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

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND DEGRADATION OF COMMERICAL BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC BAGS

Jonathan Buckley, Amelia Halliday, Antonio Lewis, Dax Druminski, Satya Shivkumar, May 2011

The properties of six biodegradable commercial plastic bags, including BioBag, Flushdoggy, Green Genius, Oxobiodegradable, Rascodog, and World Centric, were examined. Most of the bags exhibited mechanical properties similar to traditional bags. One bag that had extensively higher properties was the Flushdoggy bag, which is based on PVA. All the bags generally start to degrade thermally at around 400C. Exposure to UV light did not have much of an effect on tensile properties. UV radiation, moisture, and weathering all had little effect on thermal degradation. Oxo-biodegrable and Flushdoggy became especially brittle after accelerated aging, although Flushdoggy still exhibited strong tensile properties.

OUTDOOR WEATHERING MUST VERIFY ACCELERATED TESTING

Michale Crewdson, May 2011

Outdoor exposure racks and accelerated chambers are the primary methods for testing materials for weathering durability. Because of the time constraints placed on product development, emphasis has been placed on accelerated laboratory testing to provide data on long term outdoor durability. Because state of the art weathering chambers cannot reproduce all the complexities of outdoor weathering, over-reliance on accelerated testing can lead to the wrong conclusions. This paper discusses the problems inherent in accelerated testing and shows techniques and processes that allow the user to determine acceleration and correlation factors and ensure that accelerated testing is giving the right results.

RAPID RESTORATION OF RAIL ROAD TIMBER BRIDGESUSING POLYMER COMPOSITES

P.V. Vijay, GangaRao Hota, Ruifeng Liang, Mark Skidmore, May 2011

Damaged piles of eleven timber railroad bridges on South Branch Valley Railroad (SBVR) lines in Moorefield, WV were rapidly rehabilitated and restored with the use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites. Specifically, field rehabilitation involved repairing of 57 piles using GFRP composite wraps, phenolic formaldehyde resins, and resin soaked wood sawdust as a filler material in the pile core. Following the restoration of timber piles, Non-Destructive Evaluations (NDE) were carried out to assess wrap bonding and core integrity.

BIO-COMPOSITES OF SESBANIA HERBACEA PLANT FIBERS/POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (PVA): EFFECT OF CHEMICAL RETTING

Shailesh Vidhate, Kevin Stevens, Brian Ayer, Allen Michael, Nandika D'Souza, May 2011

The natural cellulose fibers used in this study with properties suitable for polymer composite application were obtained from sesbania herbacea plant stem by chemical retting method. The objective of this work is to study the effect of retting method on morphology and mechanical properties of the sesbania fibers and its composites with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The retting was done by using different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology and thermo mechanical testing was done to study the effect of NaOH treatment on the properties of fibers and its composites with PVA.

SOLID-STATE FOAMING OF CELLULOSE NANOFIBER REINFORCED POLYLACTIC ACID BIOCOMPOSITES

WeiDan Ding, Takashi, Ryohei Koyama, Chul B Park, Mohini Sain, May 2011

This study investigates the effect of fiber content on the foaming behavior of cellulose nanofibers reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. The composites were prepared by a film casting and hot pressing method and then foamed via the batch foaming process with CO2. The morphology, average cell size, volume expansion ratio and cell density of the samples with different cellulose content were compared. The results suggested that cellulose nanofibers, (1) acted as nucleating agents and (2) suppressed the cell coalescence during the foaming process. The cell morphology is related to the fiber content.

MULTI COMPONENT INJECTION MOLDING FOR REPLICATING METALLIC MICRO STRUCTURES

Juergen Prokop, Julia Lorenz, Volker Piotter, Hans-Joachim Ritzhaupt-Kleissl, Juergen Hausselt, Thomas Kamps, May 2011

The two component injection molding of electrically conductive carbon black-filled and insulating polymer can be used to replicate metallic microstructures in a sufficient way. This special process chain called MSG process uses the quasi-infinite conductivity gradient of such two-component templates to start controlled electroplating from the base plate only. Therefore first an electrically conductive base plate is generated by injection molding of electrically conductive carbon black-filled polymers. In a second injection molding step insulating polymers circumfluent microstructures and thereby produce micro-cavities onto these plates. These micro-cavities are filled with metal in the following electroplating step.

EFFECT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL pH ON THE CORROSION BIOINHIBITIVE PROPERTIES OF MODIFIED CASSAVA STARCHES

Marisela Bello, Nathalie Ochoa, Vittoria Balsamo, May 2011

The effect of the environmental pH on the properties of modified cassava starches as corrosion inhibitors of carbon steel, was evaluated. Two species were tested: activated (AS) and carboxymethylated starch (CMS). The species were studied using electrochemical measurements in tap water under neutral and alkaline conditions. It was found that protection provided by these biopolymers is dependent on the acidity of the system. Their efficiency is related to the formation of a chelate between macromolecules and ferrous cations. When lowering the pH, the active groups tend to be protonated, hindering the protection afforded for these biopolymers.

PRODUCING MICROLAYER BLOW MOLDED STRUCTURES USING LAYER MULTIPLICATION AND UNIQUE DIE HEAD TECHNOLOGY

Sam Crabtree, Joseph Dooley, Jeff Robacki, Patrick C. Lee, Robert Wrisley, Calvin Pavlicek, May 2011

Many polymers are extruded in the blow molding process to produce monolayer and multilayer molded articles. Various types of dies are used today in the blow molding process. Each of these types of dies can be used effectively for many polymers in structures containing up to approximately 6 layers. This paper will discuss technology in which layer multiplication techniques are combined with unique die geometries to produce microlayer blow molded structures with significantly greater numbers of layers.

STUDY OF THERMAL DEGRADATION OF PVC PLASTICIZED FORMULATIONS COSTABILIZED WITH d-SORBITOL AND TRIPHENYL PHOSPHITE

Pilar Haro-Gutierrez, Jesus Arellano, Eduardo Mendizabal, Carlos Jasso, Martin Arellano, Luis Gonzalez-Ortiz, May 2011

PVC is generally degraded during processing, producing several undesirable effects. In this work, mixtures of calcium and/or zinc stearates and epoxidized soybean oil are used as stabilizers. In addition, to improve overall stability, D-sorbitol or triphenyl phosphite were added as costabilizers. The formulation composition was systematically varied considering the following parameters: a) presence of epoxidized soybean oil, b)CaSt2/ZnSt2 ratio and, c) presence and type of costabilizer. Thermal stability was followed during isothermal heating by determining: a) the accumulation rate of some conjugated polyenes and, b) the changes in the tensile properties.

NEW WOOD FIBER BIOCOMPOSITES BASED ON POLYLACTIDE AND POLYLACTIDE / THERMOPLASTIC STARCH BLENDS

Mihaela Mihai, Nathalie Legros, Alexandru Iordan, Ayse Alemdar, May 2011

This paper aims at developing natural fiber biocomposites based on biopolymers reinforced with wood fibers obtained from a thermomechanical refining process. Polylactide and polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends were used as matrices. Two PLAs were considered with the purpose to investigate the effect of wood fibers on the crystallinity, and therefore, on mechanical properties of composites. Two grades of thermoplastic starch, different in plasticizer content and nature, were used. TPS content in the PLA/TPS blends was 50%. Moreover, two wood fiber types were selected, a hardwood and a softwood, to state the effect of the fiber type on the biocomposite properties.

REVERSE TEMPERATURE PROFILE RHEOLOGY STUDY OF PHB COPOLYMER WITHIN AN INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE

Bhavin Shah, Robert Whitehouse, Jinkoo Lee, Steve McCarthy, May 2011

Rheology measurements are normally conducted using a capillary rheometer. It utilizes a flat temperature profile and is significantly different from actual recommended processing condition. This work studied the rheological behavior of PHB Copolymer within an injection molding machine. Viscosity measurements were made using an in-line capillary rheometer nozzle on a molding machine at shear rates ranging from 100 s-1 to 20000 s-1. The results showed that the viscosity of the material reduces significantly when compared to conventional capillary rheometer. These changes can be attributed to processing conditions such as reverse temperature profile, residence time and shear due to screw plasticization.

RECYCLED POLYMERS FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION IN INFRASTRUCTURE

P.V. Vijay, GangaRao Hota, Siddalingesh Kalligudd, May 2011

Use of recycled thermoplastic polymer composites for manufacturing and evaluation of structural products as a sustainable solution is discussed in this paper. Durability (aging) evaluations of those polymers have also been carried out to predict their service life. Specifically, ABS polymers were reinforced with 4%, 7% and 12% fiber volume fractions of bi-directional glass fabric (fabric density: 407 gm/sq. mtr. or 12 oz per sq. yard) and were evaluated. Research results indicate the significant potential of recycled polymer composites for different applications with the use of continuous glass fabrics.

HIGH GAIN LEXAN DIFFUSER FILM FOR LCD DISPLAYS

Adel Bastawros, Jian Zhou, Michael Davis, Zhe Chen, Wibowo Harsono, May 2011

Driven by increasing demand for advanced optical films for LCD displays, a new generation of micro-lensed diffuser films is introduced. Engineered film topography provides light turning functionality for optimum redirecting of source light, through the LCD panel, towards the viewer. Factors affecting film's ability to redirect light are discussed. A new generation of monolithic Lexan display films having higher luminance gains, is introduced. Performance gains in actual LCD displays are demonstrated, and film making process is reviewed. Up to 10% luminance improvement over standard micro-lensed films was realized, while retaining inherent strength and dimensional stability attributes of monolithic polycarbonate films.

IONOMER MODIFIED ASPHALT

Ying Shi, May 2011

The structure and properties of ionomer modified asphalt were investigated. The thermal properties, morphology and rheology of four concentrations of a Pen grade 64-22 asphalt and the zinc salt of a poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) were studied. After establishing the linear viscoelastic range of response through strain sweep, frequency sweep at a temperature range of 30-80C were conducted to study the dynamic mechanic properties of the modified blends. The ionomer modified and base asphalt samples were subjected to simulated real life conditions such as long and short aging, high and low service temperatures. Better performances were achieved by the modification

SELF FORMATION OF MUCELL FROM PS/POLYANILINE-HALLOYSITE CLAY (PHC) INJECTION MOLDING

Yong Gang Min, May 2011

In this work, we introduce an alternative approach to microcellular injection molding, which does not require any equipment modifications. We have developed an additive which is compounded with the thermoplastic pellets which are then run in standard injection molding equipment. The additive was produced by an in-situ polymerization of polyaniline into Halloysite-Clay, where the HC is naturally exfoliated because of its tubular shape and uniform surface charge. The PANI has the function of adsorbing both water and CO2 gas. Preliminary results show that cycle time can be decreased without an adverse effect on part dimensional stability and mechanical properties.

RAPID DETERMINATION OF CURE RATE AND DIRECT IDENTIFICATION OF SPATIAL VARIATIONS IN CROSS LINK DENSITY

Khoren Sahagian, May 2011

Traditional bulk thermal analysis provides a sample-averaged result and cannot generally supply sufficient information about complex structures or heterogeneities within polymeric systems. A nanoscale thermal probe heats a localized region on the sample surface to measure its thermal transition temperatures. Transition temperature microscopy (TTM) enables these measurements to be carried out rapidly at a succession of points, thus creating automated high-resolution spatial maps of the thermal properties. We demonstrate how nanoTA can be used to characterize cross link density and to study cure rate in a time resolved manner.

MANUFACTURING OF MICROPELLETS USING RAYLEIGH DISTURBANCES

Martin Launhardt, William Aquite, Natalie Rudolph, Tim Osswald, May 2011

The goal of this research work is to prove the capability of manufacturing spherical polymer micropellets of a unit size using Rayleigh disturbances. This phenomenon describes the breakup of a liquid stream into droplets while being deformed by another fluid under a competing force field that results from surface tension effects. Here, a polymer melt was surrounded by a jet of hot air in a special nozzle. The main focus of this work is on the design and construction of the micropelletizer and the search for a process window that results in break-up. Micropellets were successfully manufactured.

IDENTIFYING CONTAMINANTS IN PLASTIC PELLETS AND HANDLING SYSTEMS: ANGEL HAIR, SNAKE SKINS, POLYMER FINES, WAXES AND LUBRICANTS

John Tria, Michael Goodin, Lori Ables, Karen Parker, Merry Bergeron, May 2011

Mechanical processes used to make plastic pellets and transport them through manufacturing, shipping and end-use can create contaminant bodies. These bodies include normal polymer fines, high-melting polymer (angel hair, snake skins), surface applications like lubricants and waxes and oligomers. They cause various problems in material handling, processing and product performance. Analytical laboratory techniques can readily provide the identification needed to specify corrective actions. Examples from polyamide processing are discussed.

IONOMER MODIFIED ASPHALTS

Ying Shi, May 2011

The structure and properties of ionomer modified asphalt were investigated. The thermal properties, morphology and rheology of four concentrations of a Pen grade 64-22 asphalt and the zinc salt of a poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) were studied. After establishing the linear viscoelastic range of response through strain sweep, frequency sweep at a temperature range of 30-80‹?øC were conducted to study the dynamic mechanic properties of the modified blends. The ionomer modified and base asphalt samples were subjected to simulated real life conditions such as long and short aging, high and low service temperatures. Better performances were achieved by the modification.

THE ROLE OF PARTITIONING OF ORGANOCLAY ON MICROFIBRILLAR MORPHOLOGY DEVELOPMENT OF PP/PBT BLEND NANOCOMPOSITE FIBERS

Ahmad Bigdeli, Hossien Nazockdast, Abosaied Rashidi, Mohammad Esmaeil, May 2011

The aim of this work was to provide an insight on the effect of partitioning of organically modified montmorillonite (organoclay) on the droplet deformation and resulting microfibrillar morphology development in melt spun Polypropylene/Poly(butylene terephthalate) /Organoclay blend nanocomposite fibers. The samples with the same blend ratio (80/20) but varying in organoclay content were prepared with and without the compatibilizer by using a melt intercalation process in a co-rotating twin screw extruder. It was demonstrated that presence of nanoclay in multi blend system can play different roles on the extent of microfibrils formation depending on nanoclay partitioning.