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
Effect of Fountain Flow on Fiber Orientation and Distribution in Fiber Filled Polymers during Mold Filling
Abrahan Bechara, Sebastian Kollert, Jakob Onken, Daniel Ramírez, Tim A. Osswald, May 2014
The mold filling process of fiber reinforced parts manufactured by injection or compression molding plays a significant role on the quality of the finished product. For instance, during the injection molding process, the fountain flow dominates the mold filling stage, having a strong effect on fiber orientation at different locations within the molded part. In this work, the effect of fountain flow on fiber orientation is studied via simulation as well as experimentation. The fiber motion is simulated using a mechanistic approach where fibers are modeled as interconnected elements subjected to hydrodynamic and contact forces (fiber-fiber interactions). The simulation results show a good match with experiments performed in a device that allows visualization of the fountain flow region during injection molding.
Mechanistic Model to Determine Fiber Orientation Simulation Material Parameters
Erwin Baur, Sebastian Goris, Daniel Ramírez, Philip Schmidtke, Tim A. Osswald, May 2014
A joint Natural Fiber Composite (NFC) research project [1] aims for an integrated mechanical/crash simulation of natural fiber reinforced plastics. This paper presents results from one of the NFC tasks, namely, an alternative way to find fiber orientation material parameters for commercial simulation software by using a mechanistic fiber motion model. During processing of fiber reinforced plastic parts, anisotropy is introduced due to fiber alignment caused by the deformation of the flowing polymer melt. Different models are available to model the development of fiber orientation during processing. These orientation models include material dependent parameters, which are obtained using cumbersome reengineering techniques. These techniques involve measuring the fiber orientation within the finished parts, and fitting the material dependent parameters until the model’s fiber orientation distributions match the actual fiber orientation. For glass fibers, the models and the parameters have been well investigated. However, data for modeling the orientation distribution development during processing natural fiber filled resins, is basically non-existent. Furthermore, actual measurements of fiber orientation distributions within natural fiber filled composites are challenging to obtain. In this work, an alternative method has been developed to find the fiber-fiber interaction coefficient Ci from the Folgar-Tucker model, by coupling the model with a mechanistic fiber model. In this technique, Ci is iteratively optimized until the fiber orientation distribution computed using the Folgar-Tucker model fits the fiber orientation fields predicted by the mechanistic model. With this virtual method, the costly measurement of actual fiber orientation fields within a finished part, and the subsequent re-engineering approach can be avoided. Furthermore, the mechanistic model can be used to determine any material dependent parameters needed for other fiber orientation predictive model
Flow-Induced Fractionation of Bimodal Metallocene Polyethylene in Capillary Extrusion
Yongwoo Inn, Ashish M. Sukhadia, Paul J. DesLauriers, May 2014
We studied the melt fracture and wall slip behaviors during the capillary extrusion of metallocene-catalyzed bimodal polyethylene resins. The bimodal resin comprising a higher content of low molecular weight component showed more wall slip and unusual melt fracture behavior. GPC measurement done on the surface section of the extruded pipe of the bimodal resin showed the wall had enriched low MW component relative to the bulk. The distinct separation of the two modes and the high content of small chains of the bimodal resin promote the flow-induced fractionation leading to the small chains being more concentrated near the die walls, which in turn result in significant wall slip and unusual melt fracture behaviors observed.
Effect of Drying and Processing on the Performance of Eastman Tritan™ Copolyesters
Kaan Gunes, Roger Martin, May 2014
Proper processing of polymeric materials is often the key to achieving desirable properties, and good aesthetics in molded parts and extruded film or sheet. Proper drying of resin is particularly important for condensation polymers, which are often prone to molecular weight loss through hydrolysis. Tritan™ Copolyesters are transparent engineering thermoplastics used in medical, durable, and packaging applications. This paper discusses drying and processing conditions for Tritan Copolyesters, and its effects on mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and molded/extruded color.
The Effects of Matrix Type and P Roperties upon the Tensile Properties and Notch Sensitivity of Recycled Jute Mat Reinforced Polymerica Matrix Composites
Mohamed S. Aly-Hassan, Ryuichi Nishida, Wiranphat Thodsaratpreeyakul, Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2014
The main objective of this research is to study the effects of matrix type and properties on the tensile properties and notch sensitivity of recycled jute mat reinforced polymeric matrix composites. A single recycled jute fiber mat was used as a natural fiber reinforcement system for three kinds of composites made from three types of resins. The three thermoset resins which were used as matrix for these composites are vinyl ester and two types of unsaturated polyester, low and high tensile strength resins. Three types of jute composites having the same fiber weight content were fabricated by the modified hand lay-up method with pre-impregnation stage in vacuum; we developed this method to solve the problem of the poor impregnation in the thick fiber mats using the normal hand lay-up method. This modification showed in this research as well as our previous research a better impregnation of resin throughout the jute mats and lower voids contents in the composites. Tensile tests have been performed on smooth specimens to evaluate the effect of matrix type and properties on the mechanical properties for the all considered composites. Also, tensile tests have been carried out on notched specimens with different center-hole diameters and having similarly geometrical diameter/width ratio to evaluate the notch sensitivity for each composite. All considered jute mat composites exhibited a higher tensile modulus than that of their neat resins. Although the higher tensile strength of the neat unsaturated polyester resin than that of the neat vinyl ester resin, the jute composites with vinyl ester matrix showed a higher tensile strength by 74% and 55% than that of both composites with unsaturated polyester matrix. In comparison with jute composites with high strength unsaturated polyester matrix, the jute composites with vinyl ester matrix showed a higher tensile modulus and strength by 13% and 55%, respectively. The two jute composites with unsaturated polyester matrix showed
Characterization of Recycled Carpet Samples by TG-FTIR, TG-MS, and TG-GC-MS
Pamela J. Shapiro, Carolin Fischer, May 2014
Limitations in landfill capacity and the environmental impact of disposing of carpet waste in landfills have made recovering nylon from carpet waste an increasingly important enterprise. Since carpet compositions vary and can contain nylon-6 and/or nylon-6,6, along with variety of other materials, characterizing waste carpet composition and its thermal decomposition profile is essential for the recycling process. In this study, material recovered from carpet waste was analyzed by TG-FTIR, TG-MS, and TG-GC-MS. TG-GC-MS proved to be the most informative method of analysis because of its identification of organic decomposition productions characteristic of nylon-6 and nylon-6,6.
Die-Drawn HDPE Pipes: Crystalline and Lamellae Orientation
Ralf Kleppinger, Ajay Taraiya, Maria Soliman, Ralph Handstanger, May 2014
It is well known that the mechanical properties of isotropic polymers, such as tensile modulus and tensile strength, can be considerably improved by orientation of the molecular chains. This can be achieved by deforming the polymer in the solid state by die-drawing process It is also possible to orient a semi-crystalline polymer in two directions rather than one, resulting in polymer pipe, sheet or film with increased strength and toughness. Crystallite orientation has been studied in a series of HDPE pipes prepared via the die-drawing process. Combined results from small angle X-ray scattering and wide-angle diffraction reveal a change in the texture of the initially unoriented billets towards a uniplanar orientation with predominant orientation of the c*-axis (i.e. polymer chain axis) along the axial direction.
Flame Retardant Polypropylene Copolymer and EVA Blends Filled with Micro- and Nanoparticles of Magnesium Hydroxide
Oliverio Rodríguez-Fernández, Carlos Espinoza-González, Graciela Morales, Isaura Yañez-Flores, Mika Paajanen, Satu Pasanen, JoséBocanegra, Ricardo Benavides, Carlos Tena, May 2014
Magnesium hydroxide (MDH) is an inexpensive inorganic flame retardant agent that has been increasingly used to replace conventional halogen-containing flame retardants in polymers. In this work, the effects of combination of micro-sized MDH particles (mMDH) with different morphologies and nano-sized MDH particles (nMDH) on flame retardant and mechanical properties of random polypropylene copolymer /EVA blends were studied. The results demonstrated that the morphology of mMDH particles also plays an important role on flame retardant properties mechanisms of the polymer. Issues concerning with the initial endothermic decomposition stage of the mMDH particles are crucial in the final flame retardant property of the composites.
Impact Modified PBT-PC Blends with Improved Ageing Characteristics
Kaushal Gandhi, Tianhua Ding, May 2014
Molded in color weatherable Xenoy™ PBT-PC blends have been widely used in automotive, transportation, and leisure vehicles exteriors applications because these products offer a good balance of mechanical properties as well as weatherability. SABIC recently commercialized a Xenoy™ grade with improved property retention after heat and hydro ageing. While the initial impact strength of the new grade was similar to other existing weatherable Xenoy™ grades the property retention after heat and hydro ageing showed a significant improvement. Color retention under the SAE J1960 protocol of weathering was comparable to other existing grades in chromatic colors. Some of these blend properties shall be discussed in the paper.
Spectrophotometric Assessment: The Challenges of 0/45-45/0 in a D8 World
Rex W. Petterson, May 2014
Determining the acceptability of automotive interior has typically been accomplished through visual consensus and spectrophotometric analysis. As many have experienced in this all too subjective pursuit, not only can three or more separate sets of eyes discern three or more totally diverse variations in color acceptability, our benchmark instruments of choice can offer distinctly different opinions also. Diversity in devices, innumerable surface-variation characteristics of the sample and inherent human imperfection in the repeatability of the manual “reading” process are all contributing factors to spurious spectrophotometric results. We will discuss what instrumental options we have available in order to have our electronic results correlate with what we see.
Crystallization Characterization of Injection Molded Parts Using Ultrasonic Technology
Peng Zhao, Jianzhong Fu, Lih-Sheng Turng, May 2014
A method based on ultrasonic technology to study the crystallization characteristics of injection molded parts has been proposed. A new method for calculating the ultrasonic velocity and attenuation is presented. The ultrasonic velocity and attenuation signals, together with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, were used to characterize injection molded polylactic acid (PLA) speci-mens annealed at 80 °C for different periods of time. Experimental results show that the ultrasonic velocity and the ultrasonic attenuation increased with the degree of crystallinity in the annealed specimens. This suggests that the non-destructive ultrasonic technology could be an effective tool in characterizing or monitoring the crystallization of injection molded parts during or after injection molding.
Glass Fiber Reinforced POM with Superior Mechanical Properties– Hostaform® XGC Series
Kirsten Markgraf, Lowell Larson, May 2014
Celanese has developed a new series of glass fiber reinforced polyoxymethylene (POM) co-polymers, - Hostaform® XGC (“Xtreme Glass Coupled”). Glass Fibers are commonly used to enhance stiffness and strength in thermoplastics. The adhesion between the fiber and the polymer matrix plays a predominant role governing the characteristics of the resulting reinforced plastics. Application of a specific coupling technology, together with the modification of the polymer backbone , leads to a unique mechanical property profile. The advantages of these products are a combination of improved strength and impact performance.
Antimicrobial Effects of Polymer Blended Triazole Derivatives
Vicki Flaris, Ipsita A. Banerjee, Jared Hannah, Craig G. Casazza, Henry Siccardi, Joseph Hartnett, May 2014
In this work, we have synthesized an amino acid conjugate of the triazole derivative 2-Amino-5-propyl [1,2,4] triazol [1,5-a] pyrimidin-7-(4H)-one (Triaz). The amino acid utilized is arginine due to its basic properties, thus rendering the final synthesized conjugate a positive charge. It is well known that cationic peptide conjugates show enhanced antimicrobial activity. Thus, we have examined the antimicrobial activity of the conjugate in the presence of the fungus Rhizopus. Further, fungal growth was monitored in a range of hydrophobic and hydrophilic environments by blending the conjugate with polymers such as polyethyleneglycol diacrylate (PEGDA), t-butyl acrylate (TBA) and diethylene glycol (DEG). Our results indicate that addition of PEGDA reduced antimicrobial growth, while DEG showed enhanced growth when Triaz was not conjugated with the amino acid. Thus the conjugate-polymer composites may have potent antimicrobial activity.
Acoustic Behavior of Open-Cell Foams Backed with an Air-Gap
Davoud Jahani, Raymond K. Chu, Aboutaleb Ameli, Mehdi Saniei, Chul B. Park, Hani Naguib, May 2014
Open-cell thermoplastic based materials have elicited much interest in the field of sound absorption due to its recyclability and high capabilities in airborne dissipation. In this work, open-cell material with high density polyethylene (HDPE) is fabricated and used in the construction of multi-layer sound absorption systems for lower frequencies. The preliminary study results show that a combination of air gap with high open-cell material can significantly improve the low frequency absorption of open-cell materials. In the application of this concept, the requirement for thick materials to obtain the required sound absorption coefficient may be eliminated. This paper discusses two multi-layer sound absorption systems constructed with open-cell HDPE material and an air gap.
Bioepoxy / Glass Fiber Composites
Johannes Möller, Christopher Kuncho, Daniel F. Schmidt, Emmanuelle Reynaud, May 2014
The present study focuses on the development of bioderived epoxies and their composites. Epoxidized linseed oil has been cured using both amine and anhydride hardeners, with curing time and temperature adjusted to maximize Shore D Hardness in the neat resin. Both resins were then used to manufacture glass fiber composite coupons that were tested in flexure. The properties of the anhydride cured bioepoxy composite were significantly better than the amine cured equivalent, and approached those of a composite based on a high performance petroleum derived anhydride cured epoxy.
Burn Mark Prediction in Injection Molding
Gabriel A. Mendible, Alyssa L. Santiago, Carol Barry, Stephen Johnston, May 2014
Defects in injection molded parts are undesirable with increasing part quality. The root cause for burn marks (dieseling) is the rapid compression of trapped air in the mold. An approach for estimating the air temperature in the cavity is presented that allows the prediction of burn marks. The approach uses screw position signals coming from the machine to estimate the temperature increase due to compression, the heat transfer to the mold and the heat transfer to the melt front. Effects of the injection rate, melt temperature and mold temperature were experimentally compared to analysis results. The estimation technique provided the correct trends for most effects. The analysis offers a potential opportunity to incorporate on-line determination of burn marks for quality control.
A Study on the Acoustic Behavior of Micro Perforated Panels: Experiment and Modeling
Davoud Jahani, Aboutaleb Ameli, Lun Howe Mark, Nemat Hossieny, Chul B. Park, Hani Naguib, May 2014
Solid and foam 1mm-thick polypropylene injection molded parts were produced using the advanced structural foam injection molding machine. Relatively uniform cell morphology was obtained when the polymer melt was injected with relatively high pressure and high flow rate. Foam samples with 75%, 4E8 cell/cc, and 10?m of void fraction, cell density, and cell size respectively were produced. The samples were perforated with 500?m, 400?m, 300?m, and 200?m in size considering a 1% perforation ratio for all the samples. Solid and foam micro perforated panels (MPPs) for sound insulation were developed. The foam MPPs showed 6% to 35% higher absorption coefficient than solid MPPs when a 6mm air-gap was considered.
Defining Mechanical Performance Requirements for Flexible Packaging Utilized in Military Rations
Danielle Froio, Shari Dangel, Corey Hauver, Jo Ann Ratto, Steven Jackson, May 2014
The objective of this study is to determine which material properties are critical for package survival during rough handling studies, which simulate the stresses and rigors that military rations are subjected to throughout the logistics cycle. Three polyolefin films with varying degrees of mechanical performance were converted into pouches, filled with either food or a simulated food item and packed into the military’s existing individual ration, the Meal, Ready to Eat™ (MRE™). Twenty four cases, each containing twelve MRE™ meals, were subjected to a rough handling sequence that included vibration and drop testing at ambient conditions. Upon completion of rough handling the rations were opened and pouches were inspected for mode of failure and failure rates. Failure rates of the three polymeric pouches and current foil based pouches were recorded and compared to selected film and package properties, such as Young’s modulus, tensile strength, tear strength, puncture resistance, impact resistance, seal strength, and burst resistance. It was found that puncture and impact resistance showed the highest degree of correlation with failure rates.
Gas-Assist Injection Molding of PLA for Foaming Applications
Lun Howe Mark, Raymond K. Chu, Aboutaleb Ameli, Davoud Jahani, Peter Jung, Chul B. Park, May 2014
The integration of gas-assist with foaming technologies was recently unveiled as a new technological development for microcellular foam injection molding. This work investigates the effect gas-assist processing on the final cellular structure of foam injection molded products. Typical gas-assist parameters including the holding pressure, holding time, ramping and start delay were examined. It was found that the application of gas-assist can improve or deteriorate the cellular structure depending on the processing parameters.
Modeling Polymer Failure under Creep Loading through Simulation of Crack Growth
Hanxiao Ge, Haiyan Li, Susan C. Mantell, May 2014
Plastics used for structural applications are often subjected to creep loading and component lifetime will be limited by crack propagation. A finite element model of crack growth in plastics subjected to creep loading is developed. The model is comprised of a viscoplastic model of the bulk material and a cohesive zone model for tracking crack growth. Model parameters are found by curve fit to experimental data for polyethylene sheet samples. Model predictions for creep behavior and time to failure under creep loading conditions are compared to published data for HDPE. The model predicts the trends observed in the published data.
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