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

In-process Monitoring of Recycled Polyethylene for Catalyst and Regulated Metals Using Novel Applications in X-ray Technologies
Keith Vorst, February 2018

Sustainability Metrics and Characterization - Presentation: Commercially available virgin and post - consumer recycled (PCR) polyethylene was characterized fo r catalyst (Ti, Pb, Al, Cr, Fe) during sheet extrusion of varying levels of PCR content (0, 30, 40, 90, 95 and 100%). An energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (XRF) detection system was installed in the extrusion line directly after the die. The X-ray spectra and raw counts were obtain ed every 45 seconds and reported with sample time and sheet location within the roll. Data were uploaded every 45 seconds to a secured custom web-based software platform. Process samples were compared to bench top analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasm a Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Our results indicate the potential use of XRF for in-process catalyst and regulated monitoring for polymer performance, safety and traceability in recycled plastics before and during conversion. More research is needed for validation of in-process monitoring systems for conversion processes and feedstock sources.

Influence of Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCR) and Pigments in Polyethylene Properties
Emily Hurban, February 2018

Sustainability Metrics and Characterization - Paper: Commercially recycled linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) pellets containing pigments were blended individually by weight then extruded with varying levels of recycled content. Either calcium carbonate only (white) or a mixture of white and carbon black pigment were blended with recycled polymer at virgin/recycled ratios of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% wt/wt. Each blend was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy. Linear relationships were investigated for statistical significance of PCR content and pigment on extruded sheet properties. Extractions in n-hexane were carried out in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, B, Part 177.1520 to determine compliance for uses with direct food contact. Results of thermal and spectrophotometric analysis did show potential for PCR marker identification. All extractives were below allowable threshold of 5% per CFR suggesting the potential use of recycled polyethylene for direct food contact applications. More research is needed to evaluate the use of various feedstock sources of recycled polyethylene for direct food contact application.

Influence of Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCR) and Pigments in Polyethylene Properties
Emily Hurban, February 2018

Sustainability Metrics and Characterization - Presentation: Commercially recycled linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) pellets containing pigments were blended individually by weight then extruded with varying levels of recycled content. Either calcium carbonate only (white) or a mixture of white and carbon black pigment were blended with recycled polymer at virgin/recycled ratios of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% wt/wt. Each blend was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy. Linear relationships were investigated for statistical significance of PCR content and pigment on extruded sheet properties. Extractions in n-hexane were carried out in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, B, Part 177.1520 to determine compliance for uses with direct food contact. Results of thermal and spectrophotometric analysis did show potential for PCR marker identification. All extractives were below allowable threshold of 5% per CFR suggesting the potential use of recycled polyethylene for direct food contact applications. More research is needed to evaluate the use of various feedstock sources of recycled polyethylene for direct food contact application.

Model Validation for Composite Railroad Ties Using Micro-Mechanics Modelling and Experimental Four-Point Bend Testing Made from Recycled Polyolefins
Daniel Pulipati, February 2018

Sustainability Metrics and Characterization - Paper: The purpose of this research is to model the deflection behavior of railroad ties fabricated from recycled polyolefin post-consumer/post-industrial waste composed of HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) and PP/FG (Poly Propylene/Fiber Glass). A technical challenge in predicting the final part performance is a limited understanding of the impact of microstructural variations due to processing variability on the final produced part's spatially varying material properties. The ties fabricated using extrusion molding techniques have a solid shell region on the outer surface and an inner foamed core. The foamed core region has cells of differing dimensions and the resulting effective material properties will vary as a function of the cell size and density. The shell and the foamed core regions are an alyzed using micromechanics models for the prediction of the stiffness. The stiffness of the foamed core is calculated using the Monte Carlo method to investigate the macroscopic sensitivity to microstructural variations. The elastic moduli obtained from micromechanics is used for the shell and foam regions in a Finite Element model, and the computational results are compared to those obtained from experimental four point bend test results with a difference between the model and experiment being less than 2% for the predicted effective stiffness.

Model Validation for Composite Railroad Ties Using Micro-Mechanics Modelling and Experimental Four-Point Bend Testing Made from Recycled Polyolefins
Daniel Pulipati, February 2018

Sustainability Metrics and Characterization - Presentation: The purpose of this research is to model the deflection behavior of railroad ties fabricated from recycled polyolefin post-consumer/post-industrial waste composed of HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) and PP/FG (Poly Propylene/Fiber Glass). A technical challenge in predicting the final part performance is a limited understanding of the impact of microstructural variations due to processing variability on the final produced part's spatially varying material properties. The ties fabricated using extrusion molding techniques have a solid shell region on the outer surface and an inner foamed core. The foamed core region has cells of differing dimensions and the resulting effective material properties will vary as a function of the cell size and density. The shell and the foamed core regions are an alyzed using micromechanics models for the prediction of the stiffness. The stiffness of the foamed core is calculated using the Monte Carlo method to investigate the macroscopic sensitivity to microstructural variations. The elastic moduli obtained from micromechanics is used for the shell and foam regions in a Finite Element model, and the computational results are compared to those obtained from experimental four point bend test results with a difference between the model and experiment being less than 2% for the predicted effective stiffness.

Antimicrobial Additives for the Healthcare Market: An Overview
Roger Avakian, May 2017

This presentation will cover what an antimicrobial additive is and how this class of additives differs from disinfectants. Furthermore, what types of chemistries are commonly encountered will be discussed. Lastly the current global regulations that cover the use of antimicrobials will be covered.

Direct Extrusion of PVC on the Planetary Roller Extruder
Michael Batton, Thomas Birr, May 2017

When processing PVC via the direct extrusion method, the polymer is fed continuously into a compounder without prior stabilization. Additives like stabilizers, plasticizers, lubricants, fillers and others are added simultaneously, but separately, thus stabilization and mixing takes place in the compounder. This approach requires a carefully balanced setup of the first section of the extruder, which differs considerably to conventional PVC dry-blend processing.

Understanding Dimensional Variation in Common Mechanical Processes, How It Differs in Plastic Parts, and Minimizing It
Vikram Bhargava, Prashant Chandanapurkar, Rahul Rajadhyaksha, May 2017

This paper breaks down the causes of variation in mechanical parts into its constituents. It then distinguishes the variation in other processes from plastic parts where the material selection, design rules, tooling and processing have a much greater effect on variation. Once these differences are understood, two very powerful CAD based tools are introduced to be used to minimize the tolerance build up.

Influence of Rheology on Part Dimensions and Production in Injection Molding
Jean-Marc Boéchat, Thierry Dumont, May 2017

The present work was conducted to assess the influence of polymer viscosity variation from batch to batch on the part dimensions and production interruptions. The results show however that parameters such as mold temperature, barrel temperature profile and holding pressure have much more influence on these two production quality indicators than the polymer viscosity.

Self-Assembled Protein-Rubber Nanocomposites
Barbara DeButts, Laura E. Hanzly, Justin R. Barone, May 2017

Gliadin from wheat was compounded in synthetic isoprene rubber (IR) to form a reinforcing nanophase in situ. The compounded protein aggregated into ß-sheets, which varied in quantity based on compounding conditions and protein preparation. At all conditions studied, the protein-filled IR exhibited higher modulus compared to unfilled IR. XRD revealed the crystal structure of ß-sheets.

Compression Molded Protein-PVA Nanocomposite Films
Barbara DeButts, Cara R. Spivey, Justin R. Barone, May 2017

Wheat gluten protein was incubated in an aqueous solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to form a reinforcing nanophase in situ. Protein reinforcement of PVA up to 340% was observed during mechanical testing. Spectroscopic examination revealed an anisotropic fiber nanostructure high in ß-sheet content. Nanofibers persisted after moderate compression molding, but degraded with severe processing. Processing conditions also affected the thermal properties of PVA.

PEBA: TPE Materials for High Performance Applications
Nicholas DeLuca, May 2017

TPE-A, or PEBA, chemistry is considered to be the most high-performing TPE in the market. PEBA (PolyEtherBlockAmide) is a block copolymer based on polyamide and polyether segments. Subtle differences between the grades are based upon the chemistry of the polyamide and polyether as well as the ratios of each in the block copolymer. This session will describe technically describe the chemistry and properties of the polymer, both mechanical and analytical. It will also describe key applications where PEBA chemistry is currently or could be used.

Sustainability of PVC (Vinyl) Pipe: A Comprehensive Environmental Review
Randel Dobbs, May 2017

• Thorough review of LCA data • Transparently report the findings to the water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage industries • Support the goals and vision of the 2010 USEPA Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Sustainability Policy and the 2015 USEPA National Water Program on Climate Change • Ensures the long-term sustainability of water and sewer infrastructure • Comparative review of competing pipe products

Comparing Plastic Staking Technologies
Jason Dornbos, May 2017

Several thermoplastic staking technologies are available in the manufacturing industry. With many options to choose from, it is necessary to understand which processes are capable of achieving desired results. Hot air, ultrasonic, and InfraStake® were evaluated on cycle time, joint strength, strength repeatability, equipment cost, and operation cost to discern process capability. Each process has strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing each helps to determine which technology will produce the desired result in a specific application.

Food Contact and How We Got There for SPE
Tamsin Ettefagh, May 2017

• Brief introduction to Envision Plastics • Getting to an LNO • Food Grade for HDPE: EcoPrime™ • Markets served using recycled HDPE • Our Newest LNO and Patent • LCA and Conclusions

Evaluation of Resin-Coated Proppant through Tri-Axial Compression Test and Numerical Simulation
Jie Feng, Kaoru Aou, Mark Mirgon, Ashish Lokhande, Deese Diana, May 2017

This study explored the performance evaluation for resin-coated proppants through a customized tri-axial test. By validating the accuracy of the test setup and simulating the test condition with numerical modeling, the protecting effect of the resin coating on the proppant was verified through this compression test under a tri-axial stress state as well as microscopic analysis by SEM.

A New Styrenic Block Copolymer for Polyolefin Modification, Coatings and Adhesives
John Flood, Bing Yang, May 2017

Hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (HSBCs) are ubiquitous due to their unique balance of strength, elastic recovery, and processability. With modern applications with stringent design requirements becoming popular, a low viscosity HSBC polymer, without compromising strength and elastic recovery, was needed. The authors will introduce a new low molecular weight HSBC polymer, present product and processing properties, and discuss possible application areas

The Cyclic Cracked round Bar Test as a New Standard for Accelerated Material Ranking of Polyethylene Pipe Grades
Andreas Frank, Isabelle J. Berger, Florian Arbeiter, Gerald Pinter, May 2017

The Cyclic Cracked Round Bar (CRB) Test has recently been standardized by ISO 18489 as a new alternative test method for an accelerated ranking of the slow crack growth performance of polyethylene pipe grades. The current paper summarizes results of this test method for several different materials. For some materials the results were compared to PENT test failure times to demonstrate the correlation between these two test methods and to emphasize the advantages of the Cyclic CRB Test.

Liquid Interface Diffusion Bonding Applications for Joining Plastic Injection Die Molds with Conformal Cooling, Hot Runners, and other Venting Attributes
Clare Goldsberry, Norman Hubele, May 2017

The following paper discusses using liquid interface diffusion bonding, as conducted within a vacuum hot press furnace, as the preferred method of joining layered die mold blanks that may contain conformal cooling, venting, and other “hot runner” passages. Discussions about process methods and distinctions when using a vacuum hot press furnace, particularly compared to conventional vacuum furnace brazing, during the mold joining operations are made.

Elastomer Profile Coextrusion Simulation for Automotive Sealing System
Mahesh Gupta, Linhuo Shi, Shihamul Islam, May 2017

The flow in a bi-layer coextrusion die for automotive sealing system is simulated. Two different techniques for coextrusion simulation are used to predict the flow behavior in a complex profile die. The predicted extrudate shape and the interface (knit lines) between different elastomer components of the seal predicted using the two simulation methods are in good agreement with the measured results from the corresponding physical part.










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