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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Recycling
Opportunities to Close the Loop with Non-Mechanical Recycling
Emily Tipaldo, February 2018
Sustainability Metrics and Characterization
Sustainable Flexible Packaging--A Resin Supplier's View
Lawrence Effer, February 2018
Sustainability in Packaging
Sustainable Stabilization Solutions that Accelerate Polyolefin Market Adoption
Jian-Yang Cho, February 2018
Recent Advances in Additives - Paper: As institutions implement mandates requiring CO 2 emissions reductions and light weighting, the need for sustainable plastics will grow. This presentation will discuss examples of how product development utilizing high - performance stabilizers can support the p olyolefins industry in becoming more economically and ecologically sustainable.
Sustainable Stabilization Solutions that Accelerate Polyolefin Market Adoption
Jian-Yang Cho, February 2018
Recent Advances in Additives - Presentation: As institutions implement mandates requiring CO 2 emissions reductions and light weighting, the need for sustainable plastics will grow. This presentation will discuss examples of how product development utilizing high - performance stabilizers can support the p olyolefins industry in becoming more economically and ecologically sustainable.
The Evolving Role of Packaging in the Circular Economy
Jennifer Ronk, February 2018
Sustainability in Packaging
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.
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 - Paper: 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.
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.
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.
Multivariable Regression of Recycled HDPE
Greg Curtzwiler, February 2018
Sustainability Metrics and Characterization - Paper: Polyethylene has been adopted for a variety of industrial, agricultural, and packaging applications with an estimated market of $164 billion and a projected global demand growth of 4% through 2018. The pressure for landfill diversion strategies have increased with cons umer awareness of traditional end-of-life practices. Regulatory bodies have instituted minimum post-consumer recycled ( PCR ) content laws to increase the long-term sustainability efforts of polymer use in commodity goods (e.g., SB 270 in California); thus, the ability to empirically quantify the post-consumer recycled content is vital for compliance. A stepwise multivariable regression approach was employed to develop a n equation capable of empirically determining the post-consumer recycled content from a va riety of certification markers. The empirical equation determined the post-consumer content of unknown film samples within ~10 wt% of the true value.
Multivariable Regression of Recycled HDPE
Greg Curtzwiler, February 2018
Sustainability Metrics and Characterization - Presentation: Polyethylene has been adopted for a variety of industrial, agricultural, and packaging applications with an estimated market of $164 billion and a projected global demand growth of 4% through 2018. The pressure for landfill diversion strategies have increased with cons umer awareness of traditional end-of-life practices. Regulatory bodies have instituted minimum post-consumer recycled ( PCR ) content laws to increase the long-term sustainability efforts of polymer use in commodity goods (e.g., SB 270 in California); thus, the ability to empirically quantify the post-consumer recycled content is vital for compliance. A stepwise multivariable regression approach was employed to develop a n equation capable of empirically determining the post-consumer recycled content from a va riety of certification markers. The empirical equation determined the post-consumer content of unknown film samples within ~10 wt% of the true value.
High-modulus biocomposites based on short wood fibers and acrylic resin
Klaus Friedrich, Emmanuel Akpan , Bernd Wetzel, January 2018
Replacing natural fiber mats with short wood fibers in acrylic resin biocomposites reduces the associated production cost and cycle time.
Enhancing the processability of plastics using carbon dioxide and water
Claudia Staudt, Alan J. Lesser, Silas Owusu-Nkwantabisah, November 2017
The synergy obtained by combining supercritical carbon dioxide and superheated water enables polyethersulfone to be processed at significantly lower temperatures than in conventional processes.
Real-time viscosity monitoring during graft copolymerization of gelatinized starch
Leon P. B. M. Janssen, Erik Heeres, Inge-Willem Noordergraaf , Judy R. Witono, October 2017
A combined stirrer-torque meter provides a novel and effective way to obtain continuous, in-line measurements of reaction mixtures.
Agricultural waste can replace wood in plastic composites
Israel Kellersztein , Ana Dotan, October 2017
Waste wheat straw can be treated for use as an environmentally sustainable reinforcement in composite materials, with performance equal or better than wood-polymer composites.
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