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
Materials and Design Trends in Exterior Automotive Plastic Applications
Tom Pickett, May 2004
This paper examines material and design trends in exterior automotive plastic applications. Plastics are widely used in exterior automotive applications. With the many different exterior applications, this paper concentrates specifically on fascia, body side moldings/ claddings, rocker moldings, wheel flare, and cowl vent leaf catchers. Examination of the material and design trends for these exterior applications is accomplished by benchmarking a number of OEMs. Insight into future material and design trends is gained by identifying the drivers.
Devulcanization of Recycled Tire Rubber Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Qiao Zhang, Costas Tzoganakis, May 2004
In this work, an extrusion process has been developed for the devulcanization of rubber crumb from recycled tires employing supercritical CO2. For that purpose supercritical CO2 has been injected in a twin screw extruder to swell the rubber crumb and to facilitate the otherwise impossible rubber extrusion process. As a consequence, waste rubber can be processed under mechanical shear and extensional forces at various operating conditions that may lead to different degrees of devulcanization.
Surface Activation Systems for Optimizing Adhesion to Polymers
Rory A. Wolf, May 2004
Many experiments have been performed globally to investigate ways of improving adhesion to polymers. This paper discusses current atmospheric surface activation systems, appropriate measurements of wettability and adhesion, over-treatment effects and surface analysis techniques relative to optimizing the adhesion of inks, paints, coatings and adhesives to polymer surfaces. Recommendations for improved activation by substrate and application are discussed.
Multi Functional Colorants for LDPE Articles
Martin T. Price, Jeffrey M. Cosman, Alexander L. Neymark, May 2004
Functional performance of slip and release additives was investigated in low density polyethylene (LDPE) pigmented injection molded plaques. Coefficient of friction and adhesion studies were used to characterize migration of slip agents to the polymer surface and interaction between composition components. An attempt was made to combine different additives to achieve optimum slip performance while minimizing organoleptic impact of packaging material.
Is Trouble-Free Colored Wire and Cable Possible?
Robert S. Trinklein, May 2004
Color plays a critical role in the manufacture of wire and cable products. Colors are frequently created in wire and cable products through the use of color concentrates. There are some misunderstandings about how the concentrates affect the finished products. Because color accounts for a relatively tiny part of a compound, for example, some manufacturers neglect its potential influence on their products. Others make color concentrates their first suspect when problems occur.
Study of Hue Variation in Different Extrusion Applications
A. Venkateshwar, S. Manoj Kumar, May 2004
Color Masterbatches are widely used in all types of Applications such as Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Blown-Film Extrusion, Monofilaments, Rafia tapes, etc. This paper is the study done to facilitate faster matching and understand the hue variation in different color with different extrusion applications. Hue variation is studied keeping Injection Molding Application as Standard.
Oxidative Photodegradation of Colored LLDPE
Chijioke F. Iwu, Onyekachi M. Egbuhuzor, May 2004
The oxidative photodegradation of colored linear low density Polyethylene (LLDPE) have been studied. Extruded colored films were exposed to natural tropical sunlight for times ranging up to three months simultaneously with control films. Pigment masterbatches had been incorporated into the colored films by means of the now effective masterbatching process. The photooxidized films were analyzed with respect to the pigment effects. Results indicate considerable modifications on the LLDPE properties; the extent of which depends on the nature and composition of the applied pigments.
Effect of the Masterbatch Carrier on the Pigment Dispersion and Mechanical Properties of Colored Polyolefins
M.C. Cramez, M.J. Oliveira, May 2004
Polyethylene and polybutene were used as carriers to produce two color concentrates with a high amount of organic pigments. Different colored plastic products, namely polyethylene film and polypropylene injection molded parts, were produced using both masterbatches. The polybutene masterbatch promotes a better dispersion of the pigment and improves the toughness of injection molded polypropylene.
The Quaterrylimides - Highly Efficient NIR Absorbers for Plastics
Arno J. Boehm, Alban Glaser, May 2004
A couple of years ago we developed a class of highly efficient organic NIR absorbers based on quaterrylenetetracarboxylic diimides ('quaterrylimides'), which exhibit photo- and thermostabilities at levels hitherto reserved exclusively to inorganic materials. In this paper we want to present models for the explanation of the unique photostability of this class of compounds, as well as recent advances in the synthesis of those materials, and examples for state-of- the-art plastics applications.
Spoken Polymer
Thomas Twardowski, May 2004
An approach to teaching introductory polymers as a new language was considered. A new pedagogy, including complete definitions, novel technical grammar, and the specific roles of symbols and self-correction, was required. In return, the language concept improved student scientific communication skills, problem-solving ability, especially learning from context, and in general accelerated learning. The approach was applied to teach introductory polymer science, resulting in performance substantially equivalent to traditional polymers courses.
Industrial Training Programs for Plastics Manufacturing
Nick R. Schott, Martin K. Pottle, May 2004
The Plastics Institute of America has a long history of training in the polymer/plastics field. Over the past twenty years this training has focused on the shop floor employees and new professionals as compared to research and management types. Successful long term training has been conducted with leading consumer, medical, and electronic manufacturers. The training is offered in a wide range of traditional and cutting-edge areas to help companies and their employees keep pace with the rapid rate of change that has become the cornerstone of today's economy.
Plastics and Polymer-Matrix-Composite Laboratory Activities and Curriculum Options
Peter F. Baumann, Lennard F. Lema, May 2004
Central Connecticut State University has developed a multitude of laboratory instructional activities to better prepare students for technological advancements in the plastics and polymer-matrix-composites industries. Engineering and Industrial Technology students can opt for further plastics and composites training through election of laboratory courses in materials, processing, tooling, analysis and design.
Recycling Thermoset Plastics, Can it be Done?
Dru M. Wilson, May 2004
This paper addresses the possibility of using recycled thermoset plastic powder as filler. With budget issues in the academic setting, using recycled thermoset powder as filler could have a positive impact. Recycled powder has been successfully used in a university plastics lab for rotational molding, thermoforming molds, and for composite tooling dough. Three practical lab exercises will be given in the paper.
Surviving Globalization
Roger F. Jones, Lori Anderson, Jeff Sloan, May 2004
Globalization has been blamed for the startling loss of US manufacturing jobs over the past several years, particularly in the plastics industry. How can companies survive competition from China and elsewhere in the world? This paper will describe how the problems have come about, what's being done about them and how companies can not merely survive but improve their business.
Plastics Processing: A Changing Environment
Jack Avery, May 2004
The U.S. plastics industry has been hit hard in the past three years. A number of factors have contributed to this changing environment, including globalization, recession and political uncertainty. The premise of this paper is: the market as we knew it in the late 1990s will never return. The world has changed, so has the plastics industry. The question to be addressed is: how can we prosper in this new environment?
Bluetooth Wireless Technology Enables New Applications
Debbie Hauser, May 2004
Bluetooth, the most widespread of the new wireless communications standards, enables electronic devices to talk amongst themselves. This capability has not only created the demand for many new electronic products, but has pushed value-added product development for plastics in the automotive, healthcare, appliance and computer accessories markets. This presentation will outline what the Bluetooth technology is, new applications, market projections, and considerations for designers as well as resin suppliers.
Preventing Failure by Design: A Case Study in the Development of a Medical Device
Lucyanne Carmona, Eric Moskala, May 2004
Preventing failure in a plastic medical device requires a thorough understanding of the key fitness for use criteria. This paper explores a case study of copolyester resin development for a device requiring clarity, toughness, chemical resistance, solvent bonding, printability, and ethylene oxide and gamma sterilization. Analyses included molecular weight, modulated DSC, fractography and functional testing.
An Investigation into Fracture Toughness Testing of Dental Luting Cements Using Various Methods
D. Leonard, G. McHenry, C.A. Mitchell, J.F. Orr, May 2004
Various types of luting cements are used for fixation in dentistry. Failure through fracture is a significant issue with these materials. Several fracture toughness tests have been developed to characterise dental luting cements. Among them are the Chevron-Notch Short-Rod and Mixed-Mode Sandwich tests. In this study these two techniques are applied to a dental luting cement and from the results of the testing, conclusions are drawn on what they can determine regarding a material's properties.
Mechanical and Thermal Characterization for Sterilized Medical Elastomers
Tahua Yang, Sherwin Shang, Lecon Woo, Craig Sandford, May 2004
We have applied thermal, mechanical, and rheological techniques in the product development for medical elastomers with success. In this presentation, examples of actual product application will be used to illustrate the utility of these techniques and to demonstrate the derived information that was used in developing successful elastomeric related medical products.
Thermal Characterization for Radiation Treated Medical Products
Sherwin Shang, Tahua Yang, Lecon Woo, Craig Sandford, May 2004
A key feature for medical products is the need to sterilize products prior to release. However, the radiation dose, which disrupts DNA sequences in bioburdens, can also damage and alter polymer properties in substantial ways. Contrary to known degradations, there are also property enhancements through irradiation. In this presentation, both property degradation and enhancement will be illustrated with actual examples.
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