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Filling polymers with wheat straw can be environmentally responsible and reduce cost. Nowadays most composites with natural fibers are processed by compression molding. This study examined the feasibility of manufacturing wheat-straw and high-density polyethylene composites by injection molding. MFI and thermal analysis of composites with different wheat straw contents were characterized. Mechanical properties of injection molded composites were measured. It has been found the melt points of all composites were about 135C. The fluidity, tensile and impact strengthes of the composites decreased while the wheat straw content increased. However, the flexural strength increased slightly with the increase in wheat-straw content.
There are two basic models companies following when implementing the MuCell microcellular foam injection molding process. The first and most common implementation is to apply the technology to a part designed for solid. The second implementation involves parts designed specifically to optimize performance with the microcellular foam process. In either case, the customer needs to understand the expected performance of the fastening mechanism. This study identifies the achieveable fastening performance with screws when using boss designs for standard solid injection molding and also identifies the optimum design geometry for microcellular foam molded boss design.
Based on reciprocating micro injection molding machine, this paper characterizes the influence of machine process parameters and its transition response from velocity control to pressure control (V-P transition) on the micro cavity filling process. The method of Design of Experiment was employed to systematically and statistically investigate the effect of machine parameters on actual cavity filling process, which was described by the defined process characteristic values (PCVs). The statistical analysis indicated that injection speed was dominated factor affecting all PCVs in cavity filling process. It was also found that the machine V-P transition have significant effects on cavity filling.
Three different biodegradable copolyesters with increased green content (starting from 31 %) made from recycled post consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were evaluated in comparison to commercial poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) (PBAT) in terms of thermal, rheology, and physical properties. The melting temperature of the resins is lower compared to commercial PBAT due to the presence of isophthalate and traces of diethylene glycol (DEG) linkages from PET. The melt flow values are 2.5 times higher than those of commercial PBAT, which has extensive branching. New resins show low crystallinity, high flexibility, and no break at maximum elongation compared to commercial PBAT.
Injection compression molding (ICM) has been utilized in the manufacturing of optical parts since this molding process can improve optical property with reduced flow-induced residual stress and warpage. In this study, a true 3D simulation technology has been employed to predict flow-induced residual stress in ICM process by considering viscoelastic behavior of plastic materials. The optical behaviors of products are simulated according to photoelasticity theory. The simulations are performed with a two-cavity model of spherical lens. The process condition effects, including compression gap, compression speed compression time and delay time, on birefringence, residual stress and warpage results are investigated.
For an industrial thermoformer, thermoforming plastic thin containers using a plug involved technological knowledge on material behavior, plug material and process variables. Technical papers on the subject exist but not with reference to the optimization of process conditions on high speed and high volume lines. Design of Experiments (DOE) approach like the Taguchi method can be used to refine the process and to minimize rejects. In this paper, a case study on thermoforming PET thin containers on a high output industrial machine using a single criteria based on the Taguchi method for optimization of wall thickness distribution is discussed.
It is important to discern the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and crystallization from UHMWPE- liquid paraffin solution in order to control the membrane forming process. Since the UHMWPE- liquid paraffin solution belongs to a binary strong interaction system, accustomed methods such as DSC, light scattering, and optical microscopy (OM) are not so suitable. By adopting an inversing quenching rheological method we successfully obtained LLPS temperature of the polymer solution. The results show that viscoelastic properties are more sensitive to concentration fluctuation of L-L phase separation at the early stages than other methods.
Nano-patterning was achieved by application of nano-porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template as mold inserts in injection molding and thermal nano-imprinting. Depending on the AAO template used, the nano-holes have a diameter of 30 200 nm and a depth that varies from a few hundred nanometers to 60 micro meter. Effects of structure size on polystyrene surface properties were investigated. The replication accuracy was improved using a heat insulator and a high-flow-grade polymer. Results showed high replication of surface nano-features, 30nm rod features, using the injection molding process.
Water-assisted injection molding has some benefits over conventional injection molding such as shorter cycle time. The current study started from simulations of the flow behavior of various models. Theoretical methods and a numerical solver (Moldex3D R10) were used as the analysis tools. By using its three-dimensional visualization ability, water penetration behavior is easier to understand. Different processing condition effects related to water penetration length were investigated. The current research also focused on core out effects with different models. The results showed good agreement with experimental data and are helpful in understanding flow behavior in water-assisted injection molding.
Maren Bengs, Hans-Josef Endres, Andrea Siebert-Raths, Erwin Baur, May 2011
The biopolymer database offers a knowledge platform about biopolymers with producer data and newly measured comparable properties. The database reflects the market situation and serves as connection between manufacturers, converters and end users. Many features allow search and compare possibilities to find the right material. In further working steps the database will be upgraded with processing properties, additives, examples of applications, etc. By using different methods like a questionnaire, interviews, etc the suggestions of the polymer industry will be integrated.
Yuko Takagi, Kishin Ozawa, Keiichi Zouta, Koshi Koide, Yoshihiro Kayano, May 2011
Polycarbonate (PC) films with nanopores of a highly regulated size and shape were successfully prepared by ion track etching technique. The pores penetrated the films with a thickness of up to 100m, and the aspect ratio of the pores was nearly a thousand, which is outstanding result among those reported to date. Optimized etching conditions led to the effective etching of the ion tracks, and the addition of surfactant into the etching solution also heavily influenced the constitution of the pores.
Polypropylene (PP) is increasingly utilized in various engineering applications because of its lightweight and good mechanical properties balance. Scratch resistance is crucial for various applications such as automotive interior parts. It's important to understand structure-property relationships in order to develop high performance PP. Molecular weight effect on scratch behavior is investigated in this paper. It was found that yielded zone size under scratched surface was correlated well with scratch visibility. Smaller yielded zone was formed in the case of higher molecular weight PP, leading to higher scratch resistance.
In this article, we report the mechanical and morphological analysis of HDPE, CaCO3 and EVA ternary blend. HDPE/EVA/CaCO3 ternary blends were prepared by melt blend technique. The mechanical properties of these blends were evaluated and found that, the incorporation of EVA modifies the toughness by inducing ductility in these composites. The morphology of these composites were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The phase structures of these composites were also investigated. We observed two main types of phase structures in these blends; separate dispersion of the EVA phase or encapsulation of the CaCO3 by EVA.
Functional layers of chemical resistant glass reinforced plastic linings (GRL) and load-carrying structure of acid baths, pools, chimney liners and other products, made from steel, concrete, or high filler plastic, have different physical properties. Change of the working environment temperature leads to occurrence in the productƒ??s wall of the temperature difference and the temperature stresses. The temperature difference time in functional layers and forecasting of the GRL crazing should be lead on the basis of a theory of non-stationary heat conductivity.
A standard scratch test ISO 19252 is performed to study the scratch behavior of injection molded PC. The effect of molecular weight (Mw) is investigated. A linearly increasing load scratch test provides critical normal loads for the onset of scratch visibility, abrasion, micro-cracking and material removal. Polarizing optical microscope (POM) was used to observe yielding behavior at the onset of scratch visibility and the earlier stage in scratch groove. Surface mechanical properties characterized by micro-cutting method are also discussed. The findings of this study suggest that scratch properties can be enhanced as Mw increased.
Christian Hopmann, Walter Michaeli, Markus Brinkmann, Andreas Neuss, Martin Putz, May 2011
The economic environment for plastics processing companies has changed considerably in the last few decades through globalization and ever faster technological progress. The increasing complexity of organizations and processes is also leading to increasing complexity of the management tasks. In particular, the companies have to ensure taking or keeping a leading position in terms of the production technology. In order that these tasks can continue to be performed satisfactorily, a new key indicator-based assessment system is developed that allows a benchmarking of the technological competences of companies.
Compared with conventional injection molding (CIM) associated with the constant temperature of mold, Rapid Thermal Response Molding (RTRM) often has a rapid heating and cooling system and the molded part will experience a different thermal and mechanical history. As a result, the microstructure of RTRM part, especially the crystallization morphology for the semi-crystalline polymer, is different from that of CIM. In this paper, the crystallization morphology of RTRM part is simulated numerically using a non-isothermal crystallization model.
Igor Catic, Gordana Baric, Kata Galic, Ana Marija, Ana Rogic, Maja Rujnic-Sokele, Ivor Karavanic, May 2011
The word polymers is usually related to plastics and rubber. This definition narrows down the meaning of the word to a very significant group of materials, but leaves out numerous other substances and materials that are also polymers. The consequence is the difficulty in observing the interconnection or comparability of polymers among each other or with other non-polymeric substances and materials. Therefore, a draft of the basic systematization of inorganic and organic macromolecular compounds has been elaborated.
Changes in global markets and the recent financial crisis have prompted companies to re-examine their value chain and carefully review the demarcation line between internal and sourced development and manufacturing resources to determine which are still strategic to the business. This has caused captive molders to re-visit value propositions and seek new ways to remain financially viable and strategically relevant to their parent companies. One approach is migration to a hybrid model supporting both captive and custom molding. This paper explores the merits of a hybrid model and issues associated with transitioning to a combined model in a corporate environment.
A polyphenylene ether-polysiloxane block copolymer is produced by oxidative coupling polymerization of 2,6 xylenol and a eugenol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane. The reaction takes place in a solvent, such as toluene, which needs to be removed in an polymer isolation step. The isolation can be done by precipitation of the polymer with an anti-solvent such as methanol, or by direct" isolation in a devolatilizing extruder as described in this paper. Process conditions to control the desired residual solvent content in the product are reported as well as the effect of the process on key product properties.
Kim McLoughlin Senior Research Engineer, Global Materials Science Braskem
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Kim drives technology programs at Braskem to develop advanced polyolefins with improved recyclability and sustainability. As Principal Investigator on a REMADE-funded collaboration, Kim leads a diverse industry-academic team that is developing a process to recycle elastomers as secondary feedstock. Kim has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cornell. She is an inventor on more than 25 patents and applications for novel polyolefin technologies. Kim is on the Board of Directors of SPE’s Thermoplastic Materials & Foams Division, where she has served as Education Chair and Councilor.
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Gamini has a BS and PhD from Purdue University in Materials Engineering and Sustainability. He joined Penn State as a Post Doctorate Scholar in 2020 prior to his professorship appointment. He works closely with PA plastics manufacturers to implement sustainability programs in their plants.
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Tom Giovannetti holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Tulsa and for the last 26 years has worked for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. Tom started his plastics career by designing various injection molded products for the chemical industry including explosion proof plugs and receptacles, panel boards and detonation arrestors for 24 inch pipelines. Tom also holds a patent for design of a polyphenylene sulfide sleeve in a nylon coolant cross-over of an air intake manifold and is a Certified Plastic Technologist through the Society of Plastic Engineers. Tom serves on the Oklahoma Section Board as Councilor, is also the past president of the local Oklahoma SPE Section, and as well serves on the SPE Injection Molding Division board.
Joseph Lawrence, Ph.D. Senior Director and Research Professor University of Toledo
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Dr. Joseph Lawrence is a Research Professor and Senior Director of the Polymer Institute and the Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization at the University of Toledo. He is a Chemical Engineer by training and after working in the process industry, he has been engaged in polymers and composites research for 18+ years. In the Polymer Institute he leads research on renewably sourced polymers, plastics recycling, and additive manufacturing. He is also the lead investigator of the Polyesters and Barrier Materials Research Consortium funded by industry. Dr. Lawrence has advised 20 graduate students, mentored 8 staff scientists and several undergraduate students. He is a peer reviewer in several journals, has authored 30+ peer-reviewed publications and serves on the board of the Injection Molding Division of SPE.
Matt Hammernik Northeast Account Manager Hasco America
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Matt Hammernik serves as Hasco America’s Northeast Area Account Manager covering the states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He started with Hasco America at the beginning of March 2022. Matt started in the Injection Mold Industry roughly 10 years ago as an estimator quoting injection mold base steel, components and machining. He advanced into outside sales and has been serving molders, mold builders and mold makers for about 7 years.
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Any article that is cited in another manuscript or other work is required to use the correct reference style. Below is an example of the reference style for SPE articles:
Brown, H. L. and Jones, D. H. 2016, May.
"Insert title of paper here in quotes,"
ANTEC 2016 - Indianapolis, Indiana, USA May 23-25, 2016. [On-line].
Society of Plastics Engineers, ISBN: 123-0-1234567-8-9, pp. 000-000.
Available: www.4spe.org.
Note: if there are more than three authors you may use the first author's name and et al. EG Brown, H. L. et al.
