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.

The SPE Library is just one of the great benefits of being an SPE member! Are you taking advantage of all of your SPE Benefits?

Not an SPE member? Join today!

Use % to separate multiple keywords.

Search SPE Library

Conference Proceedings

ANALYZING EXTRUDER ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Kirk M. Cantor, May 2010

An experiment was conducted to measure the energy consumed during extruder runs with two different polymers (one crystalline and one amorphous), each utilizing three different screw designs. Energy contributions from the individual heating zones on the extruder were measured and analyzed. Also, the energy consumed by the motor was measured to provide comparison of the contributions from the heaters and the motor. Results show value both in analyzing material behavior and in evaluating screw performance from an economic and a productivity standpoint.

APPLICATIONS OF PHOTO DSC AND UV-DMA TO OPTICALLY CURED MATERIALS.

Kevin Menard , Andrew Salamon , Witold Brostow , Noah Menard , W. Chonkaew , Carmem Pffiefer , Sherman Newman, May 2010

The application of DSC and DMA to photo-initiated reactions specifically curing and degradations are discussed. The influence of the light source its duration and intensity are investigated in regards to the final properties of the material. The use of Hyper DSC techniques as well as simultaneous DMA-NIR in the study of optically cured materials is discussed.

APPLICATIONS OF PHOTO DSC AND UV-DMA TO OPTICALLY CURED MATERIALS.

Kevin Menard , Andrew Salamon , Witold Brostow , Noah Menard , W. Chonkaew , Carmem Pffiefer , Sherman Newman, May 2010

The application of DSC and DMA to photo-initiated reactions, specifically curing and degradations, are discussed. The influence of the light source, its duration and intensity are investigated in regards to the final properties of the material. The use of Hyper DSC techniques as well as simultaneous DMA-NIR in the study of optically cured materials is discussed.

A STUDY OF ELECTROSPUN POLYCAPROLACTONE (PCL) FIBERS FOR POSSIBLE BIO-ABSORBABLE MESH REPLACEMENT IN VAGINAL SURGERY

Sandeep Manandhar , Nandika D’Souza , Philippe Zimmern, May 2010

The importance of electrospun fibers as tissue scaffolds has been an area of significant growth. In this work, we will utilize electrospinning in conjunction with a biodegradable polymer, Polycaprolactone (PCL) to make thin fibers. These PCL fibers can be made into a mesh for tissue scaffolds. Electrospinning utilizes electrostatic force to draw fibers from solution.

CHARACTERIZATION OF RADIATION CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENES

Ken Miyata, Yuuki Ichikawa, Keiji Katsuno, Akihiro Nishioka, Tomonori Koda, Go Murasawa, May 2010

Tyco Electronics has over fifty years of experience in the field of radiation crosslinked polymers. We have incorporated the use of rheological and solvent swelling techniques to characterize crosslinked networks. Insufficient beam dose or processing errors can result in materials that appear crosslinked upon initial testing, but are not fully crosslinked. We evaluated various characterization methods on three different morphologies of polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE and VLDPE). Each method had its own strengths and limitations.

PROPERTIES OF MELT STRENGTH ON BLENDS OF POLYPROPYLENE /POLYAMIDE-6/ORGANOCLAY NANOCOMPOSITES

Huang Guo-wang , Peng Xiang-fang , Xia Hua-Xin , Xie Xiao-li, May 2010

The present study was devoted to the effect of nanoparticle on melt strength of blends. And the reinforcing mechanism of PP/PA6/organoclay nanocomposites had been investigated by DSC and SEM analysis. The results showed that the maximal melt strength existed and appeared as the weight ratio of organoclay was 2 wt%. In addition blends presented the best integrated properties at this ratio.

PROPERTIES OF MELT STRENGTH ON BLENDS OF POLYPROPYLENE/POLYAMIDE-6/ORGANOCLAY NANOCOMPOSITES

Huang Guo-wang , Peng Xiang-fang , Xia Hua-Xin , Xie Xiao-li, May 2010

The present study was devoted to the effect of nanoparticle on melt strength of blends. And the reinforcing mechanism of PP/PA6/organoclay nanocomposites had been investigated by DSC and SEM analysis. The results showed that the maximal melt strength existed and appeared as the weight ratio of organoclay was 2 wt%. In addition, blends presented the best integrated properties at this ratio.

EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE UNDERWATER PELLETIZING SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING PELLETS

Kun Chang Lin , Chia-Hsun Chen , Chen-Feng Kuan , Hsu-Chiang Kuan , Sin-Jhih Peng, May 2010

Underwater pelletizing currently is the most promising, most innovative and, concerning the range of plastics materials to be processed, the most flexible technique for the production of high-quality plastics pellets.In this work, we established the experimental analysis of the underwater pelletizing system for producing pellets. The key process conditions for producing small pellets (<1.5mm) are low extrusion throughput, high cutter rotating speed, and low possibility of die freeze-off.

ULTRASONIC EXTRUSION AND FILM BLOWING OF PA6/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES

Nan Chen, Mohammad Monirul Hasan, Takashi Kuboki, Chul B. Park, May 2010

Polyamide 6 (PA6)/Clay 30B nanocomposites of various concentrations were prepared at different amplitudes using an ultrasonic extruder. The die pressure and ultrasonic power consumption were measured. X-ray patterns, thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of extruded nanocomposites were obtained. Films were manufactured from prepared nanocomposites by film blowing process and their structural and mechanical properties in the machine and transverse directions were studied.

THE MECHANISMS OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE OXIDATION ON PLASTIC PIPING SYSTEMS

Sarah Chung , Tieqi Li , Ken Oliphant , Patrick Vibien, May 2010

There have been several studies on the impact of chlorine on plastic piping systems in potable water applications and methodologies of ensuring performance have been successfully developed. The impact of chlorine dioxide is less well known. In this paper laboratory exposed plastic pipe samples are examined to study the impact of chlorine dioxide on oxidative degradation in potable water applications. The mechanisms of oxidation are characterized and recommendations for long-term performance validation are presented.

ULTRASONIC EXTRUSION AND FILM BLOWING OF LLDPE/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES

H. C. Chen, S. C. Chen, P.M. Hsu, H. S. Peng, Y. C. Wang, May 2010

LLDPE/Clay 20A nanocomposites of various concentrations were prepared at different amplitudes using an ultrasonic extruder. The die pressure and ultrasonic power consumption were measured. X-ray patterns, thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of extruded nanocomposites were measured. Films were manufactured from prepared nanocomposites by film blowing process and their structural and mechanical properties in the machine and transverse directions were studied.

MICROPATTERNING PROTEINS ON PLA FILMS USING PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY

Rahul M. Rasal , Douglas E. Hirt, May 2010

In this research proteins were micropatterned on poly (lactic acid) (PLA) films. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was micropatterned using photolithograph. These micropatterns were characterized using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and toluidine blue dye staining. Acid groups were subsequently conjugated with amine terminated biotin using carbodiimide chemistry. Biotin micropatterned PLA films were then immersed in a solution of fluorescenceconjugated streptavidin. The streptavidin adsorption behavior was examined by fluorescence microscopy.

MODELING THREE DIMENSIONAL SECONDARY FLOWS IN NON-CIRCULAR DUCTS

H. Inoya, Y. W. Leong, S. Thumsorn, S. Thitithanasarn, H. Hamada, May 2010

Viscoelastic secondary flows occurring in square ducts are simulated using the open source finite volume-based software, OpenFOAM. To validate a viscoelastic solver, experimental observations by other researchers were successfully reproduced, as well as compared to finite element results and recent results of a meshless technique known as the Radial Function Method (RFM). A single mode Giesekus and a multi-mode Phan-Thien Tanner (PTT) model are implemented to reproduce full three-dimensional (3D) flow through a square duct.

THE EFFECT OF COMPATIBILIZER ON MICROFIBRILAR-PHASE FORMATION IN PE/PP BLENDS

Dana Hnidáková , Roman Cermák , Jana Výchopnová, May 2010

The paper focuses on the role of ethylene-propylenediene rubber compatibilizer in the formation of polypropylene microfibrils in polyethylene matrix during extrusion through semihyperbolic die. Several blends varying in phase composition was processed. The structure and properties were examined by scanning electron microscopy DSC and tensile testing. Significant changes in morphology and properties were observed.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE THERMOPLASTIC FOAMS: POLYLACTIDE FOAMS VERSUS POLYSTYRENE FOAMS

Shia-Chung Chen, Pham Son Minh, I-Sheng Hsieh, Yan-Chen Chiou, May 2010

Polystyrene (PS) foams have a number of desirable properties and thereby have been used for many applications. However, one of the most notable drawbacks of PS foams is its non-biodegradability. In recent years, polylactide (PLA) has been viewed as an environmentally sustainable substitute of PS. In this context, this paper aims to provide head-to-head comparisons between PLA and PS foaming processes, in terms of the cell formation mechanisms and foamability of the resultant foams.

EFFECTS OF E-BEAM IRRADIATION ON MELT BEHAVIOR OF POLY(LACTIC) ACID

Jon Lazarus , Anthony DiFonzo, May 2010

In this paper the effects of ionizing radiation on poly(lactic acid) PLA will be investigated. The PLA used in this experiment is a NatureWorks LLC extrusion and thermoforming polylactide resin product code 2002D. Its rheological properties will be investigated. This team worked in conjunction with Mr. Song Cheng and Scott Goetz of Sterigenics and Professor John Bartolomucci of the Pennsylvania College of Technology. The material was irradiated using electron beam radiation. The material was then tested to obtain rheological properties at various dosage levels.

ASYMMETRIC AND SYMMETRIC COMPOSITE FOAMS

Han-Xiong Huang, Jian-Kang Wang, Hong-Fei Xu, May 2010

In this work, symmetric and asymmetric structural polyethylene foams were produced via compression molding using a chemical blowing agent and wood fibres as reinforcement. By modifying the temperature field in a compression molding process, it is possible to adjust the density across the partƒ??s thickness. Here, the results are discussed in terms of density profile and mechanical properties.

CAVITY PRESSURE CONTROL DURING INJECTION IN AN INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE

José M. Hernández , Ma’moun Abu-Ayyad , Rickey Dubay, May 2010

Many investigations have emphasized the importance of cavity pressure in determining final part quality in an injection molding machine. During the injection cycle the main factor affecting cavity pressure is the screw hydraulic pressure valve Y3. Cavity pressure has some nonlinear characteristics thus an advanced control strategy is developed. Experiments quantified the relationship between the nozzle pressure and the Y3 valve in order to design a predictive controller. The controller was implemented with good closed loop results.

SIMULATION OF THE FOUNTAIN FLOW EFFECT BY MEANS OF THE RADIAL FUNCTIONS METHOD (RFM)

Lenka Chvátalová, Jana Výchopnová, Roman Cermá, Martin Obadal, May 2010

The fountain flow effect affects the orientation of the macromolecules and the mechanical and optical properties of injection molded parts. The fountain flow effect is modeled using the Radial Functions Method (RFM). In this paper, the flow in a planar slit and a steady state is considered. Good agreement between the obtained results (velocity field, pressure field and front shape) and the existing data in the literature was attained.

INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF INJECTION PRESSURE SCREW POSITION BARREL TEMPERATURE AND OTHER VARIABLES ON CAVITY PRESSURE

Daniel Hazen , Lee Hutson, May 2010

An investigation into the effect of injection pressure screw position barrel temperatures and other variables on cavity pressure data is presented. This approach consists of monitoring key process data features and using a Projections to Latent Structures (PLS) multivariate modeling technique to correlate injection molding process variables to cavity pressure data.