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
    
    




Sort By:  Date Added   Publication Date   Title   Author

Conference Proceedings

EFFECT OF MACHINE DIRECTION ORIENTATION CONDITIONS ON STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF HDPE FILMS
L. Parent , P. Cigana , A. Ajji , P.J. Carreau, May 2010

In this study, the effect of machine direction orientation (MDO) unit on the structure and performance of a high density polyethylene film are investigated. Both one step and two step stretching are used. The parameters studied are temperature, speed and draw ratio. Their effect on necking, row-nucleated lamellar structure, orientation as well as mechanical properties is investigated. The results showed a noticeable effect on orientation, crystalline lamellae characteristics and the mechanical properties along machine and transverse directions (MD and TD, respectively).

INFLUENCE OF RECYCLED ABS ADDED TO VIRGIN POLYMERS ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Venkatesha. N, Claes. Lindberg, Stefan. Johannesson, Derek Buckmaster, May 2010

Reuse of recycled polymers is steadily increasing. In this study, blends of varying proportions of ABS recycled resins (0~50%), obtained from the gate and runner materials of products, was added to virgin resin to investigate the effect of various compositions of virgin ABS and recycled polymers on the physical properties of the final blend. The results show that there is no obvious effect of recycled ABS percentage (by weight) on the tensile strength, elongation at yield, flexural strength, and flexural modulus. However, hardness, glass transition temperature, MFI, and heat conductivity of recycled ABS increase with as the percentage (by weight) of recycled material increases. The impact strength was also found to vary with the recycled ABS loading.

SMC REPLACEMENT WITH ENGINEERING THERMOPLASTICS IN HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE BODY PANELS MARKET SPACE
N. Venkatesha , Claes Lindberg , Stefan Johannesson , Derek Buckmaster, May 2010

Traditionally body panels of Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV) are built in Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) or metal. OEMs are looking for fuel-efficient lightweight and greener technology solutions. The specific gravity of Engineering Thermoplastic (ETP) is much lower and offers significant weight reduction opportunity over SMC/metal. This paper presents limitations of SMC key challenges in terms of aesthetics and high flow length to thickness ratio in processing HCV body panels with ETP. Show how these are solved through novel thickness distribution feed system and process design. It is highly essential to design with plastic friendly concepts and to build the tool for balanced filling no aesthetic defects minimum pressure and tonnage. Predictive engineering is the best tool to use at the design phase to achieve first time right.

SMC REPLACEMENT WITH ENGINEERING THERMOPLASTICS IN HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE BODY PANELS MARKET SPACE
N. Venkatesha , Claes Lindberg , Stefan Johannesson , Derek Buckmaster, May 2010

Traditionally body panels of Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV) are built in Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) or metal. OEMs are looking for fuel-efficient, lightweight and greener technology solutions.The specific gravity of Engineering Thermoplastic (ETP) is much lower and offers significant weight reduction opportunity over SMC/metal. This paper presents limitations of SMC, key challenges in terms of aesthetics and high flow length to thickness ratio in processing HCV body panels with ETP.Show how these are solved through novel thickness distribution, feed system and process design.It is highly essential to design with plastic friendly concepts and to build the tool for balanced filling, no aesthetic defects, minimum pressure and tonnage. Predictive engineering is the best tool to use at the design phase to achieve first time right.

NON-COVALENT FILLER-MATRIX INTERACTIONS IN POLY (METHYL METHACRYLATE)/CARBON NANOFIBER NANOCOMPOSITES
Sergio T. Amancio Filho, Jorge F. dos Santos, May 2010

The non-covalent filler-matrix interactions in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites filled with carbon nanofiber (CNF) and oxidized carbon nanofiber (ox-CNF) were analyzed. Significantly improved state of filler dispersion was observed in composites containing ox-CNF. A direct evidence of hydrogen bonding between PMMA molecules and ox-CNF particles was obtained from the analysis of FT-IR spectra. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy did not reveal any insight on the filler-matrix interactions in composites, due to the lack of chromophores on PMMA and due to the presence of UV stabilizers.

FRICRIVETING: A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR JOINING THERMOPLASTICS TO LIGHTWEIGHT ALLOYS
Sergio T. Amancio Filho , Jorge F. dos Santos, May 2010

The FricRiveting technique is a new alternative spot joining process developed for polymer-metal multimaterial structures. A cylindrical metallic rivet is used to join one or more thermoplastic-metal components by means of plasticizing and deforming the tip of the rotating rivet through frictional heating. Advantages of this new technique are short joining cycles minimal sample preparation and absence of environmental emissions.Fricriveted joints have enhanced mechanical performance.This study demonstrates with aid of a case study of polyetherimide to aluminum alloys the feasibility of FricRiveting.

EFFECT OF NORBORNENE CONTENT ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CYCLO OLEFIN COPOLYMERS
Jaehyun Kim , Ho Jong Kang , Jukjeondong , Suji-gu , Yongin-si , Gyeonggi-do, May 2010

Cyclo olefin copolymer (COC) is one of the candidate materials for the flexible display substrate due to its unique combination in optical and thermal properties.Norbornene (NB) unit in COC prevents crystallization to obtain amorphous film and increases its glass transition temperature which is suitable for the inorganic (ITO) coating in the flexible substrate processing. In this study the effects of NB content on the physical properties of COC film were studied. NB content in COC was determined bysolid state 13C NMR. A tendency to an increase in glasstransition temperature with increasing NB was found. COC with higher NB shows lowering of melt process ability with high melt viscosity but it could be controlled by the NB content. In addition COC with higher NB content shows comparably low orientation behavior due to the rigidity of NB unit in COC.

THE INTERACTION OF NANOCLAY PLASTICIZER AND STABILIZER IN PVC WIRE AND CABLE FORMULATIONS WITH ENHANCED ACCEPTABILITY
Gowri Dorairaju , Gregory Morose , Dr. Daniel F. Schmidt, May 2010

We report the preparation of high-performance leadand phthalate-free PVC formulations for wire and cable applications. We describe the replacement of diisodecyl phthalate by epoxidized linseed oil and lead stabilizer by various non-lead stabilizers and the effects of nanoclay addition. Replacement of DIDP by ELO increases stiffness strength and degradation onset temperature(Tonset). Addition of nanoclay reduces ductility andthermal stability but enhances hardness and stiffness and improves fire properties (higher LOI lower PHRR).

CHARACTERIZING CO-CONTINUOUS MORPHOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN MISCIBLE POLYLACTIC ACID / POLYVINYL ALCOHOL BIODEGRADABLE BLENDS
Jun Peng, Yi-Yan Peng, Lih-Sheng Turng, Xiang-Fang Peng, Xiao-Fei Sun, May 2010

Targeted for tissue engineering scaffold applications, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resins were employed to produce miscible blends by means of melt blending in a thermokinetic mixer (K-mixer). Different volume fractions of PLA and PVA were melt mixed. After water leaching (extraction) of the sacrificial PVA domains, co-continuous morphology development of the blend systems was investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dimensions of the voids occupied by PVA in the blends were measured using an image analysis tool. In addition, the miscibility of these blends was evaluated by thermal characteristic measurements using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). It was shown that the continuity development and microstructure features of PLA/PVA blends were dependent on the component composition and the miscibility.

THERMAL MODIFICATION OF SEMI-CRYSTALLINE THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS USING POLYFUNCTIONAL ADDITIVES
Jeremy R. Austin, May 2010

Traditionally the upper application temperature of semi-crystalline polymers is improved by increasing the modulus at temperature by simple addition of glass fiber or manipulation of the crystalline behavior. In the current study the heat distortion temperature (HDT) of LDPE was increased by as much as 11oC by blending with high Tg thermally stable amorphous styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymers. Microdomains of SMA prevented LDPE chains from conforming to the applied load at temperature. The HDT of PBT was shown to increase by up to 13oC by a proposed reaction with the end groups yielding a homogenized single phase. In PA6/6 the HDT was found to increase by as much as 18oC by reaction with the amine groups yielding a crosslinked structure. Although the mechanism was different for each polymeric system the net effect on the crystallization behavior was negligible.

THERMAL MODIFICATION OF SEMI-CRYSTALLINE THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS USING POLYFUNCTIONAL ADDITIVES
Jeremy R. Austin, May 2010

Traditionally, the upper application temperature of semi-crystalline polymers is improved by increasing the modulus at temperature by simple addition of glass fiber or manipulation of the crystalline behavior. In the current study, the heat distortion temperature (HDT) of LDPE was increased by as much as 11oC by blending with high Tg thermally stable amorphous styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymers. Microdomains of SMA prevented LDPE chains from conforming to the applied load at temperature. The HDT of PBT was shown to increase by up to 13oC by a proposed reaction with the end groups yielding a homogenized single phase. In PA6/6 the HDT was found to increase by as much as 18oC by reaction with the amine groups yielding a crosslinked structure. Although the mechanism was different for each polymeric system, the net effect on the crystallization behavior was negligible. Improved adhesion between chemically sized glass fiber and PP, PBT and PA6/6 was achieved using SMA, hydroxyl terminated epoxidized polybutadiene, and maleic anhydride grafted polybutadiene. Gains in modulus were reflected in increases in HDT in both PP and PA6/6.In the case of PA6/6, the HDT was shifted to the melting point of the base polymer. PBT did not observe an increase in HDT despite demonstrating improved interfacial adhesion. The inherent Tg of the coupling agent was not found to be influential on HDT improvements.

QUANTIFICATION OF NANOCLAY DISPERSION AND EXFOLIATION IN POLYMER COMPOSITES
Albin Berzinis, Olivier Guise, Theo Hoeks, Vaidyanath Ramakrishnan, Radha Kamalakaran, May 2010

Over the past two decades lot research has been devoted to making polymer nano-composites, mainly because of unique property profiles like optical, mechanical, electrical, barrier, etc., they can generate. The benefits of nano-composites derive primarily from the exceptionally large amounts of particle surface area that can be achieved by a small addition of particles (typically 1-5 wt%) As the performance of polymer layered silicate nanocomposites strongly depends on achieving a uniform dispersion of silicate platelets having high aspect ratio, quantification of the degree of dispersion and inter-layer spacing is needed to establish the structure-property relationships. In this work, we have developed a methodology combining XRD (using the modified Warren-Averbach method) and TEM to calculate the mean platelet stack thickness distribution and diameter to yield the aspect ratio of the partially exfoliated layered silicates. Results from this calculation have been used successfully in micro mechanical modeling to predict mechanical and barrier properties.

EFFECT OF PROCESS CONDITIONS ON THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF POLYPROPYLENE CAST FILMS
Seyed H. Tabatabaei , Pierre J. Carreau , Abdellah Ajji, May 2010

Cast films of a high molecular weight linear polypropylene (L-PP) were prepared by extrusion followed by stretching using a chill roll. An air knife was employed to supply air to the film surface right at the exit of the die. The effects of air cooling conditions, chill roll temperature, and draw ratio on the row-nucleated lamellar crystallization and mechanical properties of the PP cast films were investigated. The results showed that air cooling and cast roll temperature have crucial roles on the orientation and lamellae formation as well as on the mechanical and tear properties of the cast films.

STUDY ON THE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF BIPOLAR PLATE WITH DIFFERENT MOLDING PROCESSES USED FOR FUEL CELL
M. Zatloukal, K. Chaloupkova, M. Martyn, P. Coates, May 2010

Bipolar plates of Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS) with 50 wt% carbon-fibers (CF) were molded by injection molding (IM) and injection-compression molding (ICM) with an assistance of induction heating (IH) and gas heating (GH) for mold temperature control. In-plane conductivity (IPC) was measured by four point probe, while through-plane resistance (TPR) was measured by the contact resistance method. Carbon fiber orientation was examined by Scanning Electrical Micrograph (SEM). ICM reduces TPR by 15% and increases IPC by 35%. TPR and IPC can be further improved by 19% and 40%, respectively, using IH whereas GH improves TPR and IPC by 23% and 91%, correspondingly. Optimum values of IPC and TPR are 155 S/cm and 1.56 ??.

DISCONTINUOUS-THICKNESS-VARIATION TO MINIMIZE WARPAGE OF PLASTICS PARTS INJECTION MOLDED UNDER UNBALANCED MOLD COOLING
H. Reid Banyay, May 2010

Discontinuous variations of part thickness (From 10% to 40%) in a pitched manner were designed to match with various mold temperature difference between the mold core and cavity sides. Their effects on part warpage were investigated. Results show that part warpage will reach max value when there is unbalanced mold temperature of 30?øC with a 40% local thickness variation. In unbalanced cooling, the neutral axis will deviate from the gap center toward the mold wall of the higher temperature. Using variations in thickness and different mold temperatures we can control the part warpage value and location.

WEATHERING PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGES OF MOLD-IN-COLOR ACRYLIC VERSUS COATED PLASTICS FOR EXTERIOR TRIM APPLICATIONS
H. Reid Banyay, May 2010

This paper will explore the actual outdoor weathering performance of multiple plastic technologies used for exterior trim including various approaches to coatings and the use of molded in color acrylic. For each technology, actual 5-year old parts were obtained and then photographed along side new parts to visualize change in appearance. Next the specimens are analyzed for change in color and gloss.Finally the parts are analyzed for surface chemistry changes via infrared spectroscopy. Changes in surface chemistry and appearance after weathering are associated with the chemical nature of each polymer. While the weatherable mold-in-color PMMA does not change, it is concluded that many of the coating technologies used to protect plastics that are not weatherable deteriorate after 5 years of outdoor usage and that degradation of the plastic still occurs.

ABS+PA INNOVATION FOR AUTOMOTIVE INTERIORS
Robert Hooker , Vineet Kapila , Dr. Marko Blinzler, May 2010

The need for automotive interior molded-in-color (MIC) low gloss, rigid plastic components with good scratch and mar resistance is well known. Typical interior product gloss targets of automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) now range from 1.5 - 2.5 units for sixty degree Gardner gloss. Interior scratch objectives require a scratch width of less then four tenths of a millimeter with slight whitening when a 15 Newton load is applied via a one millimeter hemispherical tip.Strength and rigidity requirements now range from 1.0mm to 3.0mm max deflection on high touch interior areas when subjected to an arm or finger loading.Recent advancements in the field of Acrylonitrile- Butadiene-Styrene + Polyamide (ABS+PA) blends by BASF Corporation have allowed for such a copolymer that with the proper design and tooling considerations allows one to meet these specifications.

USING PULSED COOLING TO REDUCE CYCLE TIME AND IMPROVE PART WARPAGE
S.B. Tan, P.R. Hornsby, M. McAfee, M.P. Kearns, M. McCourt, P.R. Hanna, May 2010

Pulsed cooling enables proper high mold temperature within a given molding period and is a convenient way to carry out dynamic mold temperature control. In this study, we compare the effects of the cooling efficiency of conventional cooling and pulsed cooling under different conditions of mold temperature, coolant temperature, melt temperature, and flow rate. It was found that pulsed cooling can improve cooling efficiency from 0.288?øC/s to 0.631?øC/s, compared to conventional cooling, and improve warpage by 20% as well. To reach the same level of warpage as that of conventional cooling, cooling time for pulsed cooling can be reduced roughly 30%.

FAILURE ANALYSIS AND DESIGN MODIFICATIONS OF A CHILD CARRYING BOARD
Jiaolian Yao, Sophie Lepage, Mohamad Reza Barzegari, Denis Rodrigue, May 2010

The paper is about a board that is coupled behind a baby's carriage to transport kids up till 4 years old. The kid seats on an L-shaped bench of which one leg is fastened to the board by snap-fit assemblies. Static tests and initial tests at T??V on boards from trial production in China did not show failures and production was started. Further field tests showed, however, early crack initiation and propagation. The material selection and ribbing needed to be improved. The paper will demonstrate that by selecting appropriate semi-crystalline plastics and sufficient wide ribs in highly loaded zones, the problem could be solved easily.

POLYMER FOAMS PRODUCED UNDER A TEMPERATURE GRADIENT
Jiaolian Yao , Sophie Lepage , Mohamad Reza Barzegari , Denis Rodrigue, May 2010

In a foaming process, it is known that temperature has a substantial influence on bubble nucleation and growth. In this work, the morphology and mechanical properties of a polyethylene foamed with azodicarbonamide is presented in the case where the material is placed in a temperature gradient. By controlling at different temperatures the top and bottom plates of a compression mold, it easy to control the density profile across the sample's thickness. The resulting morphology is shown to have an influence on the mechanical behavior of the foams under different types of loadings.










spe2018logov4.png
  Welcome Page

How to reference articles from the SPE Library:

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
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.

If you need help with citations, visit www.citationmachine.net