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
Polymers in Tissue Engineering: Basic Principles, Main Challenges and Characterization Requirements
R.L. Reis, May 2002
This keynote lecture discusses the use of biodegradable polymers as tissue engineering scaffolds. The basic principles of tissue engineering are addressed, going from scaffolds processing to some brief information on biological studies. These topics are introduced in a way that an audience composed by plastic engineers can easily became aware of the importance of the field and understands its complexity, as well as the role of biodegradable polymers on its success.
Polyolefin Market Review - 2002
William Kuhlke, Thomas S. Walsh, May 2002
We will present a review of the world and US and Canada" demand for polyethylene and polypropylene from 2000 with a forecast to 2010. We will also look at the relative profitability of producing these resins in 2000. The polyethylene portion will be broken down into grades produced by the conventional high pressure process by the low pressure linear low density grades and high density grades.The paper will be based on 2000 data but the presentation at ANTEC will include some 2001 year end data."
Polypropylene Produced by Binary Supported Catalyst Based on Metallocene
Carla C. Pombo, Anunciata Conte, Maria de Fátima V. Marques, May 2002
The binary silica supported catalyst system comprising the Cp2ZrCl2 and SiMe2(Ind)2ZrCl2 metallocene compounds was prepared with different immobilization methods and evaluated at different propylene polymerization conditions. The homogeneous isolated catalysts and also the homogeneous catalyst mixture were also employed for comparison. High activities were obtained with the supported systems and the molecular weight of the produced polypropylene was invariably higher than the homogeneous precursor.
Predicting the Heat Seal Performance of Ionomer Films
Barry A. Morris, May 2002
The heat seal strength of a flexible plastic package depends on the extent of molecular penetration at the seal interface, which in turn is a function of sealing jaw temperature, line speed and film thickness. Thinner films reach the maximum seal strength at lower jaw temperature or faster line speed than thicker films. A model is developed that combines heat transfer with molecular diffusion at the interface. The model points to how laboratory data may be used to predict the sealing performance of ionomers in high-speed packaging lines.
Prediction of Failure and Fracture Mechanisms of Fiber Reinforced Composites Using Finite Element Analysis
E. Ghassemieh, May 2002
A finite element (FE) model is developed to study the stress transfer from matrix to fiber in a short fiber reinforced composite. The critical length of fibers to insure the ultimate stress transfer, is predicted by the model. The interfacial stresses evaluated by FE model are compared with the well known shear lag (SL) and modified shear lag (MSL) models. The competing failure mechanism in short fiber reinforced composites and the triggering stresses for that are recognized.
Prediction of Parison Swell in Extrusion Blow Molding Using Neural Network Method
Han-Xiong Huang, Chang-Ming Liao, May 2002
A neural-network-based model approach is present where the effect of the die temperature and flow rate on the diameter and thickness swells of parison in the continuous extrusion blow molding of HDPE was incorporated. Comparison of the neural network model predictions with experimental data yields very agreement and demonstrates that the network model can predict the parison swells at different processing parameters at a high degree of precision (within 0.001).
Pressure Distribution in Screw Extruders
C. Rauwendaal, May 2002
Pressure in extruders is usually measured only at the end of the extruder barrel (P-barrel) and at the die inlet (P-die). In some extruders multiple pressure transducers are placed along the length of the extruder barrel so that the axial pressure profile can be measured. Such information provides invaluable information about the behavior of the extruder and is extremely useful in troubleshooting extrusion problems. This paper discusses various pressure profiles and explains what they tell us about the processes occurring within the extruder.
Product Designer Wish List Can Be Done Now!
Paul E. Allen, May 2002
This paper will cover the use of Patent Number: 5,932,164 and its effect in product design. It will briefly review the economic and physical barriers put on the product designer by the injection molding process. These include, draft angle, surface finish, and physical ejector placement. It will show how a designer can design a product with minimal draft angle, and/or no mechanical ejector system, and/or less expensive mold, and/or less cost to produce.The above will include very deep texture with little or no draft angle, and no stripper ring (to flash) on round parts.
Properties of High Density Polyethylene and Poly(Ethylene-CO-octene) Blends
Marisa C.G. Rocha, Maria José O.C. Guimarães, Fernanda B.M. Coutinho, May 2002
In this work the mechanical properties of high density polyethylene toughened with two grades of metallocene elastomers based on ethylene/1-octene (EOC) were studied . It was observed a synergistic effect on the tensile properties and a supertough behavior for blends with elastomer concentrations higher than 5 wt%. Cavitation, plastic deformation and fibrillized cavitation were the operating mechanisms in the deformation processes.
PVC/Wood Flour Composites Compatibilized with Chlorinated Polyethylene
Virginia O. Guffey, Amiel B. Sabbagh, May 2002
Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) has been demonstrated to be an effective compatibilizer for dissimilar materials in various mixed-polymer or recycled-polymer systems. In this paper the use of chlorinated polyethylene to compatibilize polymer/natural fiber composites is discussed. Examples of applications in PVC/wood flour composites are given.
Raman Spectroscopy: A Useful Tool for Characterizing the Polymerization Kinetics of Polyurethanes
Shane Parnell, K. Min, M. Cakmak, May 2002
In this study, the polymerization kinetics of an uncatalyzed polyester based thermoplastic polyurethane formulation was investigated with Raman spectroscopy. The normalized scattering intensity of the 1530 cm-1 diisocyanate band was used to calculate conversion as a function of time. Kinetic parameters obtained from these experiments correlated well with those obtained from analogous calorimetric experiments.
Real-Time Monitoring of Fluorescence Anisotropy and Temperature during Processing of Biaxially Stretched Polypropylene Film
Anthony J. Bur, Steven C. Roth, May 2002
Using an optical sensor, fluorescence anisotropy and fluorescence temperature measurements were carried out during the processing of biaxially stretched polypropylene films in a tenter. The fluorescence derived from a dye that was doped into the resin. Anisotropy measurements were made as a function of machine stretching ratios.
Residual Strength-Based Lifetime Prediction of Polymeric Composite Materials
Scott Case, John Bausano, Jack Lesko, May 2002
In this work, we present the philosophy of a lifetime prediction scheme for polymeric composite materials based upon damage accumulation concepts that allow the calculation of the residual strength. Key features of the method are that it readily admits the effects of multiple damage mechanisms and can be used to develop design guidelines based upon reliability concepts.
Reverse Engineering of Polymeric Materials
J.C.J. Bart, May 2002
Introduction The real value of polymer/additive analysis becomes apparent when it is put to solve relevant industrial problems, to study important materials or to control vital processes. At a par with Manufacturing or Operational Excellence programs industry also strives for Analytical Excellence. In this paper we present best industrial practices related to the analysis of additives in polymers.
A Review of Recent U.S. Utility Patents on Tamper-Evident Resealable Push-Pull Bottle Closures
Amad Tayebi, May 2002
A review of design options, disclosed in recent U.S. utility patents, for tamper evidence in resealable push-pull bottle closures is presented. Each of the selected patents is analyzed with regard to choice of location and nature of tamper evidence means.
Rheological and Tensile Strength Characteristics of Polymer Melts
M. Zatloukal, P. Štach, P. Liu, J. Vl?ek, P. Sáha, May 2002
Cogswell [1] and Wagner [2] methodology was employed to determine the rheological and tensile strength properties of two LDPEs and two metallocene LLDPEs resins through capillary and Haul-off (Rheotens-like) measurements. It has been shown that the tensile strength properties obtained by both methods yield almost the same values. Moreover, these values can be correlated to the drawability in tubular film blowing for corresponding materials.
Rheological and Thermoanalytical Investigations of a Class A" LP-SMC Paste"
Marco Wacker, Gottfried W. Ehrenstein, May 2002
Because of the good light-weight potential, the good resistance against corrosion and a good permeability for electro-magnetic waves more often SMC parts will be used in european automotive applications. As a result of varying qualities of the SMC prepreg or paste there exist still problems during the compression molding process.The paper discusses the used measuring methods for quality control and the influence of aging effect, which occurs during the storage of Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), on the viscosity and the curing behavior of a LP-SMC paste.
Rheological Properties of Phosphate Glass (Inorganic)-PS-LDPE (Organic) Ternary Hybrids
Peter C. Guschl, Joshua U. Otaigbe, May 2002
Binary and ternary hybrids of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), and a low Tg tin- based phosphate glass (Pglass) were prepared at compositions ranging from 0 - 50 (vol)%. Phase behavior, rheology and morphology of the PS-LDPE blends and binary and ternary Pglass-polymer hybrids were investigated. Four-region" steady shear flow behavior and transient rheology was observed for the hybrids. Optical shearing and SEM micrographs were employed in order to confirm the evolution of this microstructure under particular shear conditions."
Root Cause Analysis; Fundamentals and Applications
Rabeh H. Elleithy, May 2002
This paper discusses the fundamentals of root cause analysis in identifying a failure, investigating its causes, and suggesting the corrective actions. Examples of hinge failure analysis are discussed. A descriptive statement of each failure is formulated followed by the suggestion of its probable causes and their investigation. Finally, the most probable causes are identified and recommendations are made. The cases at hand discuss the importance of material choice and part design to hinges failure.
Sailing Unknown Waters
Jiri George Drobny, May 2002
Doing business in a different culture represents a formidable challenge. This paper is a case study covering marketing chemical products from post-Communist region of the former Czechoslovakia in the USA and Western Europe. Both positive and negative factors as well as lessons learned will be discussed.
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