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?
Conference Proceedings
OPTIMIZING FLAVOR PERCEPTION IN PLASTICS
Patrick C. Lee, Christopher W. Macosko, May 2010
Polymeric articles are used in a wide variety of applications, including some which require oral contact. Direct incorporation of just flavorant into a polymer results in an inferior flavor response. Three synergists were tested in combination with a flavorant to evaluate effect on flavor perception in a polymeric article. A flavor panel test was designed to measure responses on flavor identification and intensity to compare between compositions with just flavorant and those in combination with a synergist. It was found that the application of a unique synergist could enhance flavor perception dramatically.
EFFECT OF ORGANOCLAY STRUCTURE AND DISPERSION ON THE IMPACT AND SELF-HEALING PROPERTIES OF IONOMER-NANOCLAY COMPOSITES
Dante Guerra, Siva Movva, Zhi-Qi Cai, Yunior Hioe, Eusebio Cabrera, L. James Lee, Jose M. Castro, May 2010
The effect of organoclay structure and panel thickness on the impact properties of ionomer/organoclay composites was investigated for the purpose of determining if incorporation of surface treated clay platelets within an ionomer matrix improves the self-healing properties of ionomers upon impact for military applications. Full self-healing closure of the damage caused by projectile impact was achieved at a panel thickness of 1.6 mm for the ionomer/organoclay composites, which is approximately 3.5 times less than that required with the corresponding unfilled ionomer matrix. Furthermore, self-healing closure requires good dispersion of the clay platelets within the ionomer matrix, where most of the platelets exhibit an exfoliated morphological structure.
Novel Methods of Incorporating Nanoparticles into Fiber Preforms
Dante Guerra , Siva Movva , Zhi-Qi Cai , Yunior Hioe , Eusebio Cabrera , L. James Lee , Jose M. Castro, May 2010
Conventional fiber reinforced polymer composites offer many desirable properties such as high strength to weight ratio and high modulus to weight ratio. Nanoparticles have shown great promise for improving mechanical properties. Successful incorporation of nanoparticles has long been a great challenge for the composite industry. In this study, a novel approach is applied to incorporate nanoparticles into WindStrand' glass fiber preforms, Vinyl Ester composite panels were manufactured through vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. Mechanical properties of the composites were measured. Flexural strength and modulus were improved with incorporation of nanoparticles.
THERMAL AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF POLY-(3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE-CO-3-HYDROXYVALERATE) AND POLY (LACTIC ACID) BLENDS FOR FOOD PACKAGING APPLICATIONS
Sunny Modi, Kurt Koelling, Yael Vodovotz, May 2010
The objective of this study was to characterize the thermal and rheological properties of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) blended with Poly (L-lactic acid) (PLA) resin at different concentrations and relate these findings to potential food packaging applications. The thermal analysis showed increasing concentration of PHBV resulted in lower thermal stability of PLA. Several melting transitions for the blends were observed representative of phase separated polymers. The complex viscosity showed no improvements in the PHBV when compared to the blends.
COMPARISON OF RANDOM AND BLOCK POLYPROPYLENE COPOLYMERS IN EXTRUSION FOAMING
Eung Kee Lee , Kyungmin. Lee , Peter U. Jung , Hani E. Naguib , Chul B. Park, May 2010
This study aims to compare the extrusion-foaming behaviors of a random polypropylene (PP) copolymer and a block PP copolymer in terms of cell nucleation as well as foam expansion. N-butane and talc were respectively selected as a physical blowing agent and a nucleating agent for extrusion foaming. Foamed samples were obtained by conducting extrusion foaming using a single screw extruder. In addition, the amount of dissolved blowing agent and talc content were varied to observe the effect on cell morphology and expansion trend, which were then characterized with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a pyknometer. The die temperature as a processing parameter was also manipulated in this study. The block PP copolymer showed much higher cell nucleation than the random PP copolymer with no nucleating agent as the dispersed ethylene-propylene particles were able to function as nucleating agents in the block PP copolymer.
RHEOLOGICAL STUDY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ACETAMINOPHEN AND POLY (ETHYLENE) OXIDE FOR HOT-MELT EXTRUSION PROCESS
Herman Suwardie, Min Yang, Peng Wang, Huiju Liu, Costas G. Gogos, May 2010
Solid dispersions made from mixing polymers and drug have caught a lot interest in recent years. One major technical barrier limiting broader applications of solid dispersions is the lack of drugƒ??s solubility data in polymer matrix. Furthermore, there is no standard or widely accepted method for the testing of drugƒ??s solubility. Zhang et. al?ÿ developed a novel method using Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) recently. However, it requires tedious and delicate experimental work. Therefore, a new method via rheological characterization is explored in our laboratory. The steady from both oscillatory and capillary rheometer) and dynamic (oscillatory rheometer) viscosities of the drug-polymer system are measured for different drug concentrations at various temperatures. The rheological results presented not only can be utilized for process optimization and material characterization, such as molecular weight determination, but also provides valuable information on the drugƒ??s solubility in polymeric excipients.
WALL SLIP AND EXTRUDED CABLE GEOMETRY OF HIGH DENSITY POLYETHLENE
Marcus Sutch, Anna Liberg, Mike Gould, May 2010
Experiments were performed by a Rosand capillary rheometer and Ares control strain rheometer with a specialty high density polyethylene to determine the relationship between wall slip velocity and shear stress and the onset of slip at temperature of 190oC. Results were utilized in the computational fluid dynamics modeling in the extruded cable geometry predictions. It was found that melt slip occurs at critical shear stresses of approximately 93 KPa and 60 KPa in capillary flow and torsional flow tests respectively. Wall slip impacted extrudate geometry in different ways depending on cable contours based on the numerical analysis.
IMPACT OF FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION ON IN MOLD LABELING
Marcus Sutch , Anna Liberg , Mike Gould, May 2010
To investigate the potential of using articulated robots in combination with standardized labeling system and a dedicated mold for reaching optimal cycle time as well as flexible system, a test system was developed and optimized based on standard components. Based on the system described, in mold labeling (IML) tests were carried out comprising thin wall products ranging from 32 oz to 20 l. During optimization the niche segment for this specific system was identified. Result show that a competitive cycle time can be achieved while providing the molder with additional benefits. Cost advantages are achieved by combination of labels. The system provides a greater opportunity for post molded operations such as sizing for faster cycles weighing, printing, quality inspection, assembly, packing and palletizing. A greater level of flexibility in the molding system was achieved to extract and post mold process IML parts as well as none IML parts, thus driving a greater operational scope to the investment in automation. Investment in the system could to a major part be recovered at change of production.
A THERMALLY MENDABLE “BRICKS AND MORTAR” THERMOPLASTIC/THERMOSET BLEND
Xiaofan Luo , Runqing Ou , Dan E. Eberly , Amit Singhal , Wantinee Viratyaporn , Patrick T. Mather, May 2010
An epoxy/poly(?æ-caprolactone) (PCL) blend with aninteresting 'bricks (epoxy) and mortar (PCL)' morphology was prepared by polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS). The material is capable of thermally mending mechanical damage such as cracks, through an experimentally observed 'bleeding' process. Mechanistically, this is due to the volumetric expansion of PCL above its melting point in excess of epoxy brick expansion, leading to the extrusion of bulk PCL to fill the crack gap and subsequently recrystallize to restore mechanical strength.
METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING WARPAGE SENSITIVITY OF PLASTIC MATERIALS
Brian A. Young, John P. Beaumont, Zachary T. Stefanik, May 2010
This paper presents research related to the development of a methodology for evaluating the sensitivity of a given plastic material to warpage. The methodology rates a materialƒ??s sensitivity to warpage from each of three different criteria ƒ?? Thermal, Orientation and Process. The study found that two test geometries could be used to determine the three Warp Indices. For the materials tested, on an average orientation induced warpage was more than double process induced warpage. Fiber reinforcements and part thickness had a significant influence on all three of the warp indices.
NEW PROCESS CHAINS FOR REPLICATING MICRO AND NANO STRUCTURED SURFACES WITH BIO-MIMETIC APPLICATIONS
S. Scholz , C.A. Griffiths , S.S Dimov , E.B Brousseau , G. Lalev , P. Petkov, May 2010
In order to broaden the application domain of microsystems-based products, a number of processing chains that are complementary to those used for batch-manufacturing of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) have been recently proposed by the research community. Such alternative process chains combine micro and nano structuring technologies for tool/master making with replication techniques for high throughput such as injection molding (IM). In this research, two new process chains are presented for replicating structured surfaces that are inspired by nature. In particular, a study was conducted to replicate structures incorporating functional features found on the eye of a household fly and on a shark skin. Such features were initially designed by applying a bio-mimetic modeling approach in order to 'embed' in them the targeted functionality. Next, mould inserts, produced by applying two different tool making technologies, were integrated in a tool for micro injection moulding and thus to assess the feasibility of the proposed process chains for replicating micro and nano structured surfaces.
UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENTS FOR SCRATCH AND MAR ADDITIVES; EFFECT OF THE ADDITIVE FORMULATION ON THE SCRATCH PERFORMANCE
Nikolas Kaprinidis, Johanne Wilson, May 2010
Very often plastics manufacturers utilize scratch and mar additives to reduce the occurrence of surface defects. The most commonly used scratch additive in the automotive industry is erucamide (SM2). Recently there have been new additives introduced to the market ƒ?? specifically an olefin grafted silicone (SM3). This paper includes a comparison of the efficacy of SM1, SM2 and SM3 for automotive applications. Although little differentiation is seen at scratch levels of 5 N, the differences become more apparent at loadings of 10 N and higher. Furthermore this paper shows that loading levels of a scratch additive (SM1) can be reduced via addition of a booster additive (N1), thereby lowering the overall cost of the system and enabling implementation for automotive applications.
MEDICAL MOLDING PER THE FDA'S ISO 13485 AND ISO 14971 REQUIREMENTS
Steve W. Tuszynski, May 2010
The FDA is becoming more stringent in auditing medical device companies (MDCs) for compliance to CFR Part 820 (QSRs), ISO 13485 (Quality Systems) and ISO 14971 (Risk Management) standards. MDCs are responsible for ensuring that both internal and outsourced plastic component suppliers meet these regulations and standards. Correlation Technology (CT) is an effective means for MDCs to flow down these requirements to their molded part suppliers. CT is an effective and efficient technology that enables molders to comply with the Quality standards, to accomplish Risk Management at the component level and to demonstrate their compliance with these requirements to both the FDA and the MDCs.
TAKE THE PRESS SETTINGS OUT OF MOLD-MAKING
Steve W. Tuszynski, May 2010
Correlation Technology (CT) is a scientific, datadriven method for plastic injection molding that takes the press, press settings and press operator decisions out of tuning a mold to meet part dimensional requirements. Changes to press settings and transferring the mold from one press to another have plagued the mold-maker from the start of mold-making. CT enables the mold-maker to tune the mold in one and only one step while ensuring that mold will make parts with the highest possible dimensional compliance. The results of the mold characterization study are transferable from press-to-press. CT facilitates scaling up from low-cavitation developmental molds to highercavitation production molds. CT enables mold designers and fabricators to deliver molds that will have adequate capability (Cpks) to handle normal customer press variation.
A COUNTER-ROTATING MANDREL DIE FOR THE STUDY OF SUPERIMPOSED SHEAR FLOWS IN POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES PROCESSING
Mark J. Kiemele, May 2010
A counter rotating mandrel die (CRMD) was designed and fabricated in cooperation with Dr. Collin GmbH in Ebersberg, Germany. The counter rotating mandrel die superimposes Poiseuille and Couette flows to achieve a die flow in which shear stresses are bi-helically distributed. The die has been successfully demonstrated for the extrusion of polymer nanocomposites comprising poly(ethylene-ran-methacrylic acid) ionomer (EMAA Na+) / hydrogenated tallow-treated montmorillonite clay blends. Extruded films produced by operating the die in counter-rotation mode exhibited significantly greater in-plane orientation of the clay sheets than extruded films prepared without counter rotation.
DESIGNNOVATION': THE SYSTEMATIC APPLICATION OF INNOVATION WITHIN A DESIGN FOR SIX SIGMA (DFSS) STRUCTURE
Dr. Mark J. Kiemele, May 2010
Innovation has been perceived historically to be theproduct of eureka moments. It has proven to be a scarceresource for organizations which so desperately have aneed and desire for it but can't seem to capture it. Withcorporations beholden to the innovative process for newidea generation and problem solving, it is no longeracceptable to bet the future of a company on theunpredictable epiphanies of a creative few. This paperoutlines a structured approach to systematic innovationthat is repeatable, predictable, and reliable, thus providinga key to survival in a down-turn economy.
FABRICATION OF MICROPATTERNED POLYMER SCAFFOLDS WITH A CO-CONTINUOUS POROUS STRUCTURE
Wei Zhang, Min Li, Donggang Yao, May 2010
This article presented a technique for fabricating micropatterned polymer scaffolds having a co-continuous porous structure. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) was used as a structure-forming material and polystyrene (PS) as a sacrificial one. In this process, a blend of the two polymers was prepared first by melt mixing under appropriate conditions for forming a co-continuous phase structure. Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were added to the blend during mixing to reduce interfacial tension and consequently the phase size. Next, the blend was molded into sheets and subsequently hot-embossed for transferring the micropattern on the master to the blend sheet. Finally, the sacrificial PS phase was extracted by solvent to obtain the desired polymer scaffold. This method was successfully demonstrated using the above combination of materials as a model system.
USING DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY TO DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF A PVC PART
Paul Gramann , Javier Cruz , Brian Ralston, May 2010
Failure of unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) pipes and fittings may be related to many factors, such as, design, installation, abuse and/or manufacturing. A successful failure investigation may require detailed analysis of all these factors to determine the primary cause of failure. This paper will review current techniques that use aggressive chemicals to qualitatively assess the quality of the PVC pipe or fitting. The paper will also review a technique that utilizes differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This technique can accurately determine the temperature at which the part was manufactured. It is also able to determine the percent gelation of the PVC material, which is directly related to the mechanical properties of the part.
HYDROGEL MULTISTRUCTURE SWELLING KINETICS BY LIGHT POLARIZED MICROSCOPY
Rosa Jiménez , Eduardo Velásquez , Elena Hernandez , Ignacio Reyez , Fernando Bautista, May 2010
Acrylate based hydrogels synthesized under strict controlled conditions exhibit structures at three different length scales (10-6, 10-4 and 10-2 m) as well as an unusual combination of surface properties, morphology, mechanical properties and swelling capacity. These properties depend strongly on the thermal history during the synthesis and on the cross-linking agent concentration. Mechanical properties, swelling capacity and structures at different length scales of these hydrogels have shown a transition at a critical concentration of cross-linking agent. The swelling kinetics was determined by alternative techniques to the traditional gravimetric method. A novel technique uses a statistic method of analysis of variance (ANOVA) of images taken during the swelling process. Another method calls for the use of light polarized microscopy with a sucrose solution as contrast medium and swelling agent. The time elapsed for determination of the swelling kinetics is a hundred times faster than the traditional gravimetric technique.
LOCAL PRESSURE FLUCTUATION AROUND A CAVITY SURFACE OF A HETEROGENEOUS NUCLEATION SITE
Lilac Cuiling Wang, S. N. Leung, Markus Bussmann, Chul B. Park, May 2010
Heterogeneous nucleation in polymeric foaming processes forms at preferential sites such as phase boundaries or additives and requires less energy. Rough surfaces, especially cavities, on a processing wall or on additive particles are commonly found within a polymergas solution, and these are regions where cell nucleation can be initiated. In most previous studies on cell nucleation, a uniform pressure throughout the solution was assumed; and the discontinuity at the interfaces between the additives and surrounding material was neglected. A recent study [1] has shown that, the pressure and stress fields at discontinuities within a polymer-gas solution vary evidently from the surrounding areas due to the melt flow dynamic induced by the growth of nucleated bubbles; and regions at these discontinuities are the places where cells are propagated. However, the effect of surface geometry of an additive particle or the roughness of a processing wall, which is related to the underlying mechanisms of interfacial enhanced nucleation, has not studied. This paper presents a numerical analysis to investigate the pressure profile around a cavity surface inside a heterogeneous nucleation site. Such an investigation is expected to provide more insights to understand the cell nucleation phenomena.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
