hui Wang, Md Deloyer Jahan, Changchun Zeng, May 2014

Cyclic olefin copolymers (COC)/ multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites of different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) concentration were prepared by melt blending. The dispersion of the CNTs in the polymer matrix was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The rheological property and the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites were studied. In addition, the nanocomposites were foamed by carbon dioxide, and the effects of the CNTs on the foam cell morphology were investigated.

Self-Optimizing in Injection Molding and the Problem at Compensating Viscosity Fluctuations

Axel Reßmann, Christian Hopmann, May 2014

A self-optimizing injection process can compensate temperature fluctuations. But viscosity fluctuations are not considered in this concept, yet. Modifying the injection flow rate can balance the shrinkage potential but results although in varying residual stresses.

Development of Low Gloss Polyacetal

Matt Orlando, Masayuki Nagai, Satoshi Nagai, May 2014

Nowadays low gloss Polyacetal (POM) materials are required for automotive interior parts. In this study, new low gloss POM was developed. Original organic particles having effective interaction with POM, was developed as the matting agent. Consequently, excellent low gloss appearance with a good balance of mechanical properties is obtained. In addition, weather resistant and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emission technology could be applied to this low gloss POM.

Steady State and Response Time Temperature Validation for a Multivariate Injection Molding Sensor

Guthrie Gordon, David O. Kazmer, Robert X. Gao, Zhaoyan Fan, Xinyao Tang, May 2014

An infrared temperature sensor is detailed using a thermopile with an incorporated thermistor into a standard Dynisco snout. A testing apparatus was built to measure the temperature of a heated polymer at steady state. The apparatus was also used to validate the response time of the multivariate senor. Results show the multivariate sensor can accurately measure temperature with a response time of approximately 200 milliseconds.

Virtual Prototyping Applied to Flat Extrusion Die

Cathy Gomez, May 2014

This paper discusses the use of virtual prototyping for industrial extrusion die. We used numerical simulation to analyze the flow behavior in a PVC extrusion die. First, 3D isothermal simulation is used to investigate the flow uniformity at the outlet section of an extrusion die for 3 different internal geometries. Then, 3D non isothermal simulation will be used to see the impact of specific temperature profile at the entrance of the die on the flow uniformity. The shape of a flow channel was evaluated and the reason of a flow problem in practice was found by using this software.

Novel Plasticizer Alternative for Polyamide Polymers

Semra Senturk-Ozer, James Day, Viggy Mehta, May 2014

Flexil™ is a novel modified organosilicon based additive developed and marketed by Polymer Dynamix, LLC in South Plainfield, NJ. Flexil™ provides properties of flexibility to polyamides over a wide range of temperatures from less than -50°C to greater than 300°C. The results demonstrate that Flexil™ can replace various traditional plasticizers in polyamide compositions.

Production of Bio-Based Polyethylene from Sugar Beets

Joseph Greene, Lisa Ott, Kate Isganitis, Reta Betar, May 2014

A 22% solution of sucrose derived purely from sugar beets was dissolved in water and hydrolyzed with an invertase enzyme to produce glucose. This glucose was fed to champagne yeast and fermented to produce ethanol in yields of approximately 15 %. The ethanol was catalytically dehydrated to ethylene with a HZSM-5 catalyst in a small batch reactor. The ethylene was converted to poly(ethylene) using a Ziegler-Natta type catalyst. This poly(ethylene) should be suitable for use in plastic products like plastic bottles, containers, and grocery bags.

Modification of Melt Strength of Polypropylene via UV Radiation

Yasaman Amintowlieh, Costas Tzoganakis, Savvas Hatzikiriakos, Alexander Penlidis, May 2014

Melt strength (MS) of polypropylene (PP) has been modified by utilizing benzophenone (BPH) as photoinitiator along with UV radiation. Processing conditions were manipulated to promote long chain branching (LCB). Formation of long chain branches and/or crosslinks was confirmed using linear viscoelastic (LVE) measurements, extensional rheometry, gel content, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Results clearly indicate that MS of PP has been successfully modified without significant gel formation.

Tunable Synergistic Property Enhancements in Green Polypropylene Composites with Waste Paper and Cardboard via Solid-State Shear Pulverization: Size Reduction and Dispersion

Krishnan A. Iyer, Amanda M. Flores, Philip J. Brunner, John M. Torkelson, May 2014

Synergistic green composites of polypropylene (PP) with cardboard and waste paper are produced via solid-state shear pulverization (SSSP) without any compatibilizers or surface modification. The property enhancements are comparable to those from more expensive forms of cellulose. Additionally, optimization of SSSP processing, commercial viability and melt processability of the composites are evaluated.

Wire Sweep Analysis in Transfer Molding and Compression Molding Process for Semiconductor Chip Encapsulation

Sejin Han, Franco Costa, May 2014

A simulation program for prediction of wire-sweep during transfer molding and compression molding of thermoset materials for semiconductor chip encapsulation has been developed. The flow simulation necessary for wire-sweep analysis is based on a three-dimensional model. The simulation results were compared to the experimental results from an industrial case of transfer molding. A method to reduce wire sweep during transfer molding and compression molding is also discussed.

Surface Energy of a Polyurethane as a Function of Film Thickness

Meiyu Zhai, Gregory B. McKenna, May 2014

The segmented polyurethane, Estane is a polyester-urethane (poly(butylene adipate)-poly(4,4'diphenylmethane diisocyanate-1,4 butanediol. In the present paper, conventional contact angle experiments have been performed and the surface energies of the Estane sample as a function of film thickness have been determined. In addition, thermal analysis has been used to measure the calorimetric glass transition (Tg) for this segmented elastomer. Moynihan’s area matching method was used to determine the limiting fictive temperature.

Effect of Polycarbonate Oligomer on Internal Structure and Mechanical Property of Injection Molded Polycarbonate

Masaki Hirono, Satoshi Nagai, Kazushi Yamada, Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2014

In this study, the effect of polycarbonate oligomer (PC-O) addition on thermal properties, internal structure and weld properties of injection molded polycarbonate (PC) were investigated. It’s suggested that PC-O addition to PC is effective to flowability increase and improving surface roughness of V notch maintaining good mechanical properties compared with PC which has equivalent flowability.

Some Physico-Chemical Structural Factors Affecting the Performance of Oxygen Scavenging Additives in PET

Kris Akkapeddi, Jack Cavicchio, Yang Zhong, May 2014

The structural and morphological factors affecting the reactivity and performance of some oxygen scavenger additives in PET blends are reviewed. Role of the catalyst action and the effect some activators in oxygen scavenger chemistry have also been briefly investigated.