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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A novel brominated polymer was synthesized from pentabromo-6-ethoxybenzene vinyl ether using cationic polymerization. The thermal and rheological properties of the polymer (i.e. PBrVE) were compared to the commercial brominated flame retardant, poly(pentabromobenzyl acrylate) (PBrBA). The glass transition temperature of PBrVE was determined to be 103 C which was 57 C lower than that of PBrBA. The higher molecular mobility of PBrVE resulted in lower melt viscosity in blends with PBT. Characterization of the PBT blends using transmission electron microscopy indicated higher compatibility between PBT and PBrVE as compared to PBT and PBrBA.
Two different grades of organically modified montmorillonite were treated with several aminosilanes before compounding with a linear polypropylene (MFR=4) and a high molecular weight PP-g-MA in the same proportions in all cases. This treatment served to promote reactive coupling of the polymeric compatibilizer (PP-g-MA) to the nanolayer edges alone in some cases or to the nanolayer faces as well as edges in other cases. Edge coupling alone or coupling at the faces and edges give rise to different effects on the morphology and melt rheology ƒ??particularly strain hardening in extensional flow of the nanocomposites.
Measurement of oxygen permeability of biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) un-oriented amorphous and crystallized films, and oriented films showed superior values versus general barrier materials. The effect of orientation and crystallization was investigated, showing that oxygen permeability was dependent upon the polymer's free volume and its degree of crystallinity. By stretching an un-oriented amorphous film, PGA chains became highly oriented, resulting in increased temperatures of glass transition and tan?? peak. PGAƒ??s carbon dioxide barrier was tested using PET/PGA multilayer bottles, with 1 and 3wt% PGA bottles showing 1.5 and 2.5 times better gas barrier, respectively, versus a PET monolayer bottle.
In this work, newly-introduced polycarbonate resins targeted for medical device applications, Makrolon Rx2435 and Makrolon 2258 were studied after sterilization with 30 kGy and 60 kGy gamma-irradiation. Despite characteristic color shifts and slight losses in molecular weights, the polycarbonate resins showed excellent retention of properties after irradiation up to 60 kGy. Although the polycarbonate color shifts were greater than what was observed for a medical copolyester, the copolyester yielded greater viscosity losses after sterilization. The color shifts for Makrolon point to the polycarbonate rearrangement reactions which occur upon irradiation.
Nanoclay fillers have the ability to enhance the thermo-mechanical, barrier and flame resistant properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). One method employed to successfully disperse nanoclay powders into polymers that is both inexpensive and deemed environmentally friendly is supercritical carbon dioxide processing. With supercritical carbon dioxide processing, Cloisite 93A was infused into LLDPE and Maleated LLDPE (LLDPE-g-MA). The infusion of Cloisite 93A was confirmed by XRD and FTIR analysis. In addition, XRD analysis suggests that clay intercalation was achieved for select runs. And FTIR analysis was used to determine the amount of nanoclay infused into the polymer.
Fracture behavior of rubber toughened epoxy on metal substrates was investigated in this paper. The elastic-plastic behavior and mode I fracture resistance characteristics of the rubber-toughened epoxy were experimentally characterized. A cohesive zone based finite element model was developed to understand the influence of bonding thickness and nonuniform bonding layout on the fracture behavior. It was observed that the bondline thickness can affect the fracture behavior, particularly the fracture initiation, profoundly. It was also found that the nonuniformity in bond line can have significant impact on the crack propagation.
Methacrylate terminated telechelic polyphenylene ether copolymer is produced by reacting methacrylic acid anhydride with a telechelic PPE copolymer. The reaction takes place in a solvent which needs to be removed in an isolation step. The isolation can be done by precipitation with an anti-solvent or by removing the solvent in a devolatilization unit. Avoidance in the use of an anti-solvent is of interest to make the process more environmentally friendly. This paper describes the feasibility of the use of devolatilization extrusion for the isolation step and investigates the effect devolatilization extrusion has on the structure and properties of the copolymer.
R.K.M. Chu, Yanting Guo, Siu Ning Sunny Leung, Nanqiao, Chul B. Park, May 2011
This paper presents an experimental study on the foaming of polystyrene in a batch-foaming apparatus under three control factors: surfactant content, temperature, and saturation pressure. A one-way ANOVA test was conducted to identify the significance of each factor on cellular properties of the foam specimens. Results showed that the surfactant content and saturation pressure possessed contributions onto the cell density of foams, whereas the temperature and saturation pressure posed noticeable influence on the expansion ratio of foams.
Younghyo Kim, Sung-hwan Yoon, Si-Hyeong Cho, Jin-Goo Park, Joey Mead, Carol Barry, May 2011
Preliminary investigation indicated that the hardness and viscosity of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) affected replication of microfeatures. Over several types of TPEs, a moderate hardness and viscosity demonstrated superior replication quality. In this work, further study for relationship between TPEs properties and replication quality was performed. Copolyesters (COPEs) with a range of hardness and viscosity were evaluated. Replication of the molded parts was characterized using microscopy, surface profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy.
Sergio Madrigal-Carballo, Gerardo Rodriguez, Marianelly Esquivel, Jose Vega-Baudrit, Guillermo Jimenez, Maria Sibaja, May 2011
Chitosan biomembranes loaded with natural polyphenols isolated from cramberry presscake and pomegranate peels have been developed as a novel device for the controlled release of these well known phytonutrients. Characterization of biomembranes loaded with polyphenols was performed by thermal, morphological and crystallographic analysis. Addition of polyphenols into chitosan matrix modifies thermal behaviour and surface morphology of chitosan biomembranes. Release studies indicate that cross-linked chitosan biomembranes are a suitable controlled release system for natural polyphenols. Antimicrobial assays indicate that chitosan biomembranes loaded with polyphenols showed higher bioactivity than the polymer itself and for some cases, even higher than the positive control.
Hingbo Li, Nathalie Legros, Christian Belanger, May 2011
Triticale is being developed and aimed as an industrial crop and biorefinery feedstock for the Canadian manufacturing industry within the CTBI networking. In this paper the potential of triticale starch for the TPS/polymer blend fabrication was explored in terms of the starch morphology, crystallization structure, and the TPS (thermoplastic starch) rheology properties. The possibility of using triticale to make 100% biobased blown film was investigated using a small lab-scale film blown line. Film thickness of 25 um was obtained successfully for the triticale starch based PLA/TPS blends.
Trademarks play an integral role in our society. They serve as source identifiers which create marketability and drive the economy. Trademarks must be properly used and enforced or risk loss of distinctiveness thereby losing their value. One example of this is genericism. Owners of trademarks which are used by consumers as the name for the product itself, rather than as an indicator of source, may have to take special proactive measures to escape genericism. This paper discusses how to create a strong brand, how marks become generic and how to avoid having your mark become the next victim of genericism.
David Bigio, William Pappas, Harry Brown, Beserat Debebe, William Dunham, May 2011
An experiment has been created to directly relate the stress distribution history (RSD) with the Residence distribution. Stress beads are used to determine the percentage of material that experiences a certain amount of stress at each location on the residence distribution. This experiment directly relates stress data as a function of the residence distribution and will be recorded for a range of specific throughputs. A comparison of a mixing section comprised of narrow versus wide kneading blocks is performed to demonstrate the power of the approach.
Highly expanded polyolefin foam was made flame-retardant with the use of an environmentally friendly phosphorous flame retardant. An aqueous solution of a derivative of carboxylic acid of phenylphosphonic acid was externally applied to already-made partially-open-celled foam to achieve desired flame-retardant foam. An effective flame retardant level as low as 0.1 pars per one hundred parts of resin provided self-extinguishing foam. The compound could also be directly fed in the extrusion process. This finding opens an avenue to achieving a low-cost thermal insulation material from polypropylene.
Mohammad Hasan, Rubyet Islam, Chul B. Park, May 2011
PVT behavior of polymer/gas mixture is very important for foaming. The PVT behavior of polystyrene (PS) in presence of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) and their blends were determined using a laboratory developed PVT apparatus at various temperatures and pressures. It was found that in case of CO2, swelling of PS increased with increase in pressure and decreased with decrease in temperature. However, in case of N2, swelling increased linearly with both temperature and pressure. For CO2+N2 blend system, only the overall swelling of blend in polymer was measured and it increased linearly with pressure and decreased with temperature.
Injection fill rate may be the most important processing variable in the injection molding of plastic components. A comparative study was conducted to contrast Scientific Molding and computer simulation for determining optimum injection velocity. One method is based on the behavior of pseudo-plastic non-Newtonian fluids and the other on the predicted results of inputs for process settings by simulation software. Once optimum fill rates were determined they were evaluated against each methods standard to determine if one method is more advantageous than the other. Results suggest Scientific methods are more reliable.
Peng Ya, Andrew Salamon: Kevin Menard, Richard Spragg, Patrick Courtney, May 2011
Both Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Raman Spectroscopy are well known techniques for the characterization of polymeric materials. DSC is widely used to investigate phase changes of materials as their temperature is changed, or isothermally. Vibrational spectroscopy can provide complementary information, giving insight at molecular level into the changes accompanying thermal events or reactions. Combining both techniques allows a greater depth of understanding of the changes in materials. Here polymer examples are given to illustrate the potential applications of this technology to polymeric material.
Short fiber glass-filled LEXAN* resin High Flow Ductile (HFD) polycarbonate copolymer materials are characterized by higher melt flow compared to their equivalent glass-filled standard polycarbonate samples. The glass-filled HFD compounds show 11-18?øC lower HDT compared to the standard polycarbonate products, but have similar impact, mechanical, and dimensional stability properties. The HFD materials allow for longer injection molding flow lengths and thinner wall parts. In addition, the glass-filled HFD copolymer samples show improved surface gloss in injection molded plaques. In general, increasing the melt temperature, mold temperature, and injection speeds during molding results in increased surface gloss and improved aesthetic appearance.
Nan Chen, Hui Wang, Kun Lin, Chul B. Park, May 2011
This study investigated the solid-state batch foaming of Polyether block amide (PEBA) using sub-critical CO2 as the blowing agent. Three different kinds of PEBA polymers and their blends were applied here. The viscosities of the resin were gauged as the foundation of the foaming. The results indicated that there existed an optimal temperature window in the batch foaming process and an optimal portfolio of foaming parameters for the different PEBA resins. Certain elastomer blends show a wider foaming temperature window, and have a higher cell nucleation density. Furthermore, it is beneficial to introduce foam structure for the dielectric applications.
This paper discusses the relationship between formulation and properties of polypropylene/triticale straw composites. The composites were prepared by twin-screw extrusion process followed by injection molding with different triticale content from 10 to 40 vol% in the PP matrix in the presence of 3.75 vol% of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) as coupling agent. Composites with CaO as reactive agent were also prepared. The results demonstrate that triticale fibers are a good reinforcement with a great potential in thermoplastic composites field if the processing procedure and formulation are appropriate.
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.
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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.
