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

Prediction of Ejection Forces Using Combination of Mold Filling and Mechanical Simulations

Alexander Bakharev, David Astbury, May 2013

The paper deals with the prediction of the force required to eject thermoplastic moldings from an injection mold using a combination of mold filling and mechanical simulations. It demonstrates that ejection forces are strongly dependent upon geometrical parameters of the moldings and design of the mold and that simple formulas are not adequate for prediction of the ejection forces.

The Extrusion Forming Technology of PMMA Light Guide Plate with Micro-Structure

Yeh Wang, Stanley Tsai, Howard Hu, May 2013

The purpose of this article is to study the continuous manufacturing process for PMMA sheet with micro-structures transferred on its surface, and also the influences of the process parameters on the transfer ratio of the micro-structure. The micro-structured sheet with optical features can serve as a novel type light guide plate (LGP) which enhances the image quality of a LCDTV by increasing the contrast ratio and reducing the motion blur.

Cross Metathesis of Olefin Terminated Polypropylene and Polydimethysiloxane iin the Melt Phase

Neil McManus, Costas Tzoganakis, Yan R. Wu, May 2013

Vinyl terminated polypropylene (PP) and mono-vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have been reacted in the melt phase with Grubbs second generation catalyst to, synthesize PDMS modified PP copolymers. Some chemical, physical and rheological properties of produced materials are determined and the results indicated the feasibility of cross metathesis (CM) reaction in melt phase.

Correlation of the 'Trans' Conformer Content and Sequence Probability to the Crystallinity in Injection Molded Stretch Blow Molded PET Bottles

Kris Akkapeddi, May 2013

The relative ‘trans’ conformer content of the glycol moiety in various types of injection stretch blow molded PET bottles was determined by an ATR-FTIR analysis. The total ‘trans’ conformer (t) content and the calculated ‘trans’ diad (-t-t-) and triad (-t-t-t-) sequence probabilities were correlated to the % crystallinity. The effect of orientation and heat setting on the residual ‘trans’ content in the amorphous phase is discussed.

Eliminating Burned Parts Through Vent Sensing

Fred Buja, May 2013

A mold vent TeMp™ sensor [1] thermally profiles each injection cycle melt flow rate volume. The temperature sensor profiles mold open to close and return molded part ejection. The site mold cavity trapped gas temperature and pressure melt is sensed. The gas exits as melt fills to peak pack volume point in time. A following melt to mold heat loss occurs during cure time. Mold open and part ejection completes the cycle. Profiles of single and multiple cavity molds will be presented.

Low Gloss, Low Emission UV Stabilized Polyacetal Copolymer (POM)

Bruce Mulholland, May 2013

Automotive OEMs have increasingly become more interested in monitoring cabin air quality inside the vehicle. This leads to the need for further understanding and testing of emissions from the various materials including plastic parts. In addition, styling trends for automotive interiors continue to demand low gloss appearances. This paper explores how both demanding requirements can be met through the development of a low gloss, low emission POM material.

Mold Building and Project Management Maturity

Jason Williams, May 2013

This paper will investigate organizational size and how it relates to project management maturity models. The results of a survey of 44 mold builders will be presented to illustrate these relationships. The results were used to estimate the level of project management maturity as it correlates to organization size. It was found that larger mold builders do exhibit a higher level of project management maturity.

Thermoplastic Polycarbonate Based Polyurethanes

Anthony Walder, Umit Makal, Pallavi Kulkarni, May 2013

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are a class of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) that are used in a variety of applications (1). TPUs exhibit low temperature flexibility, excellent abrasion resistance, high tensile strength and good processing characteristics. One drawback to standard TPU’s was heat resistance and having both oxidative and hydrolytic stability at the same time. The polycarbonate based polyurethanes can supply these characteristics.

Universal Melt Temperature Diagram

Stephen Derezinski, May 2013

The Universal Melt Temperature Diagram (UMTD) provides the developing melt temperature versus length of an extruder based on four unique dimensionless groups. Factors included in the four groups are; the dependence of melt viscosity on shear and temperature, resin thermal properties, screw geometry, and process conditions. Melt temperature vs. extruder length is provided in a succinct format that vividly illustrates the melt temperature development process.

Squeeze-Out of Sealant During Hot Bar Sealing: Modeling Insights

Barry A. Morris, Jonathan M. Scherer, May 2013

Excessive pressure and temperature during hot bar sealing can result in poor seals due to squeezing out of the sealant. A model is developed that shows the amount of squeeze out increases with increasing seal bar pressure, seal temperature (by lowering the viscosity of the sealant), sealing dwell time, film thickness and decreasing seal bar width. Initial validation experiments qualitatively agree with the model predictions.

Hydrolysis Resistant PBT Products

Corrado Armanni, Daniele Mottini, Parviz Baghaii, May 2013

Technological advancements by our research and development have improved the hydrolytical stability of Polyester PBT compounds. After exposing these products to 85°C, at 95% relative humidity for 1500 hours, the % retention of notched Charpy impact strength, tensile strength improved by 20% over the standard heat stabilized products. Even more significantly, the retention of ultimate elongation and tensile strength was improved by greater extend even over two fold.

Radilon® A RV500RW 339 NER: PA66-GF50 with enhanced structural performances

Parviz Baghaii, Erico Spini, May 2013

A new class of “Eco-Friendly metal replacement” using Polyamide 66 has been developed by Radici Scientists. This product has improved mechanical strength. The impact strength is improved by greater than 30%, and the weld line strength improved by over 20%. The ultimate tensile strength was also improved by 20% at 23°C and 150°C.

Development of a radian friction welding machine using the circular process with limited rotational motion

Stefan Jarka, May 2013

To extend the potential of friction welding, a new welding technology needs to be developed. In industrial cooperation an innovative friction welding method known as radian welding has now been developed. It functions according to the circular process with limited rotational motion. Apart from extending the ability to weld components with a rotationally symmetrical weld, the new technology should create additional benefits for the process and the properties of the welded component.

Thermal Aspects of PTFE Sintering

Ranadip Ganguly, Alan Lesser, May 2013

The effect of sintering time on the melt evolution of PTFE was studied using a cyclic thermal loading profile within a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermo-mechanical analyzer (TMA). PTFE exhibited non-equilibrium melt behavior at 30 °C above its melting temperature. A correlation between the DSC and TMA results was established. The cyclic thermal profile leads to a dramatic growth in enthalpy of crystallization/melting.

A Structure-Property Study of Topologically Heterogeneous Networks

Zhan H. Yang, Alan J. Lesser, Fred Pfaff, May 2013

This work is an initial evaluation of structure-property relationships that result from introducing topological heterogeneity into controlled epoxy networks. The topology was controlled by systematically altering the functionality and stiffness of epoxides and amines. This contribution reviews synthetic routes and summarizes basic thermal and mechanical properties.

Melt Rheological Characterization of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate)

Tzu-chia (Erica) Tseng, Jay Hanan, May 2013

Dynamic melt rheology was used to characterize poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) supplied from manufactures across the globe. The zero shear viscosity and the molecular weight of the polymers were determined. This rheology method is more sensitive than traditional intrinsic viscosity measurements provided by the resin suppliers

Modeling and Analysis of Spin Coating on Spherical Surfaces

Xudong Fang, Donggang Yao, Hao Zhang, Allen Yi, May 2013

A formulation for modeling the spinning coating process on spherical surfaces is presented in this paper. The model can be adopted to predict film thickness profile on spherical surfaces with large central angles. The simulation results showed that the uniformity of final film thickness is not ideal with uniform initial film thickness distribution. The film thickness evolution and uniformity of film thickness were studied using this model and compared with literature to determine potential advantages of the new model.

Potential for efficiency improvements at different injection molding machines

Marco Lenzen, Felix Heinzler, Tim Heumann, Alexander Backsmann, Johannes Wortberg, May 2013

Topic of this paper are the results of some investigations discovering potentials for improvements of two different injection molding machines with respect to the efficiency. During this investigations, the influence of process conditions on the energy consumption of two different driven injection molding machines have been focused. Finally some recommendations will be done for an improvement of the efficiency of the machines.

Laser Direct Structuring LCP for Mobile Antenna Applications

Paul Yung, May 2013

The rapid growth and global demand for wireless communication and increasing need for more functionality in smart phones have created a need for advanced engineering resin to meet new antenna requirements for mobile devices. This paper discusses performance of new laser direct structuring LCP grades and developmental grades with improved mechanical, thermal properties and dielectric properties engineered to meet new challenges of increased functionality and reduction in antenna size.

Modeling of Single Ply Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing

Jeremy Payne, Herman Nied, Li-Ying T. Yang, May 2013

A finite element simulation is developed to model the stress distribution of heat seamed Single Ply thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) composite under FM wind uplift test conditions. Separate models are developed for the TPO layers, reinforcement layer, and lap-joint geometry in order to obtain an integrated TPO composite model. TPO membrane material and attachment parameters are evaluated for wind uplift enhancement. Good correlation is observed between model prediction and real wind uplift test results.