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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

IMPROVING THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYETHYLENE AND POLYPROPYLENE RECYCLED STREAMS USING POLYOLEFIN ELASTOMERS AND FUNCTIONALIZED POLYOLEFINS.
Laura Weaver, May 2011

The ability to be recycled is an important attribute for many plastics. By melting and reprocessing thermoplastics for re-use the carbon footprint can typically be reduced compared to the use of virgin materials. The benefits of incorporating recycle content into new and existing applications, however, must be tempered by the reality that recycled plastics may not have the same performance as virgin materials due to either 1) degradation by weathering/aging, 2) contamination, or 3) thermo-mechanical degradation from re-processing. To minimize these effects, it is important to understand the benefits of utilizing impact modifiers and compatibilizers.

A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO SPECIFYING AND MODELING PLASTICS FOR LIGHTING
Michael Fye, Don Mueller, Tim Duncan, May 2011

There are many ways to characterize and communicate essential information about plastic materials destined for use in lighting applications. Most lack the specificity required by the lighting systems designer in order to predict system performance. There are ways to model and specify materials that provide easier intuitive understanding and techniques that allow predictive CAD tools to be used. Lighting materials description Conventional methods of characterization Improved methods of characterization and description Influence on solid state light sources Comparisons of methods for use in subsequent modeling

GASOLINE ABSORPTION AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATION
Indah Widiastuti, Igor Sbarski, Syed Masood, May 2011

This paper evaluates the potential use of biodegradable polymer for fuel system components by considering operating conditions. Organic liquid diffusion into biodegradable polymer was observed by fuel immersion at various temperatures ranging from 5 to 50§C until the equilibrium condition was achieved. During the immersion time, mass uptake and length swelling were recorded periodically. The data were plotted for diffusion coefficient calculation at each temperature. Changes in mechanical properties were also investigated through tensile, flexural and impact testing. The results resemble the impact of gasoline absorption on biodegradable polymers when used for the under-hood components of a vehicle.

THE EFFECT OF MATERIAL COMPOSITION ON THERMAL EXPANSION AND MECHANICAL STRENGTH OF POLYMER CONCRETE USED FOR MANUFACTURING A BASE OF CNC GRINDING MACHINE
Header Haddad, Igor Sbarski, David McPherson, May 2011

This paper examine thermal expansion coefficient (CTE), flexural strength (FS) of polymer concrete (PC) containing different resin volume fraction (RVF) and figuring out the influence of the CET on the precision of the CNC grinding machine. Different samples of PC have been prepared adopting variety RVF as follows 17%, 15% and 13%. Aggregates were Basalt, Sand, and Fly Ash. CET was tested using custom built device. FS was tested according to Australian standard AS 1012.11. Results illustrates that RVF in PC has significant effect on CET, FS. ANSYS 12.1 visualize the CET influence on effective components of CNC grinding machine.

AUTOMATION AND ASSEMBLY SOLUTIONS OF MICRO INJECTION MOLDING PROCESSES
Bjoern Dormann, May 2011

Because of the difficult contact with miniaturised components the following treatment steps must already considered with the micro injection molding production . Micro injection molding parts have connected a low weight with a surface relatively big to the mass. The electric-static forces lead to the liability of the parts in the tool surfaces, what prevents dropping into the container.A manual use of the parts is, because of the low dimensions no more possible. With the micro injection molding process, the application of using automation devices are necessary already with unusually low numbers of micro parts.

USE OF SURFACE LAYER ON PRE-HARDENED TOOL STEEL CAN IMPROVE MOULD LIFE LENGTH AND SIMPLIFIES MOULD MANUFACTURING
Per Hansson, May 2011

The last decades have seen rapid development in hard-machining, enabling faster tool-manufacturing when using pre-hardened tool steels. Such steels are usually delivered in hardness up to Approx. 40 HRC. However, pre-hardened tool steel having 45 HRC is today available on the market. Such hardness is suitable in many molding applications, but when molding reinforced plastics, such as glass-fiber reinforced ones, higher mold surface hardness is required to achieve desired mold life length. Application of surface engineering (Nitriding, PVD-coating etc.) on pre-hardened tool steel enables the tool designer/tool maker to tailor-make the desired mold surface properties

PHYSICAL PROPERTY RETENTION OF EXTERIOR AUTOMOTIVE MOLD-IN-COLOR PLASTICS AFTER UV EXPOSURE
H. Banyay, May 2011

To reduce manufacturing costs and address environmental issues, coatings free Mold-In-Color plastics are now replacing coated plastics. This paper will explore the physical property retention / weathering performance of various Mold-In-Color plastics used for exterior trim. Exposed specimens are analyzed for their change in physical properties then analyzed for change in surface chemistry via infrared spectroscopy and surface topography. It is concluded that some plastics containing styrene experience a change in physical properties and surface chemistry upon UV expose while other materials like PMMA acrylic retain their original performance.

STUDY ON CONTINUOUS EXTRUSION FOAMING OF PP/PS/NANO-CLAY WITH SUPERCRITICAL CO2
Mingyi Wang, Wenli Zhu, R.K.M. Chu, Hongtao Zhang, Chul B. Park, Nanqiao Zhou, May 2011

The PP/PS/Nano-clay blends were foamed in this paper using a single-screw extruder foaming system and cell structure of foamed samples was characterized using SEM. By comparing cell morphology, foam expansion ratio, cell density etc, the effect of blend ratio for R-PP/PS/Nano-clay blends on cell morphology of foamed samples was studied. The results showed foaming behavior of PP could be improved when it was blended with PS, and the addition of Nano-clay further improved the foaming property of the blends. Microcellular foamed plastics with cell-population density as high as 2.16 108cells/cm3 were obtained when 5wt% Nano-clay was included in the formulation.

MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF EXTRUSION FOAMING BEHAVIOR OF PP/PDMS BLENDS
Mingyi Wang, R.K.M. Chu, Wenli Zhu, Chul B. Park, Nanqiao Zhou, Hongtao Zhang, May 2011

Foaming behavior of PP/PDMS blends was investigated using a single extruder foaming system, with CO2 as the foaming agent. Influences of die temperature and foaming agent conten on foam expansion ratio, cell density and die pressure were analyzed. Our research showed that gas loss and crystallization stiffening of the melt at low temperature were the two governing factors of foam expansion ratio, and the addition of PDMS improved the expansion ratio of PP foamed samples at higher loadings (5wt% and 7wt%) of foaming agent. Foamed samples with expansion ratio as high as 23 were obtained as 5wt% CO2 was used.

CAUSE OF OCCATIONAL FAILURE OF CPVC PIPES AND FITTINGS IN HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEMS
Duana Priddy, Brad Arnold, Kevin Battjes, May 2011

CPVC pipes and fittings are commonly used in hydronic heating systems. However, there are occasional failures of CPVC pipes and fittings used in these systems due to chemical contamination by the lubricant oil used in the heat exchanger refrigerant. Although leaks in the heat exchanger are rare, when a leak does occur, it can lead to almost immediate failure of the CPVC piping system. This paper discusses the results of our forensic failure analyses on CPVC hydronic piping. Also we present the results of our studies on the chemical compatibility of refrigerant lubricant oils.

EFFECT OF ULTRA-HIGH THERMAL TREATMENT OF CARBON NANOFIBERS ON EMI SE OF LLDPE NANOCOMPOSITES
Byron Villacorta, Amod Ogale, May 2011

The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) and the electrical properties of linear low density polyethylene modified by heat treated carbon nanofibers (Pyrograf III PR-19) and mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers were investigated. After thermal treatment of the nanofibers to 2500C, 20 wt% PR-19 thermal treated nanocomposites displayed a resistivity of ~1e5 cm, and EMI SE values as high as 15 dB for most of the VHF-UHF frequency range. These nanocomposites retained half of the flexibility and strength as well as one-third of the ductility, relative to the LLDPE. EMI SE analysis indicates that absorption is the primary shielding mechanism.

THE PREPARATION OF NANO-CLAY/POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITE MATERIALS WITH IMPROVED PROPERTIES USING SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE
Chen Chen, Donald Baird, May 2011

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) was used as a processing aid to improve the level of exfoliation and, in some cases, the dispersion of nano-clay in polypropylene (PP). The anisotropic properties of injection molded nano-clay/PP composites were studied. The use of scCO2 with modified processing methods lead to materials which showed improvements in the mechanical properties of 78.4% compared to the pure PP matrix for a 18wt % clay loading. A further improvement in properties is expected with higher levels of nano-clay, improvements in the processing method, and the use of a highly crystalline PP matrix.

FACTS ANALYSIS" - A SIMPLE SIX-SIGMA ANALYSIS TOOL FOR TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS WITH ORGANIC SURFACE COATINGS ON PLASTICS"
Robert Yager, Barbara Yager, May 2011

Troubleshooting serious problems with coatings on plastics requires quickly finding the cause. Delay can mean high costs, customer dissatisfaction and loss of reputation. To proceed rapidly an investigator must be able to select one or two most likely causes for further investigation. Facts Analysis is a useful, practical, simple tool for generating plausible possible causes and deciding which ones to pursue further. Therefore, blind alleys are avoided. An available workbook, Factory Applied Coating Troubleshooting Checklist leads the investigator through the D, the M-and most of the A of six-sigma DMAIC. It can be used by investigators of all educational backgrounds.

EFFECTS OF SCREW CONFIGURATION ON THE DISSOLUTION BEHAVIOR OF INDOMETHACIN IN EUDRAGITE PO SOLID DISPERISONS
Huiju Liu, Linjie Zhu, Peng Wang, Costas Gogos, Xueyan Zhang, May 2011

This experimental study examines the evolution of the extent of dissolution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) indomethacin (INM) into the polymer excipient Eudragit E PO (E PO) on four screw configurations. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results show that kneading blocks accelerate the complete dissolution process. It is concluded that the kneading blocks, which cause the processed stream to undergo chaotic laminar extensional flow and are crucial to laminar distributive mixing, may be the main necessary mixing elements for the full dissolution of the drug in the polymer melt.

GPC CONTROL OF HOT-RUNNER TEMPERATURE IN INJECTION MOLDING
Feng Zhou, Yi Yang, Furong Gao, May 2011

Injection molding is one of the most popular polymer processing techniques in plastics industries. Hot runner has become a standard component of injection molding molds due to a number of advantages, including reduction in raw material consumption, greater production rate, and lower power consumption. Hot-runner temperature distribution plays an important role in final product quality. A multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) generalized predictive control (GPC) is developed, implemented and tested for hot-runner temperature control on a reciprocating-screw injection molding machine. Experimental results prove that GPC can control hot-runner temperature accurately.

EFFECT OF EXPANDABLE THERMOPLASTIC MICROSPHERES ON MICROCELLULAR INJECTION MOLDED POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA): MICROSTRUCTURE, SURFACE ROUGHNESS, AND TENSILE PROPERTIES
Jun Peng, Jian Wang, Ke Li, Lih-Sheng Turng, Xiang-Fang Peng, May 2011

Expandable thermoplastic microspheres were employed as chemical blowing agents to produce biodegradable polylactic acid parts. The surface characteristics of the samples were evaluated with a 2D surface roughness analyzer and a white-light 3D surface profiler. It was found that microcellular injection molded parts with ETM exhibit good surface quality, similar to conventional solid injection molded parts. The tensile properties of injection molded PLA samples with variable ETM weight ratios have been investigated. As shown by the testing results, the cell microstructures play an important role in the surface quality and mechanical properties.

THE EFFECT OF BROAD ORTHOGONAL COMPOSITION DISTRIBUTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACK RESISTANCE IN POLYETHYLENE
Arnold Lustiger, May 2011

Environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR) is a critical mechanical property for polyethylene in injection and rotational molding applications. Based on a very well characterized matrix of materials with widely varying densities and melt index, we have looked at broad orthogonal composition distribution (BOCD) as a means of improving ESCR without the processability and stiffness debits. Through blending high melt index, high density components with low density, low melt index components to a target MI/ density, ESCR improvements of up to two orders of magnitude are evident over their single component counterparts.

MEASUREMENT OF INTERFACIAL TENSION AND THREAD/DROPLET KINETICS VIA POLYMER MELT MICROFLUIDICS
Doyoung Moon, Kalman Migler, May 2011

We present a novel platform for measurement of droplet dynamics and interfacial tension via polymer melt microfluidics (PMM). We utilize a flow focusing technique to form droplets or threads which then travel down a central channel. Upon cessation of flow, we monitor the relaxation of the droplets and threads and extract their interfacial tension. We demonstrate the technique using a polystyrene/polyamide (PS/PA) system and use the deformed droplet retraction method (DDRM) to determine the interfacial tension without any pre-processing of the samples in a confined geometry. The result agrees well with that of a previous work.

SUBSTRATE EFFECTS ON THE CONFINED CRYSTALLIZATION OF POLYCAPROLACTONE IN COEXTRUDED NANOLAYERED FILMS
Michael Ponting, Jong Keum, Benny Freeman, Anne Hiltner, Eric Baer, May 2011

This paper examines the structure-property relationships of poly (caprolactone) (PCL) nanolayers confined by various polymer substrates. AFM, gas transport, and WAXS characterizations were utilized to demonstrate that confined PCL nanolayers crystallized as large in-plane lamellae of high aspect ratio. This phenomenon, previously observed only for poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), may be a more general phenomenon of crystalline polymers. In-plane PCL lamellae were as effective as PEO in reducing the oxygen permeability by more than 2 orders of magnitude. Additionally, the confining polymer substrate was found to affect to orientation of the PCL nanolayers due to chemical compatibility or epitaxial induced crystallization.

BIO-PLASTIC SHEETS FROM MBM PROTEINS
Sam Lukubira, Amod Oqale, May 2011

The processability of meat-and-bone-meal (MBM) proteins via thermal routes was investigated. Batch compounding and compression molding were used to determine optimal compositions and processing parameters. The sheets were studied for their water vapor permeability, mechanical properties and environmental aging effects. The relative humidity (RH) of the ambient air played a significant role in the processing of the compounded protein.. Sheets were formed at 40-50% RH. As expected, mechanical properties of the sheets were also found to be moisture sensitive. Particle size of MBM raw material was also found to significantly affect the texture and mechanical properties of sheets.










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