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
INTERFACIAL STRENGTH AND SCRATCH RESISTANCE OF METALLOCENE PE FILM INSERTED PP INJECTION MOLDED PARTS
Katsuhisa Kitano , Takeo Kitayama , Masaya Kotaki , Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
Interfacial strength of Metallocene PE film-inserted PP injection molded parts (mPE/PP FIMs) was evaluated by micro-cutting method. Scratch properties of the FIMs were also characterized by progressive load scratch tests in comparison with Ziglear-Natta PE film-inserted PP injection molded parts (zPE /PP FIMs). It was found that interfacial strength of mPE2/PP FIMs increased with the increase of film thickness as well as the critical normal load for onset of film fracture obtained by scratch tests. TEM observation showed the penetration of PP lamella crystal into mPE film.
ENHANCED WATER STABILITY OF SOY PROTEIN PLASTICS USING ACID ANHYDRIDES.
Tohru Morii, Tohru Fujita, Hiroyuki Hamada,, May 2010
Protein based plastics were processed using anhydride chemistries in conjunction with glycerol to obtain modified soy protein polymers that were water stable. Formulations processed with chemistries such as maleic anhydride (MA) and phthalic anhydride (PTA) produced relatively water stable soy protein based plastics. Various formulations were produced by varying the anhydride content (3-10% w/w) in the final plastic mass. The respective mixtures were extruded and injection molded to form the samples for characterization. Formulations with 10% PTA were observed to have water absorption of only 19% after 24 hrs of water submersion as compared to 250% for the control formulation.
DUAL AE TRANSDUCER METHODOLOGY FOR FRACTURE PROCESS MONITORING IN SHORT FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES
Tohru Morii , Tohru Fujita, May 2010
This study dealt with application of acoustic emission (AE) to characterize fracture process of short glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites. Generally, only one type of AE transducer with resonant frequency of 100- 200kHz is adopted to evaluate fracture process of composites by AE. However, the authors clarified AE transducer with resonant frequency of 1MHz was sensitive to detect fiber dominant fracture. From this background we propose dual AE transducer system with different resonant frequency (140kHz and 1MHz) to characterize fracture process of composites by AE monitoring. This methodology is applied to evaluate fracture process during tensile loading for various composites.
HALOGEN-FREE FLAME RETARDANT THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTERS WITH ENHANCED PROCESSABILITY
Tohru Morii, Takahiro Horie, Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
Many phosphorus containing additives and nitrogen synergists are available for use as flame retardant systems in engineering plastics, to develop halogen-free products for the electrical & electronics industry. However, many issues such as blooming, mold deposits, short-shots, and tool corrosion are associated with the use of such additives in polyesters. We illustrate typical issues encountered with the use of halogen-free systems in PBT and demonstrate how the Celanex?? XFR?? series from Ticona overcomes those issues and can be used as a viable alternate to halogenated compounds. We also highlight the unique advantages of our halogen-free PBT products over conventional halogenated PBT products.
FRACTURE BEHAVIOR OF GLASS FIBER/UNSATURATED POLYESTER RESIN LAMINATE BY DUAL AE TRANSDUCER MONITORING SYSTEM
Tohru Morii , Takahiro Horie , Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
AE was applied to evaluate fracture mechanism of glass fabric reinforced unsaturated polyester laminates with different fiber surface treatment. For AE monitoring dual transducer monitoring system was adopted to discuss dominant fracture under tensile loading. AE transducers with resonant frequency of 140kHz and 1MHz were applied to monitor matrix and fiber dominant fracture, respectively. By this system, effect of fiber surface treatment on fracture was discussed. Cumulative AE counts from fiber dominant fracture were constant independent of fiber surface treatment and loading pattern.This result suggested laminate strength was determined by accumulation of fiber related fracture.
ACOUSTIC EMISSION CHARACTERISTICS OF SHORT AND LONG FIBER REINFORCED PP INJECTION MOLDINGS
Tohru Morii , Nobuyuki Jumonji , Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
This study dealt with effect of fiber length on AE characteristics of glass fiber reinforced PP injection moldings. Short and long fiber reinforced PP was molded by injection molding, and static tensile tests were conducted with AE monitoring. In AE monitoring, dual transducer system with resonant frequency of 140kHz and 1MHz was adopted. Effect of fiber length on fracture was discussed by AE initiation stress and maximum amplitude.From these parameters fracture process was divided into two phases; interfacial fracture dominated by fibers oriented perpendicular to loading and fiber breakage and following matrix cracking by fibers oriented parallel to loading.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROPERTIES, CITRATE CONTENT AND POSTPRODUCTION TIME FOR A PLASTICIZED POLYLACTIC ACID
Jungjoo Lee, Lih-Sheng Turng, May 2010
Due to the recent interest on citrates as a biodegradable plasticizer for Polylactic acid PLA, several PLA blends that were plasticized with tributyl citrate TBC were prepared in a co-rotating twin screw extruder. A range of 12.4 to 22.5% by weight was considered for the plasticizer content. The thermal, rheological and mechanical properties were correlated with the plasticizer content and compared with pure Polylactic acid. Additionally, the change of these properties as a function of postproduction time was studied and correlated with the plasticizer permanence.
FAILURE ANALYSIS OF A LARGE DIAMETER HEAT-FUSIBLE PVC PIPE IN A HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING INSTALLATION
Dale B. Edwards , Donald E. Duvall, May 2010
Many times it is assumed that the material is at fault when there is a large-scale failure in a piping system. In this case a 30- inch fusible PVC pipe approximately 1100 feet in length failed during a pressure test. A careful analysis of the failed pipe and an assessment of the pipe properties revealed that the material was not at fault and that improper test procedures were to blame. The analysis includes fracture toughness measurements and calculations that show that the propagation of the crack was directly related to the pressure test procedures that were used including the attachment of end-caps and entrapment of air in the system.
THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF SHAPE MEMORY PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS AND NANOCOMPOSITES
I. Sedat Gunes, Sadhan C. Jana, May 2010
The experimental data on shape memory (SM) properties of polyurethanes and their composites of organoclay, carbon nanofiber (CNF), silicon carbide (SiC), and carbon black were qualitatively analyzed using entropy elasticity models. These entropic elasticity models were derived for crystallizable polymer networks, however they were also found suitable for shape memory polymers and nanocomposites. It was revealed that the unbalanced Helmholtz free energy in the absence of adequate crystallinity in composites of CNF and SiC was primarily responsible for reduction of SM properties.
ANALYSIS OF NON-COVALENT FILLER-MATRIX INTERACTIONS IN SHAPE MEMORY POLYURETHANE NANOCOMPOSITES USING FLUORESCENCE EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY
I. Sedat Gunesa, César Pérez-Bolivarb, Guillermo A. Jimeneza, Feina Caoa, Pavel Anzenbacher, Jr., Sadhan C. Janaa, May 2010
This work established the utility of fluorescence emission spectroscopy as a tool for analysis of filler-matrix interactions in nanocomposites. The non-covalent filler-matrix interactions and their influence on properties of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) composites of Cloisite??30B organoclay, carbon nanofiber (CNF), oxidized carbon nanofiber, silicon carbide (SiC), and carbon black (CB) were analyzed using fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Strong interactions in SMPU composites of organoclay and CB were determined, whereby only weak interactions were observed in the cases of CNF and SiC. Thus, a direct correlation between the extent of filler-matrix interactions and the degree of crystallinity was determined.
COMPARISON OF VIBRATION, INFRARED AND COMBINED INFRARED WITH VIBRATION WELDING OF PMMA TO ABS
Abbass Mokhtarzadeh, Avraham Benatar, Chung-Yuan Wu, May 2010
Vibration welding is one of the most popular techniques for joining thermoplastics. For vibration welding, irregular flash formation results in poor aesthetics while infrared (IR) welding has more desirable flash aesthetics. In this work, we compare vibration, IR, and combined IR with vibration welding of PMMA to ABS. Vibration welding had the shortest cycle time with strong joints of 89% of the bulk strength of the weaker ABS. IR welding had much longer cycle times, nicer flash aesthetics but weaker welds with maximum joint strength that was 71% of the bulk strength of ABS. Combined IR with vibration welding had intermediate cycle times, with the same joint strengths (91% of bulk strength of ABS) as just vibration welding and with nearly the same flash aesthetics as just IR welding.
EFFECTS OF INFRARED PREHEATING ON ANGULAR DISTORTION OF VIBRATION WELDED TPO
John M. Lawrence, David A. White, May 2010
Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) are frequently used in automotive applications. Vibration welding is often used to join parts together, resulting in joints that are not as strong as the bulk and in angular distortion in Tee-joints. In this study, we evaluated the effects of infrared (IR) preheating of the web plate prior to vibration welding on weld strength and angular distortion of Tee-joints. It was found that angular distortion could be significantly reduced by as much as 50% for IR preheating times of 10 or 15 sec. Strength on the other hand increased for lower IR preheating times of 8 and 10 sec. compared to vibration welding only.
DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS ON THE EFFECTS OF PROCESSING PARAMETERS FOR LEUCO DYES
John M. Lawrence , David A. White, May 2010
The purpose of this experiment is to determine what processing variables can alter the initial color of leuco dyes. A Design of Experiments (DOE) was performed in order to test what effect the different processing parameters had on the samples initially. The samples were made using an impact disc mold and an injection molding machine with a copolymer polypropylene base material. After the parts sufficiently cooled a reading was taken to determine the color of the impact discs. At the conclusion of the experiment it was found that barrel temperature had the greatest impact on the initial color of the part.
THE EFFECTS OF THE PROCESSING PARAMETERS OF INJECTION FOAM MOLDING ON GLASS-FIBER REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE
Peter U. Jung , John W.S. Lee , Yongrak Moon , Chul B. Park, May 2010
Automotive manufacturers have been actively searching for lighter and stronger materials to improve fuel efficiency and to possibly reduce material costs. Glass-fiber reinforced polymer parts have been replacing some of their metal counterparts for the last few decades for these purposes. Efforts continue to focus on further reducing weight and cost without a major compromise to the required properties of the parts. It is well known that foaming technology can provide a significant weight reduction, but their effects on glass-fiber composites have not been fully explored yet. In this context, this research has utilized injection foam molding technology to develop a glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene and has analyzed the effects of its processing parameters on a wide range of properties of the structures produced.
THE EFFECT OF CASTING CONDITION ON HEAT SEAL PROPERTY OF HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE FILM
Ken Miyata, Yuuki Ichikawa, Motohiro Noguchi, Akihiro Nishioka, , Tomonori Koda, Go Murasawa, May 2010
Film cast condition in T-die extruding processing affects molecular structure development. Relationship between the molecular structure development and the external form, width and thickness in T-die extruding of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was studied. The film width and thickness distribution changed proportional to cast conditions, chilled roll speed, chilled roll surface temperature, mass throughput rate. On the other hand, molecular orientation, crystalline orientation and other factors did not develop proportionally to the cast conditions. The cast conditions are important factors to affect molecular structure. Molecular structure is also an important for heat seal properties. Heat seal strength changed depending on cast conditions. In low chilled roll speed heat seal strength was low. The failure mode was peeling. In high chilled roll speed heat seal strength was high. The failure mode was changed to tearing. To discuss major factor to decide heat seal properties, the effects of molecular orientation and film thickness were studied. The film thickness was not major factor to decide heat seal properties in this study. Both peeling and tearing were observed for film thickness from 10 to 30 ?¬m. However film thickness is also important factor to affect the heat conductive rate directly. Crystallinity was important factor to affect heat seal properties. Molecular orientation was also a major factor to decide heat seal properties in this study. The failure mode of peel test was changed drastically at 0.025 birefringence. Molecular orientation was an important factor to decide heat seal properties as well as crystallinity.
EPOXY THERMOSET TOUGHENED WITH AMPHIPHILIC BLOCK COPOLYMERS
George C. Jacob , Marv L. Dettloff , Ha Q. Pham , Nikhil E. Verghese , Rajesh H. Turakhia , Carol O’Connell , Gary Hunter, May 2010
In order to take full advantage of the properties of epoxy thermosets it is sometimes necessary to improve their toughness. Usually this is done by adding toughening agents. Typical toughening agents such as thermoplastics or elastomers can do a good job of improving toughness but often this improvement comes at the expense of desirable mechanical properties such as modulus, thermal properties such as the glass transition temperature (Tg) and/or ease of processibility of the uncured formulation (undesirable changes in viscosity). This paper focuses on the use of an amphiphilic block copolymer that gives a better balance of improved toughness without tradeoffs to other key performance properties and processibility.
FOAM EXTRUSION OF POLYSTYRENE WITH SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE IN A TWIN-SCREW EXTRUDER SYSTEM
P.J. Bates, A. Powell, M. Kontopoulou, May 2010
The enhanced mixing of gas and polymer phases is important in all stages of the foam extrusion process. Much of the mixing in extrusion foam process is distributive, and prefers mixers which can divide and recombine melts at high rates and low energy. The twin-screw extruder provides the flexibility in screw elements design for better mixing. The effect of five different screw configurations on foaming characteristics of polystyrene (PS) with supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) in a twin-screw extruder was investigated. It was found that with proper design of screw elements, it is possible to make foams with optimal foam density and cell morphology using twin-screw extruder system.
THE EFFECT OF MOLECULAR WEIGHT ON HEAT SEAL PROPERTY FOR HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE FILM
Ken Miyata, Taku Ozama, Akihiro Nishioka, Tomonori Koda, Go Murasawa, May 2010
The effect of molecular weight on heat seal properties for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film was studied. HDPE compounded with 3 to 20 wt % higher molecular weight components was cast into film. Heat seal tests were carried out for the cast HDPE film. The heat bar temperature was controlled at 125 and 128 ?§C. The seal pressure was kept at 0.2 MPa constantly. The heat seal time for applying heat and pressure was varied from 0.5 to 2.0 sec. The molecular structure developed during the heat seal process was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD) and relationships were drawn againstheat seal strength measured by T-peel test. Generally, by compounding higher molecular weight components, heat seal strength was decreased. However dosage of 3 to 10 wt % higher molecular weight components could shorten seal time to obtain sufficient heat seal strength at 128 ?§C heat seal temperature.
FILLING BALANCE OPTIMIZATION BY BEST GATE LOCATION
Ruggero Baesso , Giovanni Lucchetta, May 2010
The quality of an injection molded part is strongly influenced by the filling balance of the mould cavity. This paper presents a method and the relevant software application to determine the best gate location for an injection molded part. The proposed optimization method automatically and iteratively calculates the gate position that maximizes the melt flows balance during the filling phase. The software is based on the Moldflow Plastics Insight®/Microsoft Visual Basic® interface and uses a non-linear optimization algorithm based on the Gauss-Newton and Conjugated Gradient techniques. The effectiveness of the developed method is demonstrated through some significant case studies.
THE HIGH PRESSURE RHEOLOGY OF POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES CONTAINING SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE
Thomas W. Shoaf, May 2010
Supercritical carbon dioxide has advantages of high solubility to the polymer and recovering easily by depressurizing, and it is expected to be use as a plasticizing agent. In this work, we studied on the effect of scCO2 on rheological properties of plastomer layered silicate nanocomposites. A rotational viscometer has been adapted to measure the viscosity of polymer under high temperature and pressure conditions. The rheological properties of Plastomer nanocomposites was performed at experimental conditions of various temperature and pressure. We observed that viscosity of polymer was dramatically reduced by CO2 addition.
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