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

Solid-State Shear Pulverization as a Real-World Process for Polymer Blends and Nanocomposites

Katsuyuki Wakabayashi, Ying Tao, Andrew H. Lebovitz, John M. Torkelson, May 2007

Solid-state shear pulverization (SSSP) is an innovative processing technique that has proven to effectively disperse nanoscale structural entities to achieve compatibilized polymer blends and exfoliated polymer nanocomposites. The SSSP apparatus, which is a modified twin-screw extruder, can continuously process polymer blends and nanocomposites without the use of heat, solvent, or chemical modifiers. For an insight into this unconventional process, the effects of different processing parameters are evaluated using several polystyrene-based blends as base systems. The manner by which the materials deform, mix, and disperse depend strongly on the type of polymers as well as the configuration of the mixing and pulverization zones in the SSSP apparatus. Such key processing variables as residence time and throughput are also considered and compared with typical values in conventional melt extrusion.

The Assessment of Uncertainty in Spectrophotometric Measurements of the Color of Plastics

Jack A. Ladson, Hugh S. Fairman, May 2007

The subject of uncertainty of measurement in spectrophotometric measurements of the color of plastics is reviewed. Definitions of the components of uncertainty are offered, and methods of assessment and calculation of the components of uncertainty are revealed so that the user might prepare an uncertainty budget for one's own measurement system. The practical applications of total measurement system uncertainty in industrial applications are addressed. Finally, example data sets are presented from measurements of several colored plastic materials

Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Derived from H12MDI

Shane R. Parnell, May 2007

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) based on aliphatic diisocyanates such as 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H12MDI) are indispensable in a variety of industrial, optical, and medical device applications. Relative to 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) based TPUs, H12MDI based TPUs exhibit superior aesthetics, light stability, and biocompatibility. However, the use of H12MDI as a diisocyanate has a major impact on other properties of the final TPU. In this study, the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of a typical H12MDI based TPU were characterized and compared to an analogous MDI based TPU.

A New Approach to Seatback Design – Blow Molded Seatbacks

Ashish Kotnis, Keith Kauffmann, Mustafa Ahmed, Padraig Naughton, May 2007

The automotive industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce weight and cost in vehicle design and development. Blow molded seatbacks for rear seating offers an opportunity to reduce weight and cost and meet US and European government regulations, including FMVSS 207, 210 and 225 in the US and ECE 17 (luggage retention) in Europe.This new generation of rear seating design has been achieved through the combination of innovative design, blow molding processing and an unfilled thermoplastic that performs over a wide range of temperatures. The plastic seatback eliminates the need for steel reinforcements to pass the loading requirements.This technology was first introduced by Dow Automotive in 2000 for rear seatbacks. Several prototype designs were tested and optimized for different latch configurations to meet the federal requirements. This led to the successful introduction on the 2006 Audi TT in Europe. This resulted in a mass savings of 1.2Kg. High stiffness is achieved through closed sections within the double shell blow molded structure. Blow molding also offers reduced development time and tooling costs when compared to more traditional steel designs.

Compactibilization Efficiency of Maleic Anhydride Grafted High-Density Polyehtylene with and without Zinc Neutralization for High-Density Polyethylene/Polyamide 6 Blends

Brian Grady, Benjamaad Chatreenuwat, Manit Nithitanakul, May 2007

A high-density polyethylene with grafted maleic anhydride units has been investigated as a compatibilizer for high density polyethylene with polyamide 6. The material acts as an effective compatibilizer, causing a marked reduction in dispersed phase size as well as an increase in tensile strength and toughness. Compatibilizer also affects the glass transition temperature, crystallization kinetics and amount of crystalline material for certain blend compositions. The addition of zinc cations, which are effective in increasing ethylene-acid copolymer compatibilizer performance in low-density polyethylene/polyamide blends, has little, if any, effect on compatibilizer performance in these high-density polyethylene/polyamide blends.

The Nanoporous Morphology of Photopolymerized Crosslinked Polyacrylamide Hydrogels for DNA Electrophoresis

Jian Wang, Victor M. Ugaz, May 2007

Photopolymerized crosslinked polyacrylamide hydrogels are emerging as an attractive electrophoresis sieving matrix formulation owing to their ideal range of pore size, rapid polymerization times and the potential to locally tailor the gel structure through spatial variation of illumination intensity. This capability is especially important in microfluidic systems, where photopolymerization allows a gel matrix to be precisely positioned within a complex microchannel network. The achievable level of separation performance is directly related to the nanoscale gel pore structure, which is in turn strongly influenced by polymerization kinetics. Unfortunately, detailed studies of the interplay between polymerization kinetics, mechanical properties, and structural morphology are lacking in photopolymerized hydrogel systems. In this paper, we address this issue by performing a series of in-situ dynamic small-amplitude oscillatory shear measurements during photopolymerization of crosslinked polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels to investigate the relationship between rheology and parameters associated with the gelation process including UV intensity, monomer and crosslinker composition, and reaction temperature. In general, we find that the storage modulus G' increases with increasing initial monomer concentration, crosslinker concentration, and polymerization temperature. We also find an optimal UV intensity level at which the resulting hydrogels exhibit a maximum value of G'. A simple model based on classical rubber elasticity theory is used to obtain estimates of the average gel pore size that are in agreement with corresponding data obtained from analysis of DNA electrophoretic mobility in hydrogels polymerized under the same conditions.

Changing the Game in Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO) for Cut Sheet Thermoforming

Todd A. Hogan, Stephen M. Hoenig, Brian W. Walther, Kim L. Walton, Malcolm F. Finlayson, Stephane C. Costeux, May 2007

Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO's) based on polypropylene (PP) are desired for cut sheet thermoforming applications for their superior physical properties, weathering performance, and chemical resistance. However, their acceptance has been limited due to poor processing performance. A new generation of thermoformable TPO's was developed that extends the processing window and physical properties over currently available products. High gloss, thermoformed parts, incorporating a co-extruded gloss layer on the TPO substrate, was also demonstrated.

A Study on the Heating and Cooling Cycle System via Vapor Chamber in Injection Molding Process

Y.P. Tsai, A.T. Lee, R.Q. Hsu, May 2007

The objective of this work is to develop a vapor chamber based heating and cooling cycle system.. Two injection molds incorporated with the system were produced to evaluate its effect on the products, the test material is ABS.One of the products was a 2 opposite gates tensile test part. The tensile strength of the part was found increasing by 6.8% compared with the conventional one. The other product was a plate with 8 holes, the depth of the weld line is decreased from 12?m to 0.5?m. The results showed that the system can reduce the defect of the weld lines. Furthermore, adding a vertex tube cooling system will decrease the cycle time resulted from the rise of the mold temperature.

Olefin Block Copolymers as Polyolefin Blend Compatibilizer

H.Y. Chen, B. Poon, S.P. Chum, P. Dias, A. Hiltner, E. Baer, May 2007

Novel olefin block copolymers synthesized via catalytic block technology were evaluated for polyolefin blend compatibilization. It was found that OBC is an effective polyolefin blend compatibilizer for polypropylene-high density polyethylene blend. Significant improvements in mechanical properties were observed. Morphology showed that OBC compatibilized blends displayed reduction in phase size. Cryo-fractured surface analysis and adhesion data from microlayered tapes with OBC as tie layers suggested improved interfacial adhesion for OBC compatibilized blends.

Microstructure and Biostability of Biomedical Polyurethane Block Copolymers with Different Soft Segment Chemistries

Rebeca Hernandez, Jadwiga Weksler, Ajay Padsalgikar, James Runt, May 2007

We present a comparative study of the biostability and structural organization of polyurethanes (PU) having chemistries of those of commercial biomedical interest. The soft segments are poly(carbonate)diol (PC), poly(tetramethylenoxide)diol (PTMO) and a mixed macrodiol composed of poly(hexamethylenoxide)diol (PHMO) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). In PDMS based PU, PDMS units are completely phase separated from the hard segments due to their highly non-polar character. However, ‘interphase’ mixing is achieved for the PDMS end group segments and the PHMO component. PTMO and PC-based PU present a much lower degree of phase separation and larger interdomain spacings than PDMS based PU. The mechanical properties and biostability of the samples will also be compared.

Thermal Properties and Structure of Injection Molded Thin-Wall Products of Polypropylene/Boron-Nitride Composites

Hiroshi ITO, Kunihiko KAZAMA, Takeshi KIKUTANI, May 2007

Thin-wall injection molding of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) / polypropylene (PP) composites with different h-BN contents were performed to improve heat conductivity. Effects of h-BN content and process parameters on processability were evaluated. Furthermore high-order and internal structures, thermal and mechanical properties of molded products were also analyzed by wide X-ray diffraction, density, SEM, thermal diffusivity and DSC measurements and tensile testing. Flow length of molded products increased with increasing injection speed and h-BN content. Molecular orientation and crystallization of matrix PP were suppressed by compounding h-BN. The thermal conductivity increased with increasing h-BN content and varied at the position of molded products. They were influenced by not only h-BN content but also polymer orientation.

Preparation and Properties of Nanoparticle and Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Composites

Gang Zhou, Dante Guerra, Siva Movva, L. James Lee, May 2007

In this study, a novel approach is applied to prepare polymer composites reinforced by both nanoparticles and long fibers. Carbon nanofibers were pre-bound onto glass fiber mats, and then unsaturated polyester composites were synthesized through vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. These composites were compared with those synthesized by pre-mixing carbon nanofibers into the polymer resin. Mechanical and thermal properties of composites were measured. Flexural strength and modulus of composites were improved with the incorporation of nanoparticles. It was also found that carbon nanofibers increased the glass transition temperature and reduced the thermal expansion coefficients of unsaturated polyester resin.

Numercial Simulations of Residual Stresses in Polycarbonate Injection Mold Parts

Li Haimei, Shen Changyu, Jiang Yan, Wang Xin, Cao Wei, May 2007

The present study attempted to numerically predict residual stress and birefringence in injection molded PC specimens with different thickness, 2.0mm and 6.5mm. Numerical simulations have been done based on a viscoelastic fluid model and commercial software MOLDFLOW by three dimensional finite element methods. The former is used to compute flow-induced residual stress, while the latter for combined residual stresses, including thermal-induced and flow-induced stresses. Effects of processing conditions on the residual are considered by the numerical simulations. As for 2.0mm PC injection molded parts, the predicted residual stresses of viscoelastic model show quite precise in accordance with experimental results. But for 6.5mm PC specimen, Moldflow simulated results have less error.

Surface Replication Property and Higher-Order Structure Development of Molded Parts with Ultrastructural Patterns Prepared by Micro/Nanomolding

Hiroshi ITO, Kunihiko KAZAMA, Takeshi KIKUTANI, Toshimitsu Takaoka, Shinsuke Kawai, May 2007

Injection molding of thin-wall parts with micro/nanoscale patterns using various polymers was performed to clarify the processability and surface replication of molded parts. Effects of process conditions on processability, higher-order structure and surface properties of molded parts were evaluated. The optical anisotropy in the vicinity of the gate became higher at any other positions. Height replication ratio of surface patterns increased with increasing injection speed, holding pressure, injection temperature and mold temperature. In the case of nanomolding, negative birefringence toward flow direction appeared higher than at the skin-shear region from the observation of skinshear- core structure inside molded parts. Thus molecular orientation axis oriented along the thickness direction because of deformation during de-molding process. Thermal stability of nano-surface patterns was influenced by the size of surface features and internal higher-order structure.

New Flex Ring Dies Improve the Thickness Tolerances of Pipes and Thus save Money

Heinz G. Gross, May 2007

Conventional pipe dies consist of a solid mandrel and a solid outer ring. With such dies the thickness distribution in pipes can only be influenced by centring the die. Two thick regions situated opposite each other can not be fought. This is possible when you retrofit a multi-walled Flex Ring sleeve into the outer ring of a pipe die. Similar to the well proved flex lip technique in flat film production the Flex Ring technology allows for a locally limited adjustment of the flow channel gap. Even the thickness distribution of single layers in coextruded pipes can be fine tuned. The new technology which overcomes by far existing limitations to the pipe production process will be explained and results obtained with the new generation of pipe dies will be presented.

Composites of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes and Styreneisoprene Copolymers

Mai Ha, Brian Grady, May 2007

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were dispersed in water using the surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate to facilitate dispersion. Styrene-isoprene copolymer (S-I copolymer) and SWNT composites were prepared by mixing the dispersed SWNTs with S-I copolymer latex after polymerization. The polymer composite had an electrical percolation threshold of 0.2% indicating good dispersion of the nanotubes in the polymer. Mechanical properties of the copolymer significantly improved at SWNT weight fractions as low as 0.1%. Dynamic mechanical analysis of film samples in tension showed that the composites had a measurable modulus above the glass transition temperature (Tg) and that the modulus increased with increasing nanotube content, indicating that entanglements had formed giving mechanical stability to the composite.

Design of Thermoplastic Matrix Hybrid Composite Gas Cylinders for Domestic Applications

J.P. Nunes, P. Antunes, G.R. Dias, J.F. Silva, May 2007

Continuous glass/polypropylene (GF/PP) commingled fiber tapes were used to produce wrapped pressure gas vessels for domestic applications. The vessel structural-wall was built using a hybrid solution consisting in a very thin steel liner over-wrapped by the filament wounded GF/PP commingled fiber tape layers. FEM analysis was used to evaluate if the composite gas pressure vessel based on the hybrid solution is able to withstand the pressure requirements defined in European standards. Finally, vessel prototypes were submitted to burst pressure tests. As result domestic composite gas cylinders are already being successfully commercialized at large scale in Portugal.

Study of Damage in Filament Wound Thermoplastic Matrix Composite Pipes

J.F. Silva, S.M. Correia, J. Monteiro, J.P. Nunes, A.T. Marques, May 2007

Reinforced thermoplastic matrix pipes may be subjected to different types of loading conditions as well as different environmental conditions. However, they may suffer damage due to unexpected working conditions (low velocity impact, such as stones, tools, etc). This paper describes a methodology based upon fracture mechanics to evaluate possible pipe damages. It reports a set of tests made to characterize materials and pipes. Fracture Mechanics tests were made in samples subjected to low velocity impact. The study of damage evolution was done by using the ESPI (Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry) technique in order to determine the delamination area.

New Coating Equipment to Produce Long Fibre Thermoplastic Matrix Towpregs at Industrial Scale

R. Fazenda, J.F. Silva, J.P. Nunes, C.A. Bernardo, May 2007

This work describes modifications made in a previously developed powder coating equipment used to produce long fiber thermoplastic matrix towpregs. The major modifications include the incorporation of new deposition and heating techniques that enable producing GF/PP towpregs at rates compatible with the industrial production requirements (approx. 10 m/min). GF/PP and GF/PVC towpregs were produced in this new equipment and tested to verify its polymer content and degree of impregnation. This paper presents and discusses the results already obtained.

Advanced Technologies for Laser Marking of Plastics

Scott R. Sabreen, May 2007

The newest generation of laser material science and hardware/software is driving strong industry demand for indelible, high speed laser marking processes to replace conventional ink printing. This paper presents a total solutions" methodology for achieving unprecedented marking contrast quality and color laser marking of plastics via concomitant engineering of: 1) laser additive material science 2) primary molding operations 3) laser/software technology and 4) systems integration. The first of its kind laser pigment to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in laser processes is introduced as well as techniques to achieve high speed vector marking of alphanumeric text graphics and product security codes."