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
Benefits of High Speed Machining Technology to Plastic Injection Mold Builders
Todd F. Jones, May 1999
This paper will show significant time and cost savings to plastic injection mold builders by using high speed machining (HSM) technologies. It addresses overall productivity and production process improvement in the manufacture of sophisticated three dimensional core and cavity mold components using hardened steel machining processes compared to conventional mold production processes. A case study will compare the HSM process to conventional processes in the production of a complex mold cavity. The case study results will demonstrate real benefits of HSM to reduce overall manufacturing operations, man hours, capital resources and delivery time.
The Effects of PE/PA/PVA Blends' Compositions upon the Barrier Properties of Blow-Molded Containers
Wern-Shiarng Jou, Yu-Sheng Su, Jen-Taut Yeh, May 1999
This research investigates how compositions of PE/PA/PVA (Polyethylene/Polyamide/ Polyvinylalcohol) blends influence the barrier properties of blow-molded containers for methanol/gasoline fuel. The objectives of this research is to improve the barrier properties of PE/MPAPVA blend for methanol /gasoline fuel. We found that the content of PVA and CP (Compatibilizer Precusor) affect methanol/gasoline fuel permeation rate. Furthermore, the compositions of MPAPVA exhibit a significant influence on the barrier properties of blow-molded PE/MPAPVA containers. The composition of PE/MPAPVA blends for the best permeation resistance is 20% of CP blended with MPAPVA. This formula exhibits the best barrier properties for methanol/Gasoline fuel with weight lost less than 1g/24Hr.
The Kinetics of Shear-Induced Crystallizatio in Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate)
Seung Hyoun Ahn, Chin Bong Cho, Kee Yoon Lee, May 1999
The kinetics of shear-induced crystallization in PET was studied. The shear-treated samples were obtained from controlled shear rate apparatus (CSR, Fig. 1) and the capillary viscometer. The samples of use were observed the differences of crystallization behavior by DSC. The kinetic model suggested by Hoffman-Lauritzen, Nakamura were used to analyze experimental results. The crystallization behavior of shear-treated samples depended also on temperature and shear stress. On the lower shear rate region, the rate of crystallization depended on shear stress. And the growth rate induced by fluid flow reached the critical point on the region of a certain high shear rate. The empirical data were simulated by the suggested model
Processing Characteristics of PSU/PC Blend Associated with Degradation in Injection Molding
Byung Hak Lee, May 1999
This study investigates the effect of degradation of the PSU/PC blend on quality characteristics of the molded parts. Experiments were conducted at two sets of melt temperatures - 'normal' temperature, where no severe degradation is expected (T-zone 1); and 'elevated' temperature, where significant degradation should occur (T-zone 2). ASTM D638 tensile bars were used for molding and measured for quality parameters of part weight, warpage, and tensile strength. Small fluctuations in the process variables were purposely introduced for T-zone 1 and T-zone 2. As the results, T-zone 1 provided more consistent shot-to-shot part properties and less process disturbances for all the parameters than T-zone 2. The subsequent baking of the molded parts rendered most of the parts excessively warped for T-zone 2. Back pressure was an important variable regarding shot-to-shot variations in all the parameters.
Correlation Study for Minimizing Shrinkage of PFA Molded Parts
Byung Hak Lee, Shawn Swenson, Carlos Cadavid, May 1999
This study deals with investigating the relationship between part weight and shrinkage of PFA molded parts against process variations. The extensive experiments were conducted using DOE techniques in the ranges of process variables. Resulting part weight is also compared to the predictions. This study extends further to determine the influences of varying hold time and back pressure, respectively, on part weight and shrinkage. An optimum hold time is obtained comparatively from the results of the experiment, prediction, and theoretical formula. As the results, there existed good correlation between part weight and shrinkage, and between actual part weight and predictions against process variations. As the hold time varied, both the experiment and the predictions of the part weight matched well in trend, and indicated a distinctive gate freezing time.
Study of Moisture Diffusion Behavior in Hybrid IM7/BMI Composites
Yanmei Li, Xiaodong Tang, John Miranda, Hung-Jue Sue, John Whitcomb, Walter Bradley, May 1999
Moisture diffusion behavior in IM7 carbon fiber-reinforced bismaleimide composites (IM7/BMI) is investigated under two different temperatures at 100% relative humidity. Three-ply uni-weave, crossply-weave and hybrid of uni-weave and crossply-weave composites are utilized for the present study. Diffusion behaviors in those IM7/BMI composites are found to be significantly influenced by laminate architecture. A finite element model based on Fick's second law is used to predict the moisture diffusion behavior in hybrid composites. It is found that both the neat resin and composites follow the Fickian diffusion behavior only at short times. At longer times, moisture diffusion begins to deviate from Fickian behavior and suggests that addition moisture absorption mechanisms take place.
A Study on the Cure of the Siloxane-Modified Epoxy Resins
Yayun Liu, G.C. Martin, Zhaohui Meng, May 1999
Siloxane-modified epoxy resins were studied in this research. The modified epoxy resins were cured with 3 mol% of 2-ethyl-4-methyl imidazole (EMI-24). The curing kinetics and the physical properties of the network were characterized using DSC and FTIR methods. The thermal stabilities of epoxy resins were obtained through TGA measurement. The fracture toughness was measured through double torsion tests. The fracture analysis shows that the siloxane-modified epoxy resin has a higher fracture toughness (by 140%) and rougher fracture surface than the unmodified epoxy. The modified resins also show better thermal stabilities and longer pot lifes than unmodified resins. The cure of siloxane-modified epoxy resin followed the first-order reaction kinetics. The glass transition temperatures of modified epoxy resins were obtained.
Phase Structure Characterization and Processing-Structure-Property Relationships in Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Blown Films
Jianjun Lu, Baiyi Zhao, Hung-Jue Sue, May 1999
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) blown films fabricated under two different processing conditions were investigated. Morphological characterization was performed using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and infra-red (IR) dichroism. It is found that the stalk height of the film blowing process has a strong effect on the mechanical properties of LLDPE blown films. Good correlation between mechanical properties and morphological features is found.
Mechanical Properties and Dispersion Behavior of Composite Materials Compounded with Surface Treated Titanium Dioxides
A. Hamamoto, T. Tanaka, M. Kinoshita, May 1999
The mechanical properties of polycarbonate compounded with titanium dioxide are investigated. Titanium dioxide treated with methyl polysiloxane on alumina silica coating is compounded in the matrix polymer using twin screw extruder. Izod impact strength of this composite material is higher than that of the composite material compounded with untreated titanium dioxide. The dispersibility of this treated filler are evaluated by fracture surface and turbidity of the solution of the composite materials. The results suggest that the composite material compounded with titanium dioxide which is treated with methyl polysiloxane and alumina silica at the same time has higher dispersibility. And the melt viscosity of composite material shows same behavior with neat polycarbonate. This suggest that the melt viscosity is affected by the dispersibility of particles.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stability of Flexible Polyolefins by Oxidative Induction Testing with ?-Oryzanol and ?-Tocopherol Antioxidants
Shamit Hakani, Sanjay Mehta, Philip Canale, Stephen McCarthy, May 1999
Polyolefins are used in food and medical applications, among many reasons, because of their history of biocompatibility. However, these materials are prone to oxidative degradation in the presence of heat, light or other energy sources and molecular oxygen (autoxidation). Thus antioxidants are added to stabilize polyolefins. Flexible polyolefins (FPO) were compounded with the biological antioxidants ?-oryzanol and ?-tocopherol for this study. The antioxidants were then tested by Oxidative Induction Test (OIT) for effectiveness to stabilize FPO. The results showed a marked increase in oxidative stability of FPO with ?-tocopherol, while ?-oryzanol showed results that merit further research.
Applications of DSC in Conjection with FTIR in Plastic Identification
Jean J. He, Bill Gilpatrick, May 1999
Accurate material information can help with failure analysis, reengineering, competitive analysis, and quality control. One of the most common and quick techniques used in plastic analysis is Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy. However, FTIR has difficulties in accurately identifying filled polymers, blends, and polymer families such as polyamides and polyesters. This paper will present a few cases when the FTIR technique alone was very difficult to identify an unknown plastic, an alternative simple technique Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to assist in determining the unknown by obtaining information on physical properties such as melting and/or glass transition temperatures.
Correlation of Step-Wise Fatigue and Creep Slow Crack Growth in Polyethylene
A. Hiltner, M. Parsons, E.V. Stepanov, E. Baer, May 1999
The correlation in mechanism and kinetics of slow crack growth between fatigue and creep of high density polyethylene was studied. The step-wise crack propagation mechanism characteristic of long-term failures in polyethylene was observed over all fatigue and creep loading conditions examined. Fatigue fracture kinetics allowed for extrapolation to the case of creep failure, which suggested that short-term fatigue testing can be used to predict long-term creep fracture properties. Under high stresses the presence of shear deformation retarded crack growth.
Optical Studies of Sheared Polymer Droplets
Erik K. Hobbie, Kalman B. Migler, May 1999
The use of shear flow to emulsify immiscible polymers is ubiquitous in the processing of polymer blends. Although the pioneering work of Taylor [1-4] on isolated Newtonian droplets remains at the foundation of our understanding, emulsions of viscoelastic fluids can display a variety of interesting and novel phenomena under shear [5-9]. Here, video microscopy is used to measure the shear response of dilute polymeric emulsions. At low shear rates, the behavior is in agreement with the Taylor picture. In the limit of strong shear, we observe a transition in which the droplets elongate along the vorticity axis. A simple model is offered that relates this behavior to the viscoelastic nature of the melt components.
Melt Processable Glass Reinforced Polypropylene
Wei Huang, Robert T. Young, Donald G. Baird, May 1999
The invention of the phosphate glasses (P-glass) made the development of new polymer-glass composites possible. However, previous attempts to develop polypropylene/P-glass composites were unsuccessful. Only P-glasses with a very low Tg could be used because of the relatively low processing temperature of polypropylene. The applications of these materials were limited due to the poor durability of the glass. In this work, novel stabilizer systems for polypropylene were utilized to elevate the processing temperature so that a much more durable P-glass could be used. Comparison studies between P-glass and E-glass reinforced composite systems were also performed.
Influence of Composition on Deformation Behavior of Blend of Poly(Ether Ether Ketone) and Poly(Ether Imide)
Jatin Panchal, Miko Cakmak, May 1999
Uniaxial deformation behavior of varying composition of binary blend of PEEK and PEI was investigated at temperatures Tg < Tp < Tcc and the effect of composition, temperature, stretching rate and development of crystallinity were studied. The compositions studied were PEEK/PEI 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 72.5/27.5, 65/35 and 50/50 resp. Increasing the PEI content shifts the Tg and cold crystallization temperature of the blend to higher temperature, however, this rule of increase of Tcc is faster than that of Tg. As a result the process temperature window (Tcc-Tg) widens. PEI retards the crystallization process of PEEK allowing the blend to be stretched at higher stretch ratio's at lower stresses at the relative processing temperature of Tg+10/20.
Investigating Moisture-Cured Polyethylene for Cable Coating Extrusion
Kirk Cantor, Ian Harrison, Lawrence Ingram, May 1999
Moisture-curable polyethylene used for extrusion of electrical cable insulation has many advantages over other polymer systems used for crosslinked cable coating. However, one of its major drawbacks is the long cure times required. The purpose of this study was to describe how curing takes place in these systems. Crosslinking was investigated with an emphasis on how the curing reaction proceeds through the insulation. In the design of the study, material compounds were varied as were curing conditions. Cable insulation was sectioned by radial position through the thickness and characterized using several techniques. Mechanical properties and polymer structure were investigated, as was the curing environment. Cure temperature as a function of radial position on the cable was found to be a significant variable.
Formulation Issues: Predicting Polymer Miscibility
Fiona Case, May 1999
A number of different techniques have been applied to the study of miscibility and phase separation. Properties of individual components (solubility parameters) have been predicted from first principles and used to estimate the free energy of mixing, ?Gmix, which is the driving force for miscibility. Specific interactions between molecules, which may cause dissimilar materials to combine, have been studied using molecular mechanics models. Atomistic scale models of bulk mixtures are generated and used to study the first stages of phase separation of oil and water. These models are also used to obtain more accurate predictions of ?Gmix. A modified version of the Flory Huggins ? parameter, with both temperature and concentration dependence is then introduced. The parameters in this semi-empirical function are obtained by fitting to data from the other modeling techniques, or from experiment. ?eff is used to predict a wide range of different phase behaviors. The last set of modeling approaches introduced is used to model the phase behavior of materials that show mesoscale structure. A more coarse-grained model is used to predict microphase separation and the formation of micelles. By appropriate use of the range of available techniques, an informed scientist can gain considerable insight into the behavior of mixtures.
Comparison of the Large Deformation and Recovery Behavior of Semicrystalline Ethylene-Styrene Interpolymers and Ethylene-Octene Copolymers
A. Chang, E.V. Stepanov, S.P. Chum, A. Hiltner, E. Baer, May 1999
The tensile deformation and recovery behavior of semicrystalline ethylene-styrene interpolymers (ESI) and ethylene-octene copolymers (EO) were compared as a function of temperature, comonomer content, and crystallinity. At high temperatures, ESI and EO exhibited almost no strain rate dependence during loading and complete recovery upon unloading, characteristics of elastomeric behavior. At low temperatures, the materials were elasto-plastic with high amounts of permanent set after unloading. This transition from low to high temperature behavior originated from a difference in deformation mechanisms. Under conditions where the behavior was elastomeric, the slip-link model was applied to describe the entire stress-strain curve.
Effect of Molecular Weight and its Distribution Related to Melt Processing Parameters of Polyphenylene Sulphide
Sujeev K. Kommana, Kyung-Ju Choi, May 1999
Poly Phenylene Sulfide (PPS) is a relatively new Polymer, which is now finding an increasing number of applications in industry. It couples good chemical and impact resistance with high temperatures. This material has been the focus of intensive research over the past few years. However, not much Rheological or Processing data has been published for PPS. This research provides an insight into the effect of molecular weight and its distribution by the rheological properties of PPS, as well as processing parameters like extruder output, die pressure and torque. It is found that a sample with a narrow molecular weight distribution and low molecular weights when compared to other samples is relatively easier to process with wider operating windows.
Orientation Analysis of Cast and Blown Polyethylene Films
F. Chambon, S. Srinivas, May 1999
Orientation and chain architecture play a dominant role in determining the mechanical properties of semi-crystalline polymers. Morphological features of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) films obtained from carefully controlled processing conditions are studied using a combination of WAXS, SAXS, TEM, AFM and birefringence. Analysis of crystalline orientation is studied in detail and differences found between polyethylenes produced with distinct catalyst types are pointed out. Orientation of the non-crystalline phase is then extracted by subtraction of the in-plane and out-of-plane birefringence from WAXS data. This integrative approach provides us with a deep insight of structure-property relationships in LLDPE films and is a prerequisite for development of a consistent model for the solid-state.
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