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

Thermally Conductive and Electrically Insulating Hexagonal Boron Nitride-Filled Polyphenylene Sulfide Composites

Siu Ning (Sunny) Leung, Ellen Chan, Hani Naguib, Francis Dawson, May 2013

This paper examines polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)-based composite materials filled with different types of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) particulates. It aims to investigate the effect of filler geometry on the multifunctional properties of the polymer-matrix composites (PMCs). Experimental results revealed that the PPS-hBN composite filled with hBN platelets of varying particulate sizes and shapes led to the largest improvement in the PMC’s effective thermal conductivity. It also led to the greatest reduction in the PMC’s coefficient of thermal expansion. In addition, the electrical of the PPS-hBN composites were studied. It was found that the addition of hBN did not compromise the electrical resistivity of neat PPS. In terms of PPS-hBN mechanical properties, the PMCs’ compressive moduli were promoted while their compressive strengths were suppressed. In short, the size and shape of hBN particulates would influence the thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of the PPS-hBN composites.

Characterization of iPP-PDMS Elastomers

Polina R. Ware, Alan J. Lesser, May 2013

An isotactic polypropylene-polydimethylsiloxane (iPP-PDMS) elastomer was prepared by reactive extrusion with tert-butyl peroxide. Rheology and thermomechanical analyzer (TMA) experiments demonstrate typical elastomeric behavior. Two complimentary techniques TMA and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were combined to estimate the density of iPP in the crystalline phase and to calculate the volume change associated with melting and crystallization thermal transitions. Further, the analysis confirmed the presence of crystalline iPP and amorphous PDMS phases in the elastomer

Characterization of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Containing Foreign Polymers Using Fracture Mechanism Maps

Jihun An, Byoung-Ho Choi, Chulhong Kim, Jeong-Moo Lee, May 2013

For the commercial production of consumer products using engineering polymers, it is very important to control physical properties of the material. However, due to many reasons, e.g. cost reduction, cleaning issues, using scraps etc., the quality control of the material is not easy. In many cases, the effect of a small amount of foreign polymers on product failures is well known, but it is difficult to analyze them by conventional analytical techniques. So, in this paper, the methodology of evaluating the durability of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) copolymer containing foreign polymers using fracture mechanism maps is introduced. In addition, as a quantitative tool, the importance of the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) is discussed.

Evaluation of Heat Transfer Conditions to the Mold Temperature Stabilization in the Injection Molding Process

Joonsung Tae, Janghwan Kim, Jinsu Gim, Hyungpil Park, Byungohk Rhee, May 2013

In order to keep the part quality under a stable mold temperature, a number of parts should be discarded until the mold temperature reaches to a stable condition. Depending upon process and environmental conditions, the time to a stable condition varies. In this work, influencing factors to the stabilized mold temperature condition are examined. The results show that ambient temperature significantly affects the stabilization time. To predict the stabilization time with consideration of heat transfer to the molding machine, heat sink attached model in the CAE analysis was suggested. It shows a good agreement with experimental result.

Buckling Prediction in 3D Warpage Simulation of Injection Molded Plastics

Zhiliang Fan, Huagang Yu, Jiping Xu, Jiping Xu, May 2013

Buckling analysis is useful for identifying if thin-walled polymer injection molded parts buckle due to in- mold residual stresses after ejection. However, traditional direct-solver-based eigen-solvers become prohibitively expensive for large-scale three-dimensional (3D) finite element models for injection molding simulation. A new fast parallel eigen-solver has been developed, which combines an algebraic multigrid preconditioned conjugate gradient (AMG-CG) equation solver with a subspace eigenvalue iteration algorithm, making the large-scale 3D buckling analysis feasible for industrial applications. The buckling analysis has been extended to the injection over-molding process. Buckling analysis results for a simple tray model and an insert over-molded part are presented.

Using Iterative Fluid-Structure Interaction Solution to Simulate Core Deflection Problems in Injection Molding

Tzu-Cheng Wang, Yang-Kai Lin, Yuan-Jung Chang, Hsien-Sen Chiu, Chia-Hsiang Hsu, Shi-Chang Tseng, May 2013

In injection molding process, the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) issue has been widely discussed, especially for core shift deflection problem recently. During the filling stage, a non-uniform pressure distribution within the cavity leads to common structural deformation defects. At the same time, the deformed structure affects filling behaviors. These dynamic deformations and fluid mechanics result in the difficulties of maintaining numerical simulation accuracy and huge computational memory. In this paper, a new iterative FSI coupling method has been developed. The new method not only provides more accurate melt front and pressure result but also predict precisely core deflection simultaneously. Furthermore, a new solid mesh deformation technique is used to rebuild cavity solid mesh automatically in accordance with continually deformed cavity geometry. Moreover, a real case is applied for both numerical simulation and experimental study to validate the iterative FSI coupling method. The results in this paper demonstrate that the high quality deformed meshes are reliable and help to get a good agreement with experiment.

Effect of Polyurethane Surface Treatment on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber Woven Composite

Yuqiu Yang, Kosuke Togashi, Mengyuan Liao, Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2013

In this paper, the effects of fiber surface treatment on the mechanical and thermal properties of glass woven fabric reinforced thermosetting epoxy resin matrix composites are examined experimentally. Four kinds of deposit (pick-up) ratios of polyurethane dispersion (PUD) treatments on the heat-cleaning glass cloth woven fabric were carried out, including 0wt% (without treatment), 0.76wt%, 1.51wt% and 6.49wt%. It is found that the interfacial adhesion and property were affected by the treatment significantly. The correlation among varied PUD surface treatment pick-up ratio of glass fiber, modified interface, improved mechanical property and related thermal property were discussed and clarified based on tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electronic microscope (SEM) observation.

Supercritical CO2 Improving Compatibilization of PP/PS Blend in Continuous Extrusion

Guoying Ji, Wentao Zhai, Wenge Zheng, May 2013

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) was used in extrusion for the improvement of polymer blend properties. The compounding took place in two-single screw extruder. The morphologies of prepared blends were compared. Carbon dioxide was added at 3, 5wt% based on polymer melt flow rates. The experimental results indicate that the viscosity of PP and PS blends were reduced obviously and a sharp decrease in the size of the dispersed phase was observed. The impact strength of press molded 80/20 polypropylene /polystyrene blends increase by the addition of CO2.

Blend of Polypropylene and Polyphenylene Ether

Guifang Shan, Ting Zhou, Minghua Luo, Minqi Xin, May 2013

The effect of the blending sequence and the viscosity ratio on the phase morphology and mechanical properties of blends of polypropylene and polyphenylene ether was investigated in present study. It is found that that the Izod impact strength of PPE/PP alloy compounded via two step extrusion method can be improved significantly. A preblending SEBS with PPE can make the compatibilizer SEBS move easily to the PPE/PP interface and the blends had finer dispersion and better properties. Also, the experimental results have showed a clear dependence of the blend phase morphology and properties on the viscosity ratio. The Izod impact strength of PPE/PP blend can be improved by decreaseing the viscosity ratio ?PPE/?PP. In addition, the screw configuration containing an elongational flow field has proved to be more effective in deforming particles than a shear flow field, leading to finer dispersion and better properties.

Preparation and Characterization of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)/Graphene Nanocomposites Hydrogel

Ping Fan, Fanlin Huang, Hanxi Zhang, Jie Feng, MIngqiang Zhong, May 2013

Graphene oxide/PNIPA ?GO/PNIPA ?composite were successfully prepared through in-situ polymerization. And then using chemical reducing agent, GO/PNIPA was reduction tographene/PNIPA composite. Resulting hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopyto investigate the structural, morphologicalproperties. The swelling ratio and response kinetics on heating or cooling were also investigated to understand the smart properties. The result indicated that graphene/PNIPA hydrogel showed good smart property with a higher swelling ratio and more complicated deswelling behavior.

Effect of Small Perturbations in Colour Formulation on Output Colour of a Plastic Grade Compounded with Two Polycabonate Resins

Shahid Ahmed, Jamal AlSadi, Usman Saeed, Ghaus Rizvi, Daniel Ross, May 2013

Historical colour data of a compounded plastic grade manufactured at Sabic IP Cobourg Plant has been analysed through statistical means. Objective was to investigate response of output colour to small adjustments in pigments standard formulation recommended to impart desired colour to a plastic grade. The Plastic grade studied was a blend of two polycarbonate resins, five additives and four colour pigments including one organic – the black pigment, and three inorganic - white, red and yellow pigments. Color mismatch caused by these adjustments is presented in terms of dL*, da* and db*. Analysis of colour deviation caused by such adjustments reveals that output colour values are more sensitive to perturbations in white and yellow pigments amount compared with black and red. Results of optimization carried out to minimize colour deviation, are also presented for the plastic grade.

Experimental Study to Investigate Effect of Process Variables on Output Colour of a Compounded Plastic Grade

Shahid Ahmed, Jamal AlSadi, Usman Saeed, Ghaus Rizvi, Daniel Ross, Richard Clarke, James Price, May 2013

For plastic compounders it is imperative to acquire a profound understanding of relationship between extrusion process variables and compounded plastics colour for achieving consistency in output colour. Compounders also need to take educated and precise decisions while incorporating any changes in process variables to minimize deviation of output response from target colour for a compounded plastic. Such a relationship has been investigated using an efficient and economic design of experiments (DOE) for a polycarbonate resin-based compounded plastic. Present study has discussed the results of designed experiments and shed an insight on individual as well as combined influence that process parameters impose on output colour. Three process parameters under study are temperature, feed rate and screw speed. Results of confirmation DOE has also been discussed, which have verified fitness of statistical model used for analysis. The study further suggests a set of optimal process conditions that could be implemented ensuring consistency in compounded plastic colour with minimum deviation from target.

Towards a High-Performance Epoxy Resin Free of Bisphenol A (BPA)

Robert Romano, Smruti Patil, Daniel F. Schmidt, May 2013

Bisphenol A is a key component of many epoxy resins, but is under pressure especially in food contact applications, necessitating the identification of high performance alternatives. In this work we report on the preparation, properties and performance of one such alternative, the bis(epoxide) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. This resin has been crosslinked with a typical amine hardener to produce a stiff, hard thermoset with a high Tg. Curing behavior and cured resin properties are improved vs. the bis(epoxide) of cyclohexanedimethanol, a structural isomer of CBDO. Compared to a BPAbased equivalent, resin viscosity and UV cutoff are lower and lap shear adhesion to mild steel is superior, the latter on par with a commercial heavy duty epoxy adhesive. These results indicate promise from this material as a high-performance BPA-free epoxy resin.

Foaming of Cellulose Fiber Reinforced Polylactic Acid Composites: The Effect of Cellulose Fiber Type

Wei Dan Ding, Pei Yu Kuo, Takashi Kuboki, Chul Park, Mohini Sain, May 2013

This paper investigates the effect of fiber type and fiber content on the foaming behaviors of cellulose fiber reinforced polylactic acid composites. Two types of cellulosic fibers with different sizes were used: micro- and nano-sized fibers. The composites were prepared by a film casting and hot pressing method and then foamed via a batch foaming process with CO2. The morphology and volume expansion ratio of the samples with different cellulose fiber contents were compared. The results suggested that micro-sized fibers had negative effects on the foam morphology and nano-sized fiber positively influenced the foam morphology. It is speculated that the crystals generated around the fibers affected the cell morphology significantly.

Challenges in Qualification of Open Loop Post Consumer Recycle Polystyrene for its use in Engineering Thermoplastics

Kirti Sharma, Roshan Jha, Michael Todt, May 2013

Polyphenylene Ether (PPE) is an engineering thermoplastic resin usually blended with polystyrene (PS) [crystal polystyrene (CCPS) and or High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)] to improve properties including the processability. The overall performance of the resulting Noryl™ resin is highly dependent on the quality of the PS. This study presents some of the challenges involved in qualifying open loop PCR PS and key factors that could have affected their performance due to the recycle history and contaminations of the raw material compared to the virgin PS. PCR HIPS properties were simulated by recycling & spiking virgin HIPS with the contaminations.

Effect of Polycarbonate Oligomer on Weld Properties of Injection Molded Polycarbonate and PBT Alloy Material

Masaki Hirono, Satoshi Nagai, Kazushi Yamada, Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2013

In this study, the effect of polycarbonate oligomer (PC-O) addition on weld properties of injection molded polycarbonate (PC) and PBT alloy material was investigated. As a result of morphology observation around weld line, the size of PBT domains became smaller with an increase of PC-O and those were quite stretched when those are close to V notch. Charpy impact strength and V notch roughness were also improved when an addition of PC-O was increased. These results suggest that PC-O contributes to both flowability increase and compatibility of PC and PBT.

Effect of Weld Line and Scratch on the Mechanical Property of Injection Molded Polypropylene and Polycabonate Plates

Wang Cuntao, Yang Yuqiu, Hamada Hiroyuki, Murakami Masuo, May 2013

Multi-gate injection is often used to meet the demand of mass production of injection moldings, therefore weld line is inevitable. Weld line can not only affect the appearance quality but also reduce the mechanical property of injection molding productions and many researches focus on the improvement of weld line property. In this research, the effect of weld line and scratch on the mechanical property of PP and PC plates was investigated based on the drop impact test and SEM observation. For PP specimens, maximum load of weld specimens and scratch specimens decreased by 40% and 77% than that of non-weld specimens. The total energy of weld specimens and scratch specimens decreases by 68.9% and 75.0% than that of non-weld specimens. It indicated that there is significant effect of weld line and scratch on the drop impact property. For PC specimens, all the non- weld, weld and scratch specimen were not penetrated and the energy at maximum load is almost same. It reveals that there is no significant effect of weld line and scratch on the impact property of PC specimens.

The Development of a Long Carbon Fiber Thermoplastic for Automobile parts

Tae Yong Hwang, Eun Hwa Jang, Seong Min Cho, Dong Woo Lee, May 2013

The aim of this study was to optimize the long carbon fiber thermoplastics process. First of all, to increase interaction between carbon fiber and polypropylene matrix polymers, maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene was used according to different graft ratio. The composites were prepared by long fiber thermoplastic (LFT) system by Honam petrochemical Corp. Tensile, Flexural test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to characterize the physical and morphological properties of the prepared composites. The tensile and flexural strength value of Polypropylene (PP)-long carbon fiber thermoplastic (LCFT) with PP-g-MA were higher compared to the values of carbon fiber reinforced PP composites. It was observed from SEM images that the addition of PP-g-MA in process improved the interfacial adhesion between the carbon fibers and PP matrix. Impregnation system was also optimized for improvement of wettability between carbon fiber and matrix polymer. Spreader pins which spread the fiber bundle were introduced in impregnation die and the optimum number of pin was investigated for prevent fiber damage.

Mechanical properties of poly (lactic acid) based biocomposite : Comparison of different reinforcement

Putinun Uawongsuwan, Wiphawee Nuthong, Wassamon Sujaritjun, Napawadee Klomhadyay, Kornkanok Manaphak, Prahyaporn Limparungsee, Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2013

The poly (lactic acid) (PLA) based biocomposite reinforced with different natural reinforcement consisting of bamboo fiber, vetiver grass fiber, coconut fiber, silk fiber and bamboo charcoal powder were prepared and the mechanical properties were tested. To enhance the adhesion between reinforcement and PLA matrix, the flexible epoxy resin was selected and used as a novel surface treatment for natural reinforcement. It was found that the stiffness of untreated biocomposites increased significantly. However, the mechanical strengths such as tensile, flexural and Izod impact strength of composites decreased with increasing of reinforcement content. The flexible epoxy surface treatment reduced the stiffness of all composites while it increased considerably the tensile, flexural and impact strength when comparing with the untreated composites. However, it can be seen that the effects of flexible epoxy treated on the mechanical strengths improvement are dependent on the type of reinforcement. There are two interfaces consisting of interface between reinforcement and flexible epoxy resin and interface between flexible epoxy resin and PLA matrix, which resulted in the different fracture mechanism.

Tensile strength prediction of hybrid glass and jute fiber reinforced polypropylene injection molded composite

Putinun Uawongsuwan, Yu Q. Yang, Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2013

In this paper, the tensile strength of hybrid polypropylene composites reinforced with glass fiber and jute fiber has been studied. The specimens have been fabricated by injection molding with different jute fiber hybrid content. The tensile strength of hybrid composite was predicted by using a modified rule of hybrid mixture (MRoHM) strength equation based on the orientation direction of reinforcing fiber. The fiber orientation was determined from the fracture surface observation method. Experimentally, the tensile strength of hybrid composite was lower than the monotonic glass fiber/PP composite. Moreover, the further increase of jute fiber content has no influence on the tensile strength of hybrid composites. However, the predicted strength of hybrid composites decreases with increasing of jute fiber content. The reduction of predicted strength is contributed to the effect of reduction of glass fiber length and increment of 90 degree orientation of jute fiber. It was interest to note that the tensile strength of hybrid composites was higher than that predicted by the modified rule of hybrid mixture, showing a positive hybrid effect between glass fiber and jute fiber.