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

Superstructures in Polyamide Elastomers-The Key for Super Performance?

Joerg Lohmar, May 2000

Polyether block amides are known as thermoplastic elastomers with excellent chemical resistance, outstanding physical properties, and easy processing. This is closely related to the type of chosen polyamide blocks and the morphology of crystalline and amorphous phases. In contrast to other multiblock thermoplastic elastomers which are forming only net points of crystallized polyamide blocks polyether block amides exhibit a spherolithic superstructure of crystallized lamellae. As a consequence there is an intrinsically reinforcing effect in the material depending on block composition which is reflected by a unique mechanical behavior which will be discussed in the paper.

HDPE Blending Technology for Enhanced LDPE Film Properties

Rick F. Tate, Gerry Landvatter, James V. Krohn, Matt Dawe, May 2000

Numerous blown film applications involve the blending of high density polyethylene (HDPE) with low density polyethylene (LDPE) to achieve desired physical properties. For example, HDPE blended with LDPE provides greater stiffness and holding power for product retention in shrink films. HDPE/LDPE blends are also used in sanitary paper packaging applications, with the HDPE component providing needed stiffness for high speed machinability. Likewise, a variety of other packaging applications utilize HDPE/LDPE blends for improved machinability, especially as downgauging opportunities are pursued. This paper documents the effect of HDPE resin choice and content on the strength, optical and shrink properties of LDPE/HDPE blown films.

Numerical Simulation of Blown Film Cooling

V. Sidiropoulos, J. Vlachopoulos, May 2000

Commercial blown film production is often limited by the rate of cooling that can be achieved in the production line. The flow of the cooling air around the curved bubble is characterized by rather complex aerodynamics. Even for the same air ring design, different set-ups (adjustable air rings) produce significant differences in the air-flow pattern. Numerical simulation suggests that heat transfer rates are affected by all these parameters. Additionally, numerical simulation in the film phase reveals large temperature gradients across the film thickness in the area where the film is emerging from the die.

Effects on Mechanical Properties of LLDPE after Modification with Organic Peroxides

Luis Mendes, Joao D'Alessandro, Ailton Gomes, Marly Lachtermacher, May 2000

The action of two differents organic peroxides at 290°C on the mechanical properties of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) viewing its application as internal pipeline coating was studied. When the amount of crosslinking agent increased on polyolefin it was observed that for both peroxides a decreasing of elastic modulus and stress at yield. The stress at break raised and the drop of elongation at break cocurred from 0,5% of peroxide.

Polyethylene Synthesis Using Zeolites as Support Material for Metallocene Catalysts

Simone C. Moreira, Maria de Fátima V. Marques, May 2000

In the synthesis of polyethylene, sodic mordenite and acid ZSM-5 zeolites were evaluated as support material for bis (cyclopentadienyl) zirconium dichloride catalyst system. The zeolites were calcinated at 300°C before treatment with methylaluminoxane (MAO) and Cp2ZrCl2. The supported catalyst systems were evaluated in terms of polymerization activities by varying the temperature of Cp2ZrCl2 impregnation on the support and the MAO and Cp2ZrCl2 concentrations.

Properties of an Oil Resistant TPV

S. Cook, J. Patel, A.J. Tinker, May 2000

A TPV based on a dynamically vulcanized blend of epoxidized natural rubber and polypropylene is described. Morphological and rheological properties are briefly reviewed. Basic physical properties compare well with those of other TPVs whilst oil resistance is comparable to that of a well-compounded NBR vulcanizate (34% acrylonitrile). Excellent heat resistance with good retention of properties on ageing for extended periods at 100° and 150°C is also demonstrated as is good weathering and ozone resistance.

The Hydraulic Permeability of Dual Porosity Fibrous Preforms

B. Markicevic, T.D. Papathanasiou, May 2000

We present a computational analysis of viscous flow through arrays of fiber bundles using the Boundary Element Method (BEM) implemented on a multi-processor computer. Up to 700 individual fibers are included in each simulation. These are simple but not trivial models for fibrous preforms used in composites manufacturing - dual porosity systems characterized by different inter- and intra-tow porosities. The way these porosities affect the hydraulic permeability of a preform is currently unknown and is elucidated through our simulations. Numerical results are compared to analytical models. Through a large number of simulations we construct a master curve for the permeability of arrays of fiber bundles for various packing arrangements.

The Development of a Consumable Container for Built up Roofing Asphalt

Donn R. Vermilion, Jorge A. Marzari, May 2000

An injection molded container has been developed for built up roofing asphalt. The container is consumable in the roofer's kettle unlike the paper carton it supplants. The development of the container consisted of three elements. The first element was the development of a compound that could be injection molded, withstand filling with molten asphalt, and later melt completely in the roofer's kettle. The second element was the design of a container that met processing, cost and customer requirements. The third element was the development of a cost-effective injection molding process.

Minimizing Sandwich-Panel Warpage

James S. Griffing, May 2000

Honeycomb-cored composite sandwich panels are widely used in commercial airplane interiors. Sandwich-panel warpage can cause assembly difficulties and has been a deterrent to implementation of determinant assembly techniques. A series of statistical experiments were used to minimize sandwich-panel warpage on an airplane stowage-bin shell. Warpage was broken down into three components to facilitate analysis. Twist was shown to be influenced by prepreg orientation. Spring-in was affected by the presence of a decorative poly(vinyl fluoride) film; this effect was counteracted primarily by the addition of a ply of style-120 prepreg on the opposite side of the panel. The additional ply of 120 prepreg also helped to minimize bow.

Non-Isothermal, Non-Newtonian Analysis of Three Dimensional RTM/VARTM Processes Using HP-Adaptive Finite Element Method

Ravi Mayavaram, Mahender Reddy, May 2000

A numerical analysis of the RTM/VARTM processes using an hp-adaptive finite element method is presented in this paper. The constitutive behavior of the resin is modeled using the Carreau-Yasuda 5-parameter model with the WLF and the Arrhenius functions for describing the temperature dependence of the viscosity. In addition, the viscosity can also be read in as a tabular function of the effective shear rate and the temperature. The RTM process is modeled as a three-dimensional, two-phase flow of resin and air (weakly compressible fluid) using a modified Darcy's model. Examples demonstrating the role of SUPG smoothing, viscosity variation, vacuum conditions, and dynamic adaptivity are presented in this work.

Mechanochemical Alteration of Ethylene Copolymers via Solid-State Shear Pulverization (S3P)

Manisha Ganglani, Stephen H. Carr, John M. Torkelson, Klementina Khait, May 2000

Solid-State Shear Pulverization (S3P) is a novel process that uses mechanical energy to cause mechanochemical alteration of some of the polymer chains. The process pulverizes polymers and results in fine powders. Fragmentation events involve a limited amount of chain cleavage depending upon the levels of mechanical strain developed and the molecular weight distribution of the materials. Several virgin ethylene homo- and copolymers were used in this study. It is seen that S3P can alter the flow properties but leaves molecular weight distributions and the thermal properties of these polymers unchanged.

Investigation of the Mechanisms by Which Glass Fibers Disperse in a Polystyrene Matrix

Melody M.H. Kuroda, Chris E. Scott, May 2000

Effective dispersion of chopped glass fibers into thermoplastic matrices is critical for achieving optimum properties. In an effort to further understand the mechanisms by which dispersion occurs, model experiments are conducted using 4 mm long chopped glass fiber bundles embedded in polystyrene. The effects of the process variables of temperature and shear rate upon the onset and mechanism of dispersion are investigated with optical microscopy. Two distinct breakup mechanisms can be identified: rupture and erosion. Rupture results in clusters of fibers separating from the bundle. Erosion occurs when single fibers are removed from a bundle's edge. The onset of dispersion in both simple shear and squeezing flow experiments is a stochastic process.

Rheology of TPV’S

Paul Steeman, Wim Zoetelief, May 2000

The rheological properties of various TPV's have been studied in shear flow using dynamical mechanical spectrometry, capillary rheometry, transient stress buildup and shear creep. The TPV's which are commercial dynamically vulcanised PP/EPDM blends show a typical rheological behaviour with an apparent yield stress value at low shear rates, a shear-thinning viscosity at high(er) shear rates and, moreover, they do not obey the Cox-Merz law. This study revealed that the observed phenomena could be explained by the role of the three main components: PP, EPDM and oil.

Effect of Polyolefin Structure on Grafting of Maleic Anhydride

A.V. Machado, J.A. Covas, M. van Duin, May 2000

In this study the effect of polyolefin composition, i.e. ethene/propene ratio, on MA grafting and branching/crosslinking or degradation was investigated both in the melt and solution. The MA grafting content for PE and EPM was similar, but low for polymers with a high propene content. An increase of the ethene content results in a transition from degradation to branching/crosslinking.

Fundamentals of Polymer Process Control

David O. Kazmer, May 2000

Process control has been recognized as an important means of improving the performance and consistency of thermoplastic parts. However, no single control strategy or system design has been universally accepted, and the manufacturing systems continue to produce defective components during production. This paper provides an overview strategies in polymer process control, and discusses some of the difficulties posed by the complex and distributed processes. Objectives for 'intelligent' process control are presented. Finally, the potential benefits of integating product and process design are demonstrated.

Ethylene/?-Olefin Elastomer Based Compositions for Automotive Interior Applications

Kim L. Walton, Tim Clayfield, May 2000

Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer elastomers based on single site constrained geometry catalysts exhibit a number of physical properties that make them extremely useful for automotive interior applications. Due to the low level of unsaturation in these polymers, they exhibit outstanding heat and UV aging resistance. Their molecular structures enable these polymers to exhibit low glass transition temperatures (Tg). Thus, compositions containing these polymers exhibit very good low temperature impact properties. Furthermore, these products impart inherent flexibility and soft touch to compositions and eliminate the need for plasticizers. Ethylene/1-octene copolymers exhibit an optimum combination of ultimate tensile and low temperature properties. Ethylene/1-octene copolymers can be compounded to produce flexible TPO compositions with elevated temperature and desirable softness suitable for automotive interior applications.

Utilisation of Fly Ash as a Filler in Plastics

Maurice Biagini, Alexandre Paris, Jesse McDaniel, Vaclav Kovac, May 2000

Fly ash is a by-product of the ground coal burning process used in power generation plants. Since fly ash primarily consists of inorganic materials, it is a potential filler substitute for conventional fillers in the plastic industry. In this work, the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of fly ash filled polypropylene were determined and the effect of adding fly ash on the properties of the resin was studied. Driven by the economical potential and environmental aspect of the usage of fly ash, this study enabled us to determine the viability of coal fly ash to be used as a substitute filler in plastic resins.

Biologically Derived Conducting Plastics

Wei Liu, Jayant Kumar, Sukant Tripathy, Lynne Samuelson, May 2000

A new biological strategy has been developed to synthesize water-soluble conducting polyaniline. In this approach, anilines are polymerized by the enzyme horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) catalysis in aqueous buffer solution at pH 4.3 in the presence of a template. Strong acid polyelectrolytes such as polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) and the aqueous micelles formed by strong acid surfactants such as dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (SDBS) are favor-able templates to form nano-scale reactors for the growth of conducting polyaniline. The properties of this enzymatically synthesized polyaniline are consistent with the polyaniline that is traditionally prepared via either chemical or electrochemical procedures. This biological approach offers unsurpassed ease of synthesis, processability, stability (electrical and chemical), and environmental compatibility.

New Halogen-Free Fire Retardant for Engineering Plastic Applications

Sergei V. Levchik, Danielle A. Bright, Gerald R. Alessio, Sophia Dashevsky, May 2000

A comparative study of the fire retardant efficiency of three commercial aryl phosphates: triphenyl phosphate (TPP), resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP) and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) in PC/ABS blends, was carried out. The thermal and hydrolytic stability of the fire retardant resins as well as their physical properties was also studied. The use of RDP and BDP is preferred over TPP because of superior properties, whereas BDP shows better fire retardant efficiency, hydrolytic and thermal stability than RDP.

Development of a Reactive Extrusion Process for the Production of Plasticized Film Grade Polylactic Acid

Rodney K. Williams, Scott R. Koenig, May 2000

The development of a reactive compounding process to provide an economical route for the production of film grade polylactic acid is discussed. The development of this process required the synchronization of a large number of unit operations. The unit operations were combined in a manner to optimize throughput and devolatilization, while minimizing gel formations and blocking. Free radical branching, plasticization, devolatilization, underwater pelletization and surface treatment techniques were employed during the development process. Process development was accomplished on a co-rotating, intermeshing twin screw extruder equipped with both devolatilization and underwater pelletizing systems.