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

ABRASION TESTING OF PACKAGING FILMS

Alan D. Jaenecke, May 2010

When packaging sterilized medical devices or products, the integrity of the film is essential to ensure sterility of the device until usage. With competitive forces prompting the use of thinner gauge films, the risk of abrasion-induced failures increases dramatically. Until recently, there have been no effective means for packaging engineers to quantify which films would be most suitable for final applications. The Flexible Material Abrasion Kit allows engineers to perform a controlled laboratory test and analyze the variables that may influence the abrasion resistance of packaging films. This paper presents the concept behind the device and describes an actual case study.

MULTIVARIATE ROBUSTNESS MEASUREMENT

David Kazmer , Stephen Johnston , Darin VanDerwalker, May 2010

Multivariate modeling methods such as Principle Components Analysis are increasingly being used for quality control. The capability of such PCA models are traditionally verified by changing the process settings on an individual basis until a process fault is encountered. While such an approach is valid it is inefficient and does not consider interactions between multiple process settings. In this paper a design of experiments (DOE) is applied to more effectively identify process constraints with greater precision than the traditional fault identification approach. The method is demonstrated with the production of short shots and indicates significant differences between univariate and multivariate analyses with respect to yield predictions.

MULTIVARIATE ROBUSTNESS MEASUREMENT

David Kazmer , Stephen Johnston , Darin VanDerwalker, May 2010

Multivariate modeling methods such as Principle Components Analysis are increasingly being used for quality control. The capability of such PCA models are traditionally verified by changing the process settings on an individual basis until a process fault is encountered. While such an approach is valid, it is inefficient and does not consider interactions between multiple process settings. In this paper, a design of experiments (DOE) is applied to more effectively identify process constraints with greater precision than the traditional fault identification approach. The method is demonstrated with the production of short shots, and indicates significant differences between univariate and multivariate analyses with respect to yield predictions.

IN-SITU REINFORCED THERMOSET COMPOSITES USING CRYSTALLIZABLE SOLVENTS

O. Sinan Yordem , Alan J. Lesser, May 2010

This study demonstrates an approach to generate reinforcement in thermosetting polymers through crystal growth of low molecular weight crystallizable solvents. Phase separation and crystallization in blends of dimethylsulfone (DMS) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol- A monomer were investigated via small angle laser scattering and optical microscopy at different isothermal conditions along with crosslinked mixtures using 1 3- Phenylenediamine. Reaction conditions which lead to suitable reinforcements were identified. It is also shown that DMS crystals grow anisotropically to form faceted geometries that resemble chopped-fiber-like morphologies as well as show unique ways of anchoring to the matrix.

IN-SITU REINFORCED THERMOSET COMPOSITES USING CRYSTALLIZABLE SOLVENTS

O. Sinan Yordem , Alan J. Lesser, May 2010

This study demonstrates an approach to generate reinforcement in thermosetting polymers through crystal growth of low molecular weight crystallizable solvents. Phase separation and crystallization in blends of dimethylsulfone (DMS) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol- A monomer were investigated via small angle laser scattering and optical microscopy at different isothermal conditions along with crosslinked mixtures using 1,3- Phenylenediamine. Reaction conditions which lead to suitable reinforcements were identified. It is also shown that DMS crystals grow anisotropically to form faceted geometries that resemble chopped-fiber-like morphologies as well as show unique ways of anchoring to the matrix.

THE USE OF RHEOLOGICAL AND THERMAL FRACTIONATION METHODS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF NUCLEATING AGENT EFFICIENCY IN POLYPROPYLENE

Eric Moskala, May 2010

The increasing diversity of commercial polypropylene products in recent years, related to the increase in the production volumes of PP, has led to a high number of studies dealing with structure-specific nucleating agents (NAƒ??s). Experiments on sorbitol-based NAƒ??s suggest that the nucleation function of this group of nucleating agents is a result of hydrogen bonding and self-assembly. So far, nucleation studies have been conducted in an indiscriminate manner with little reference to the exact effect of PP structure on nucleating behaviour of NAƒ??s. However, given the variety of commercial PP structures produced today, the question on the existence of synergy between polypropylene structure and nucleating efficiency of NAƒ??s remains open. The SIST (Stepwise Isothermal Segregation Technique) has been used in this study as a fast and efficient method to characterize a group of random PPƒ??s having different structures, giving the lamellar thickness distribution. In addition, temperature sweep measurements were performed to study the effect of flow on the interaction between NA and PP. In this way, small discrepancies between different materials can be pointed out to assess the nucleating efficiency of the nucleating agent.

AN APPROACH TO POLY(1,2-DICHLOROETHYLENE) SYNTHESIS VIA RING-OPENING METATHESIS POLYMERIZATION (ROMP)

Xianlong Ge , William H. Starnes Jr., May 2010

The preparation of poly(1,2-dichloroethylene), an unknown material that is expected to be a superb engineering thermoplastic, was explored. The ROMP of cis-3,4-dichlorocyclobutene quantitatively yielded a white linear polymer with 'CHClCHClCH=CH' repeating units. However, its subsequent addition chlorination could not be made to occur to a detectable level. Steric hindrance and/or electronic deactivation due to the inductive effect of Cl apparently made the chlorination impossible. Furthermore, thermal degradation of a series of model compounds indicated that polymers containing (CHCl)n (n ' 3) structures would have low thermal stabilities.

DESIGN OF AN ADVANCED INJECTION MOLDING CONTROL SYSTEM

Clive P. Bosnyak, Alexander Chudnovsky, Shaofu Wu, Hoang T. Pham, May 2010

In injection molding, the control system plays a crucial role in quality consistency. Low-grade IMMs are manufactured in a large volume in Asia with low profit margin. Technology upgrade is the key to business success. An advanced control system has been designed in this paper to improve the performance of existing low-end IMMs with minimal modification. The control system architecture and advanced features are introduced. Experimental results show that with this controller, the performance of low-end machines can be comparable to that of the high cost and high performance machines, in term of repeatability and accuracy.

POLYETHERIMIDE-POLYESTERCARBONATE BLENDS WITH LOW HEAT RELEASE

Yashpal J. Bhandari , Robert R. Gallucci , Mark Sanner , Rajendra K. Singh, May 2010

Blends of polyetherimide (PEI) with polycarbonate (PC) form phase-separated mixtures. However replacement of polycarbonate bisphenol-A (BPA) derived linkages with resorcinol derived ester linkages to form isophthaloyl and terephthaloyl resorcinol polyestercarbonate (ITR-PC) exhibits surprising miscibility with PEI. Due to the flame retarding capability of ITR-PC versus PC the PEI + ITRPC blends also exhibit improved flame resistance in terms of lower heat release (HR) as measured by Ohio State Universityƒ??s (OSU) Heat Release test apparatus.Due to their lower heat release (< 65/65) these blends are compliant with US Federal Aviation Authority Regulation (FAR 25.853) and thus are acceptable for use in the fabrication of interior components for transportation industry. Due to their miscibility these PEI + ITR-PC blends can also be used in applications requiring transparency.

ADHESION OF BIODEGRADBLE PLASTICS WITH BONE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY USING COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SCREW / PLATE SYSTEM AND BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER MELT ADHESIVES

Anshuman Shrivastava , Jeffrey Weinzweig , Stephen McCarthy, May 2010

Biodegradable bone plates are commonly secured to bone surfaces using screws in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Using melt adhesives potentially replaces the need for existing screws and the associated complex techniques and equipment. Previously we have shown the advantages of using biodegradable melt adhesives over screw systems [1]. A time-based study comparing the effect of using melt adhesives and screws to secure bone implants to bone in a live goat model was performed. This paper demonstrates and compares the impact of using screws plates and melt adhesives on the healing of bone and operative time.

ADHESION OF BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS WITH BONE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY USING COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SCREW / PLATE SYSTEM AND BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER MELT ADHESIVES

Anshuman Shrivastava , Jeffrey Weinzweig , Stephen McCarthy, May 2010

Biodegradable bone plates are commonly secured to bone surfaces using screws in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Using melt adhesives potentially replaces the need for existing screws and the associated complex techniques and equipment. Previously we have shown the advantages of using biodegradable melt adhesives over screw systems. A time-based study comparing the effect of using melt adhesives and screws to secure bone implants to bone in a live goat model was performed. This paper demonstrates and compares the impact of using screws, plates, and melt adhesives on the healing of bone and operative time.

CELL STRUCTURE OF INJECTION MOLDED THERMOPLASTIC OLEFIN FOAMS

Amirhossein Maani , Marie-Claude Heuzey , Pierre J. Carreau , Omar Khennache, May 2010

A linear and a branched polypropylene were blended with an ethylene ?ñ-olefin copolymer as the toughening elastomeric compound. A significant strain hardening behaviour was observed for the branched polypropylene (B-PP) as well as the branched polypropylene based TPO (B-TPO). The foamabilities of the compounded TPOs were investigated in a low pressure injection foaming process at an industrial scale. While linear polypropylene based TPO (L-TPO) exhibited no strain hardening behaviour, the cell density of the LTPO was significantly higher than that of the B-TPO.The results of injection foaming of neat polypropylenes, however, showed that the cell density of B-PP foam is almost 2 folds larger than that of the L-PP foam! These observations along with the morphological investigation of the unfoamed blends suggest that the foaming behavior of these TPOs is controlled by the interfacial properties and the blend micro-structure.

ON-LINE IN-MOLD TRANSDUCER IN INJECTION MOLDING

Yiyan Peng, Haimei Li, Lih-Sheng Turng, May 2010

Pressure and temperature sensors installed in the injection molding molds have been applied in industry to measure quality related information. However, these sensors allow only the measurement of polymer melt status at the location where the sensors are installed, limiting the generality of information. This paper presents a new transducer technology developed based on the dielectric properties of polymers. The transducer can be installed in the mold with low cost and provide continuous measurement. Plenty of information during the production can be obtained by this transducer. Simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the transducer.

DEVELOPMENT OF DIELECTROSTRICTIVE SENSORS FOR ON-LINE SHEAR STRESS MEASUREMENT DURING THE INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS

Yiyan Peng , Haimei Li , Lih-Sheng Turng, May 2010

This study presents the development of a novel sensor based on dielectrostriction principles. Dielectrostriction defined as a variation of dielectric properties of material under deformation detects evolution of molecular orientation during injection molding and enables on-line shear stress measurement. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach a planar capacitor sensor rosette has been developed and attached to the surface of an injection mold to obtain the dielectrostriction signals under various processing conditions. The calculated shear stresses of polymer melts based on the dielectrostriction signals were validated by simulation predictions.

DEVELOPMENT OF DIELECTROSTRICTIVE SENSORS FOR ON-LINE SHEAR STRESS MEASUREMENT DURING THE INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS

Yiyan Peng , Haimei Li , Lih-Sheng Turng, May 2010

This study presents the development of a novel sensor based on dielectrostriction principles. Dielectrostriction, defined as a variation of dielectric properties of material under deformation, detects evolution of molecular orientation during injection molding and enables on-line shear stress measurement. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, a planar capacitor sensor rosette has been developed and attached to the surface of an injection mold to obtain the dielectrostriction signals under various processing conditions. The calculated shear stresses of polymer melts based on the dielectrostriction signals were validated by simulation predictions.

EASTMAN TRITAN' COPOLYESTER FOR HOUSEWARES APPLICATIONS

David S. Porter, May 2010

Housewares applications have frequently made use of clear, tough polymeric materials to enhance visual appeal and functionality while providing durability and light weight versus glass or metal. Eastman Tritan' copolyester was recently introduced into this market and has experienced rapid adoption due to a combination of clarity, toughness and chemical resistance resulting from the unique chemistry of the polymer. Tritan' has improved heat resistance compared to many other copolyesters and can be used successfully at temperatures found in automatic dishwashers. Further, Tritan' provides excellent resistance to stress cracking in the dishwasher environment, and together with its clarity and outstanding toughness finds use in premium housewares applications.

SINK MARK PREDICTION AND OPTIMIZATION ƒ?? A REVIEW

Mathivanan D. , N.S.Parthasarathy, May 2010

Sink mark is an attribute defect on injection molded components. Study of such attribute defects gained importance due to increased awareness of cost of quality.In the recent past manufacturing community has been concentrating on finding out various techniques and methodologies to address issues related to design and manufacturing processes. Focused attention on these issues can be seen from proliferation of research activities.Recent researches are more technical in nature and objective based. Researches are oriented towards understanding identifying critical factors and possibly in minimizing the effect of sink marks. Researchers are using various approaches like mathematical models software based simulation models and experimental models. This paper presents a detailed review of those researches in the last ten year period (1998-2007) on sink marks. From indepth study three key control mechanisms: Material Product design and Processing variables have been identified. Impacts of the factors related to those three key control mechanisms are discussed. Scope for continued research is also indicated.

PROPERTIES AND THERMOFORMING OF EASTMAN TRITAN™ COPOLYESTER FOR SIGNS

Wayne Shih , Gary Boone , Doug McWilliams, May 2010

Tritan™ copolyester is a new high temperature polymer developed by Eastman Chemical Company. Tritan™ has many property attributes suitable for outdoor sign applications including excellent color and clarity a high heat distortion temperature and excellent toughness. In addition TritanTM exhibits advantageous thermoforming performance at low temperatures so that (1) sheet can be formed without blistering due to absorbed moisture eliminating the need to pre-dry the sheet and (2) sheet pre-decorated with vinyl film can be thermoformed without damaging the vinyl.

PROPERTIES AND THERMOFORMING OF EASTMAN TRITAN™ COPOLYESTER FOR SIGNS

Wayne Shih , Gary Boone , Doug McWilliams, May 2010

Tritan' copolyester is a new high temperature polymer developed by Eastman Chemical Company. Tritan' has many property attributes suitable for outdoor sign applications including excellent color and clarity, a high heat distortion temperature, and excellent toughness. In addition, TritanTM exhibits advantageous thermoforming performance at low temperatures so that (1) sheet can be formed without blistering due to absorbed moisture eliminating the need to pre-dry the sheet and (2) sheet pre-decorated with vinyl film can be thermoformed without damaging the vinyl.

DIMENSIONLESS DUROMETRY AND ASTM D2240

Adam W. Mix , A. Jeffrey Giacomin, May 2010

Durometry is the measurement of material hardness, such as, plastics, metals, wood, and rubber. ASTM D2240-05 standardizes durometry with 12 hardness scales [1]. These scales employ either conical, round, or flat tipped indentors. Indentation into a solid is governed by linear elastic mechanics, and this paper relates the Young's modulus to ASTM D2240 standardized hardness scale reading. We adimensionalized these indentation mechanics, and uncovered a normalized Young's modulus, ! , and the dimensionless hardness, H . We then discovered a new dimensionless indentor stiffness which we call mechanical indentability, Mi , which can be used to classify the ASTM D2240 standardized hardness scales. The result of our analysis allows practitioners to determine the Young's modulus from measured hardness. Further, our results can be used to convert between any two ASTM D2240 hardness scales.