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

Conference Proceedings

Methods Of Polymer Weld Quality Evaluation

Miranda Marcus, May 2018

Evaluation of the quality of polymer welds is essential to the development and production maintenance of a welding process. However, it can be challenging to select an evaluation method due to the wide variety of options. A comparison of some popular weld quality evaluation methods is discussed in this paper, as well as the preparation procedures for each and what can be learned from each method.

Ultrasonic Welding 20 Khz Vs. 15 Khz - Challenges Posed By Highly Crystalline Material

Dave Krysiak, May 2018

A comparative view of the effect of differing ultrasonic weld frequencies with the goal of reducing flash and part deformation.

Understanding Meltdown During Quasi-Simultaneous Laser Transmission Welding

Philip Bates, May 2018

Meltdown or collapse occurs when molten material flows from the interface during polymer welding. This study shows how several quasi-simultaneous (QS) laser transmission welding (LTW) processing parameters affect meltdown in a T-weld geometry using polycarbonate. The total meltdown depends linearly on the total line energy defined as the product of power and the number of passes divided by the scan speed. Increasing the total scan length increases the critical line energy for meltdown to begin.

Accounting For Differences In Modulus And Stress Relaxation Behavior In Plastics Undergoing Chemical Resistance Testing

Mark Yeager, May 2018

Chemical resistance testing via strain fixtures ranks resistance based on the maximum strain at which the plastic can resist an applied strain without loss of mechanical integrity or appearance. While this comparison works well for materials within a family of plastics, such as unfilled polycarbonates, it can be misleading when comparing materials that differ in stiffness and stress relaxation properties. Adjusting for these differences yields a more realistic chemical resistance ranking for most applications.

Elastomeric To Engineered Thermoplastic Polyurethanes

Anthony Walder, May 2018

Medical device engineers found Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) quickly after their introduction almost 60 years ago. Some of the reasons for TPU acceptance are strength, biocompatibility and that they can be shaped using common melt processing techniques. Since the introduction of the first TPUs, different chemistries have involved under the TPU umbrella. The attributes of the various TPUs will be discussed in relationship to physical and chemical properties and application requirements.

Advantages Of CT Scanning For Industrial Applications

Melissa Butrie, May 2018

After a brief explanation of how CT scanning works, advantages and examples of its applications in manufacturing and industrial environments will be reviewed. Focus will be on the efficiency of CT scanning versus traditional metrology methods for first article inspections. We will also discuss applications that can be used for mold builds and steel modifications, for the identification of assembly issues, and for CAD model creation of legacy parts.

Change Molds For Efficient Customer Development / Prototype

Tom Worcester, May 2018

Improving the capability of the Mold Maker to be able to add R&D and Prototyping to their portfolio of services. Through the use of the "Change Mold" and the options of inserts that are available or possibly manufactured by the MoldMaker. These could include SLM Additive Manufactured with possible Conformal Cooling, Polymer based inserts for minimal volume of parts. This benefit would decrease the overall timeline for "Time to Market" for the end user.

Application Of J-Integral Methods To Tough Pipe Materials

Anja Gosch, May 2018

In this work, the fracture resistance of three different and very tough piping materials was characterized for the development of multi-layered pipes based on biomaterials. For these materials both stiff and brittle, and soft and ductile materials are necessary. While the fracture mechanical characterization of the former can be seen as quite straight forward, the later can prove rather difficult. Therefore, two methods from elastic plastic fracture mechanics were examined, applied and discussed in detail for the use with very tough pipe grade materials.

Quantifying Oxidative Degradation In Polyolefin Pipe By Ir Spectroscopy

Don Duvall, May 2018

Infrared spectroscopy has been used for decades as a means to quantify oxidation of polyolefins. One method used on piping has been determination of a carbonyl index. Another method developed for use on UHMWPE from orthopedic implants is detailed in ASTM F2102. Results of both methods applied to polyethylene pipe will be compared to assess the extent to which results of the two methods can be correlated.

Examining Design Changes Potentially Influencing The Lifetime Of Electrofusion Socket

Jan Poduska, May 2018

This article deals with lifetime calculations of electrofusion socket joint. Lifetime of electrofusion socket is calculated using a combination of linear elastic fracture mechanics lifetime and finite element modelling. The lifetimes are calculated for a basic situation and then influence of possible design changes on the lifetime is discussed.

New High Strength Low Density Glass Bubble Products For Ultra-Lightweight Composites

Stephen Amos, May 2018

3M Company is continuing to develop new high strength to density ratio 3MTM Glass Bubbles for use in thermoplastics and thermosets. Recently launched new products can be applied to Sheet Molding Compound (SMC/BMC), paints and coatings, plastisol, additive manufacturing, extrusion and injection molding.

Advanced Materials For Increasing Output And Reducing Energy

Will Johnson, May 2018

New patented technology to increase throughput in extrusion and injection molding. This technology can be used in any thermoplastic system to increase speed and improve additive distribution, while stabilizing the process reducing scrap from variation.

Use And Utility Of Metal Soaps In Polyolefins

Robert Sherman, May 2018

Metals soaps, such as calcium stearate and zinc stearate, are commonly used as additives in polyethylene and polypropylene. They are most commonly used as antacids but are also used as lubricants, mold releases, tracer elements, and antistatic agents. A general discussion of the types of available metals, soaps, and considerations for choosing them will be given. A general discussion of how metal soaps are made and special properties of certain soaps will also be covered.

Nucleation Of Semi-Crystalline Polymers With Minerals

Saied Kochesfahani, May 2018

A study has been conducted to determine the effect of minerals, mineral loading, and time/aging on the nucleation of semi-crystalline polymers including polypropylene and nylons. The performance of talc, mica, wollastonite, and kaolin will be covered including the effect of parameters such as particle size and morphology. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) data will be presented as well as mechanical properties of the semi-crystalline polymers.

Preventing Plastic Failure

pa tres, May 2018

Preventing Plastic FailureRights are already granted to publishing house Carl Hanser Verlag of Munich, Germany

Knowledge-Based Product Planning And Designing Of Injection-Molded Parts

Rene Andrae, May 2018

This paper presents a procedure for an integrated design process regarding injection-molded parts. The support of the designer occurs from a knowledge-based production process and material selection, throughout the designing to a rheological part optimization. Techniques of the model-based systems engineering (MBSE) were used for the acquisition of requirements as well as for the development of this supporting system. For validation, selected methods are implemented and tested in a CAD-system.

Influence Of Gas-Counter Pressure On The Foaming Behavior And The Cell Morphology Of Flexible Polyurethane Foam

Daniel Schneider, May 2018

Discontinuously produced polyurethane (PU) foams can be found in various applications and branches. Typically used blowing agents show significant economic or ecologic disadvantages. Using CO2 as a sustainable blowing agent displays different processing challenges. In this context the influence of gas-counter pressure, which is introduced in the cavity of the mold before injection, and of the CO2-amount on the foaming characteristics and the foam-morphology have been analyzed.

New Solutions For Light Stability Of Pe In Rotomolding - Ver. 2 - 9Th Jan 2018

Enrico Costantini, May 2018

'- Rotomolding market overview- Market segments and requirements- Present solutions for UV stabilization- Development of a "new systems" with superior UV resistance: EXP UV 0117 and 0217 and EXP blends- Summary of recommendations: For both general applications and those with special requirements

Improve The Performance Of Your Retort Flexible Film

Sergi Salva Saez, May 2018

In this presentation UBE will talk about the challenges of using flexible barrier films replacing traditional retort packaging and the research done to develop the right structuctures and Nylon materials to overcome these challenges.

Biopolymer Compounds For Applications Requiring Marine Degradation

Stanley Dudek, May 2018

The development of a biopolymer netting for the establishment of new oyster beds in intercoastal waterways is described. The netting secures the growing oysters for 18 months before biodegrading to allow the oyster bed to grow. The establishment of multiple beds will improve the water clarity and promote the growth of seagrass.