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

GREEN COMPOSITES” FROM A CONJUGATED SOYBEAN OIL RESIN USING CORN STOVER AS A NATURAL FIBER REINFORCEMENT

Daniel P. Pfister , Richard C. Larock, May 2010

Novel “green composites” have been prepared using a conjugated soybean oil resin and corn stover as a natural fiber. Approximately 68 million metric tons of corn stover the residue remaining after harvest is available annually in the United States. The effect of the amount of the natural fiber the length of the fiber and the amount of the crosslinker on the structure and thermal and mechanical properties of the composites has been determined using Soxhlet extraction analysis thermogravimetric analysis dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. Increasing the amount of corn stover and decreasing the length of the fiber results in significant improvements in the mechanical properties of the composites. The Young’s moduli and tensile strengths of the composites range from 386 to 1324 MPa and 3.5 to 6.5 MPa respectively.

GREEN COMPOSITES" FROM A CONJUGATED SOYBEAN OIL RESIN USING CORN STOVER AS A NATURAL FIBER REINFORCEMENT"

Daniel P. Pfister , Richard C. Larock, May 2010

Novel green composites" have been prepared using a conjugated soybean oil resin and corn stover as a natural fiber. Approximately 68 million metric tons of corn stover the residue remaining after harvest is available annually in the United States. The effect of the amount of the natural fiber the length of the fiber and the amount of the crosslinker on the structure and thermal and mechanical properties of the composites has been determined using Soxhlet extraction analysis thermogravimetric analysis dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. Increasing the amount of corn stover and decreasing the length of the fiber results in significant improvements in the mechanical properties of the composites. The Youngƒ??s moduli and tensile strengths of the composites range from 386 to 1324 MPa and 3.5 to 6.5 MPa respectively."Novel green composites" have been prepared using a conjugated soybean oil resin and corn stover as a natural fiber. Approximately 68 million metric tons of corn stover the residue remaining after harvest is available annually in the United States. The effect of the amount of the natural fiber the length of the fiber and the amount of the crosslinker on the structure and thermal and mechanical properties of the composites has been determined using Soxhlet extraction analysis thermogravimetric analysis dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. Increasing the amount of corn stover and decreasing the length of the fiber results in significant improvements in the mechanical properties of the composites. The Youngƒ??s moduli and tensile strengths of the composites range from 386 to 1324 MPa and 3.5 to 6.5 MPa respectively."

PHOTOINITIATORS FOR UV LED CURING OF ACRYLATE THIN FILMS

Yong Lu , Linjie Zhu , Ming-Wan Young , Costas G. Gogos, May 2010

The use of Ultra Violet Light Emitting Diodes (UV LEDs) for carrying out rapid photo-initiated polymerizations (curing processes) has gained much attention recently due to several advantages that UV LED’s hold over traditional UV curing systems such as lower unit cost with no bulb consumption through replacement minimal maintenance and cooler curing source temperatures. UV LED’s have been applied in the fields of coating and dental science. In this study UV LED curing of ultra-thin films of acrylates was studied with photo Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). By monitoring the amount of heat released during curing the photoinitiators were screened; the effect of LED irradiation time on the conversion has also been studied.

PHOTOINITIATORS FOR UV LED CURING OF ACRYLATE THIN FILMS

Yong Lu , Linjie Zhu , Ming-Wan Young , Costas G. Gogos, May 2010

The use of Ultra Violet Light Emitting Diodes (UV LEDs) for carrying out rapid photo-initiated polymerizations (curing processes) has gained much attention recently, due to several advantages that UV LEDƒ??s hold over traditional UV curing systems, such as lower unit cost with no bulb consumption through replacement, minimal maintenance and cooler curing source temperatures. UV LEDƒ??s have been applied in the fields of coating and dental science. In this study, UV LED curing of ultra-thin films of acrylates was studied with photo Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). By monitoring the amount of heat released during curing, the photoinitiators were screened; the effect of LED irradiation time on the conversion has also been studied.

RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF POLYACRYLONITRILE COPOLYMERS PLASTICIZED WITH WATER

Kaan Gunes, Avraam I. Isayev, May 2010

The presence of water can dramatically lower the melting point of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) homo- or copolymers and make it possible to melt-spin high acrylonitrile (AN) content PAN fibers. However, the behavior of PAN-water melt has not been adequately investigated and the rheology data for PAN-water melt is not available in literature. We developed pressurized capillary rheometer and used it in PAN/Vinyl Acetate (VA)-H2O viscosity measurement successfully. The shear viscosity at 195?øC decreases as water content increases from 17 wt-% to 23 wt-%. The rheology of PAN-water melt can be useful in characterizing the melt and spinning PAN precursor fibers.

ULTRASONICALLY-AIDED EXTRUSION OF PEN/LCP BLENDS

Kaan Gunes , Avraam I. Isayev, May 2010

Ultrasonic extrusion of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), LCP and their blends was studied. Rheological, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of the samples were investigated. Viscosity of PEN decreased with ultrasonic treatment, while that of the blends decreased at an amplitude of 10 ?¬m. Viscosity of LCP was unaffected by ultrasound. Blends treated at an amplitude of 10 ?¬m had larger LCP particles in moldings, leading to reduced mechanical properties in the blends. The results indicated that ultrasound had the predominant effect of degrading the PEN matrix and hindering LCP fibrillation in the blends, thereby masking possible compatibilization effects introduced by ultrasound.

PERFORMANCE OF HYBRID TOOLING IN MICRO INJECTION MOLDING

Ashley R. Kropf, May 2010

Previously, metal-polymer hybrid tooling improved the replication quality of microscale features due to the insulating effect of the polycarbonate in the tooling. In this research, hybrid tooling fabricated with a higher temperature polymer was evaluated for its resistance to deformation and ability to consistently reproduce parts over thousands of molding cycles. The polyimide-based hybrid tooling produced polystyrene and polycarbonate parts with consistently good depth ratios and no loss in feature definition over 1000 molding cycles. Although the new hybrid tooling exhibited no deformation, the metal coating peeled off the polyimide substrate. The new hybrid tooling cooled about six times more slowly than steel and nickel tooling, a characteristic that enhanced replication with relatively low mold temperatures.

ENHANCED COPOLYMERIZATION OF PEN/PET BLENDS DURING ULTRASONICALLY-AIDED EXTRUSION

Kaan Gunes , Avraam I. Isayev, May 2010

PEN, PET, and their 50/50 blend were ultrasonically extruded at various amplitudes.Rheological, thermal, mechanical, morphological and spectroscopic characterizations of the untreated and ultrasonically treated samples were carried out. Fast homopolymerization during extrusion of PET was foundto occur at an ultrasonic amplitude of 7.5 ?¬m. In contrast,degradation of PEN was observed with ultrasonic treatment. Ultrasonic treatment at short residence time led to the enhancement of transesterification reaction in the PEN/PET blend, indicating that more copolymerization occurred during ultrasonic treatment.

UNEXPECTED RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF NOVEL LOW-Tg TIN FLUOROPHOSPHATE GLASS/POLYAMIDE 6 HYBRIDS WITH ENHANCED BENEFITS

Qian Qin, Jin Katena, Yan Meng, Joshua U. Otaigbe, May 2010

By incorporating special low glass transition inorganic tin fluorophosphates glass (Pglass) into polyamide 6, the latter exhibits unprecedented non-Einstein-like viscosity decrease in the liquid state and an increase in Young's modulus in the solid state. This behavior makes the hybrid Pglass/polymer solid material stronger yet easier to process in the liquid state. The linear rheological behavior is discussed in terms of the hybrid components rheology. The results should beneficially impact our ability to prepare lower viscosity, highly filled polymers using already existing polymer processing methods, making the simple strategy potentially widely applicable in a number of applications such as barrier resistant thin films and flame-retardant polymer composites.

HOT MELT EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF POORLY SOLUBLE DRUGS WITH CONTROLLED RELEASE DISSOLUTION PROFILES

Alan I. Kasner, Patrick .J. Murray, Barbara A. Harris, May 2010

Hot melt extrusion (HME) is an emerging technology in the Pharmaceutical industry. The primary driver for utilization of HME is bioavailability improvement of poorly soluble drugs (PSD). Previous research showed HME of PSD with water insoluble polymeric excipients tended to yield amorphous solid dispersions [1]. Unfortunately, these compositions tended to have very poor aqueous drug solubility. It has now been demonstrated that the addition of a third component to the formulation (dissolution promoter) can be used to produce controlled release (CR) formulations of nearly unlimited profiles. The net result is an amorphous solid dispersion which exhibits controlled release properties. Further, formulations were observed which enhanced the overall solubility of the PSD compared to non-extruded analogs.

SENSITIVITY OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYAMIDE-IMIDE TO LOT-TO-LOT VARIABILITY

Alan I. Kasner , Patrick J. Murray , Barbara A. Harris, May 2010

PAI (Torlon) is used in aerospace applications requiring excellent mechanical properties at high temperature, fluid resistance, and thermal stability. PAI is a delayed cure thermoset that reaches its ultimate properties and maximum Tg only with an extended postcure. This work examined the correlation of Tg and properties of four injection molded lots of PAI. Testing consisted of impact strength measurement, tensile and flexural strength and modulus testing at various temperatures and after different environmental conditioning. CTE in three orthogonal directions were measured and creep testing was run on samples after different environmental exposures, including long-term aging in turbine oil.

ULTRASONICALLY-AIDED EXTRUSION OF BLENDS OF TWO THERMOTROPIC ULTRASONICALLY-AIDED EXTRUSION OF BLENDS OF TWO THERMOTROPIC LCPS

Mahesh Gupta, May 2010

Ultrasonically-aided extrusion of two thermotropic LCPs based on 6-oxy-2-napththoyl and p-oxybenzoyl moieties (LCP1), and p-oxybenzoyl, terephthaloyl and hydroquinone moieties (LCP2) and their blends were investigated. Miscibility of the blends was improved with ultrasonic treatment. Although LCP1 and LCP2 behaved differently under ultrasonic treatment, synergistic effects on fibrillation and mechanical properties of blends were observed in injection moldings. Ultrasonic treatment induced structural changes in the components, leading to improved mechanical properties of LCP1 moldings, and degradation of LCP2. Mechanical properties of melt spun fibers of the blends lied between those of components.

MESH PARTITIONING TECHNIQUE FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL SIMULATION OF COEXTRUSION

Mahesh Gupta, May 2010

A new algorithm for simulation of polymer coextrusion is introduced. In the new algorithm the finite element mesh of tetrahedral elements remains unaltered as the interface shape between adjacent polymer layers is developed during the simulation. The use of a fixed finite element mesh for coextrusion simulation is possible because in the new algorithm the interface between the two polymers is not required to match with an interelement boundary of the tetrahedral elements in the mesh.Instead by partitioning the tetrahedral elements intersected by the interface into two tetrahedral pyramidal or prismatic finite elements in the new algorithm the interface is allowed to pass through the interior of the tetrahedral elements in the original finite element mesh.

STUDY ON MORPHOLOGY, CRYSTALLINITY, BARRIER AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PET NANOCOMPOSITE FILMS

Gowrishankar Srinivasan, David Grewell,, May 2010

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanocomposite films were prepared by cast extrusion followed by stretching, using chill rolls. Tensile modulus, tear and puncture resistance of the cast films were measured in the machine (MD) and transverse (TD) directions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the effect of processing conditions on crystallinity of the products. Effects of draw ratio and clay content on the mechanical properties and on the oxygen permeability of the PET nanocomposite films were also evaluated.

INVESTIGATION OF PROCESSABILITY OF ZEIN BASED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES

Gowrishankar Srinivasan , David Grewell, May 2010

The current market viability of petroleum based plastics is strong but may drop in the future due to international oil crisis accompanied by issues associated with disposal. This has already led to a thrust to develop bio-renewable and biodegradable plastics. One of the emerging contenders are plant based protein polymers such as soy protein and zein (corn protein).The paper reports on the extrusion molding and mechanical performance of zein based plastics and natural fiber composites. Different formulations of zein plastics with plasticizers and crosslinking agents were extruded and both injection and compression molded. Samples exhibited strengths of up to 12.7 MPa and a crosshead displacement extension value of 61% for different formulations respectively. In addition zein formulations were compounded with coconut and corn-cob fibers in various filler levels via extrusion. The injection molded composite samples had strengths upto 20 MPa.

INVESTIGATION OF PROCESSABILITY OF ZEIN BASED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES

Gowrishankar Srinivasan , David Grewell, May 2010

The current market viability of petroleum based plastics is strong, but may drop in the future due to international oil crisis accompanied by issues associated with disposal. This has already led to a thrust to develop bio-renewable and biodegradable plastics. One of the emerging contenders are plant based protein polymers such as soy protein and zein (corn protein).The paper reports on the extrusion, molding and mechanical performance of zein based plastics and natural fiber composites. Different formulations of zein plastics with plasticizers and crosslinking agents were extruded and both injection and compression molded. Samples exhibited strengths of up to 12.7 MPa and a crosshead displacement extension value of 61% for different formulations respectively. In addition zein formulations were compounded with coconut and corn-cob fibers in various filler levels via extrusion. The injection molded composite samples had strengths upto 20 MPa.

THIRTY YEARS OF PC/ABS BLENDS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY

Bruce Hager , Dieter Wittmann , Eckhard Wenz, May 2010

Innovative development has made blends of polycarbonate and ABS (PC/ABS) the largest selling polycarbonate-based blends in the world. The inherent cost/performance advantages of PC/ABS blends especially excellent processability and low temperature ductility have made PC/ABS a material of choice in automotive interiors and housings for business machines.Much of this growth has come about due to improvements in ABS and flame retardant technology. Development efforts continue to push PC/ABS blends into new nontraditional areas such as extrusion where its ability to thermoform like ABS makes PC/ABS an exciting candidate to replace FRP in large part applications.

POLYMERIC FILMS FOR SELECTIVE PERMEATION OF CO2 AND O2

H. Wang , V. Pethe , B. D. Freeman , A. Hiltner , E. Baer, May 2010

Polymeric membranes with high permeationselectivity for carbon dioxide (CO2) over oxygen (O2) wereprepared by melt-blending polyethylene oxide (PEO) with ethylene-co-acrylic acid (EAA) and also by layermultiplying coextrusion. The solid state structure and thermal behavior were characterized and the permeabilityof O 2 and CO2 was measured at 23 ?§C. Comparison ofblends and microlayers revealed that the high CO 2selectivity of PEO was most effectively captured when the PEO phase was continuous as in the microlayers or in the cocontinuous 50/50 melt blend.

POLYMER CARBON NANOTUBE NANOCOMPOSITE FOAMS: SYNTHESIS, PROCESSING AND PROPERTIES

Changchun Zeng, Nemat Hossieny, Chuck Zhang, Ben Wang, May 2010

Polymeric foams are one of the most widely used materials. Incorporating nanoparticles in polymeric foams offers several distinct benefits including morphological manipulation and nanoscale reinforcement. This work focuses on poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite foams prepared by using carbon dioxide as the foaming agent. PMMA CNTs nanocomposites were synthesized using anti-solvent process. In combination with surface functionalization, uniform dispersion of CNTs in the polymer matrix was achieved. The CNTs profoundly influenced the foam cell morphology and mechanical properties. In the presence of 1% carbon nanotubes, microcellular nanocomposite foam was prepared under moderate temperature and pressure (120 x C and 20.68 MPa). The microcellular foam exhibited exceptionally high cell density of 3.9 x 1010 cells / cm3 , an increase of over two orders of magnitude than the pure PMMA foam under the same foaming conditions. The cell size was reduced by ~85% to 2.7 ?¬m. The microcellular nanocomposite foam showed a synergistic increase in compressive modulus (>20%), strength (>70%) and strain at yield (>300%) over the pure PMMA foams prepared under the same foaming conditions.

PIEZORESISTIVE BEHAVIOR OF POLY (HYDROXYBUTYRATE VALERATE)/MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES CONDUCTIVE COMPOSITE

Mahesh Gupta, May 2010

In this study, piezoresistive behavior of poly(hydroxybutyrate valerate) (PHBV)/multi-walled carbon nanotoubes (MWCNTs) composite has been discussed. Melt mixing technique was used to achieve maximum possible dispersion of CNTs in polymer matrix, as this process involves very high shear forces during mixing. The prepared composite shows gauge factor value of three which is very close to gauge factor value of conductive metals like copper and aluminum. Quasi-static and time dependent piezoresistance was investigated for the prepared composite. Environmental scanning electron microscopy was performed to observe dispersion of CNT in PHBV matrix.