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

Various topics related to sustainability in plastics, including bio-related, environmental issues, green, recycling, renewal, re-use and sustainability.

CHARACTERIZATION, MICROSCALE REPLICATION, AND USE OF A NOVEL BIOELASTOMER IN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Israd Jafaar, Courtney LeBlon, Mohamed Ammar, John Coulter, Sabrina Jedlicka, May 2011

Novel materials possessing physical, mechanical, and chemical properties similar to those found in vivo provide a potential platform in building artificial microenvironments for therapeutic applications and well-defined biointerfaces for examining differentiation potential in stem cell biology. Poly(glycerol-sebacate) (PGS), a novel biocompatible and biodegradable elastomer is one such material. It provides an invaluable platform for in vitro culture studies to direct the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into specific lineages and functional cell types. This paper presents work in PGS material characterization, synthesis, microscale manufacturing, and investigations related to its use as a susbtrate for in vitro hMSC culture.

NATURAL FIBRE PULPING AND REFINING USING EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGY

Kamik Tarverdi, Wendy Xia, Jim Song, May 2011

A study on structural and mechanical properties of natural fibres using co-rotating intermeshing twin screw extruder for refining fibres is reported. Using low-cost raw materials for the preparation of bio-based and biodegradable composites for many industrial applications. A range of techniques used to characterise these materials will be discussed, including morphology, DSC, SEM, other experimental techniques like mechanical property evaluations will also be discussed.

CONFIRMATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF LINEAR LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LLDPE) AND MALEATED LINEAR LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LLDPE-g-MA) INFUSED WITH NANOCLAY IN SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE

Matthew Factor, Sunggyu Lee, May 2011

Nanoclay fillers have the ability to enhance the thermo-mechanical, barrier and flame resistant properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). One method employed to successfully disperse nanoclay powders into polymers that is both inexpensive and deemed environmentally friendly is supercritical carbon dioxide processing. With supercritical carbon dioxide processing, Cloisite 93A was infused into LLDPE and Maleated LLDPE (LLDPE-g-MA). The infusion of Cloisite 93A was confirmed by XRD and FTIR analysis. In addition, XRD analysis suggests that clay intercalation was achieved for select runs. And FTIR analysis was used to determine the amount of nanoclay infused into the polymer.

OPEN CELL MICROCELLULAR FOAMS OF POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA) BASED BLENDS WITH SEMI-INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORKS

Masahiro Ohshima, May 2011

Interpenetrating polymer network structures can be used to control cell density and averaged cell size of poly-LD-lactic acid foams. Polymer systems with and without cross-linking agent were used as templates for environmentally benign batch foaming processes in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide. The foamed samples were characterized in terms of cell density, averaged cell size, and open cell content (OCC).

PLASTIC PACKAGING: A CURRENT PERSEPCTIVE ON SUSTAINABILITY

Bonnie Bachman, Shristy Bashyal, Margaret Baumann, May 2011

Five plastic packaging producers, machine manufacturers, and/or resin manufacturers are studied to conduct case study research to understand the approaches they are taking to use sustainable packaging. This industry view point is conducted to generate information regarding environmental pressures these companies are facing and the strategies they are implementing to be competitive and sustainable.

PROGRESS TOWARD MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PIGMENT PRODUCTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Frank Lavieri, May 2011

The production of organic pigments is quickly moving from the United States and Europe to China, India and other developing countries. The environmental impact of this trend and creative efforts being undertaken by emerging pigment producers to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources will be explored.

DEVELOPING PHB/WOOD FOUR/CELL DEBRIS COMPOSITES THROUGH EXTRUSION

Meng-Hsin Tsai, Long Jiang, Michael Wolcott, May 2011

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-based wood plastic composites (WPCs) are superior to ordinary petroleum-based WPCs in terms of environmental protection. However, PHB is more expensive than many of the commodity petrochemical polymers because of the costly separation and purification processes, which could be avoided by directly using PHB-laden bacteria to produce PHB-based WPC. This study investigated the processing parameters, mechanical properties, and water resistance of the extruded composites with varying component ratios. The results indicate that some of the composites had outstanding properties compared with a commercial WPC. Therefore, this renewable WPC can replace petroleum-based WPCs on current markets without sacrificing product performance.

DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY OPEN-CELL ACOUSTIC FOAMS

Mosanenzadeh Ghaffari, Hani Naguib, Chul B Park, May 2011

Although polymeric open-cell foams provide adequate absorption at medium and high frequencies, they are, as the majority of absorbing materials, inefficient in the low frequency range. Through this study, open-cell polymeric foams were fabricated from Polypropylene (PP) and Polylactide (PLA) by a novel fabrication method combining particulate leaching technique and compression molding. Fabricated foams were compared with a sample of Polyurethane (PU) foam. The materials used in this study are either recyclable or biodegradable which is of great importance considering huge amount of foams used as acoustic absorbers in various industries

SCRATCH VISIBILITY: ERICHSEN DELTA L AND ASTM/ISO ASSESSMENTS OF TPO RESINS

Jiang Li, Scooter Jones, Thomas Traugott, Hung-Jue Sue, Robert Browning, Peng Liu, May 2011

Automotive parts are constantly subjected to harsh environmental abuse but still must meet consumer's aesthetic scrutiny. Surface durability is especially important and scratch resistance has been an area of interest for design experts and polymer engineers. Two significant approaches to measuring this phenomenon have emerged: Erichsen Delta L and ASTM/ISO progressive load test. This paper will compare assessments obtained from the two methodologies.

SECOND GENERATION BIO-FOAMS FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS

Romeo Stanciu, Hamdy Khalil, Jack Dai, Ricardo DeGenova, Tim Abraham, May 2011

The use of seed oils derived polyols in high end polyurethane applications has been limited in the past by the reduced compatibility and reactivity. Flexible foams with up to 25 % substitution of the petroleum-based polyols with renewable component were produced and characterized, based on a new generation of plant oil based polyol. The technology brings significant enhancement in foam elastic properties and improved processing characteristics, allowing for a potentially higher penetration in automotive seating applications.

DEVELOPMENT OF POLYMER FOAMS - TRENDS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Holger Ruckdaeschel, Roland Hingmann, Joachim Ruch, Klaus Hahn, May 2011

Fueled by global megatrends such as energy efficiency, the demand for enhanced heat insulation and light weight solutions is steadily increasing. Due to their unique properties, polymer foams are regarded as an ideal candidate for tackling these challenges. At a minimum of raw material consumption, cellular polymers are tailor-made, cost-efficient, sustainable solutions. Despite the already high performance of today's foams, their innovation potential is still far from being tapped. Novel materials and processes provide a pathway to superior products for existing and new applications. In this paper, BASF's approach of innovative and sustainable particle foam products will be presented.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECYCLED THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE BRIDGES

Jennifer Lynch, Thomas Nosker, May 2011

Reinforced thermoplastic composite lumber (RTCL) sourced from recycled materials is an emerging technology available for heavily loaded infrastructure applications. RTCL materials offer a sustainable alternative and many advantages over traditional construction materials, like wood and steel. Research, development, and experimental projects over the past 15 years, have culminated in several RTCL high load capacity military installations. RTCL advantages and high load capacity infrastructure applications are reviewed in this work.

EFFECT OF AGING ON MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF A BIODEGRADABLE POLY(LACTIDE-CAPROLACTONE) COPOLYMER

Jone Munoz, Jose-Ramon Sarasua, May 2011

Poly(L-lactide/æ-caprolactone) (PLCL) was physically aged at 36§C and 40% of relative humidity (RH) to study the evolution of its structure and mechanical properties with time. Samples with an initial amorphous PLCL matrix, obtained by fast quenching from the melt were characterized before and during aging. The changes in structure and mechanical properties were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray diffraction (WAXS) and tensile tests. As a result of aging, poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) crystals were formed within the multiblock copolymer prompting to an increase in stiffness and to a loss of its elastomer-thermoplastic behavior of PLCL.

EFFECT OF AGING ON MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF A BIODEGRADABLE POLY(LACTIDE-CAPROLACTONE) COPOLYMER

Jone Munoz, Jose-Ramon Sarasua, May 2011

Poly(L-lactide/æ-caprolactone) (PLCL) was physically aged at 36§C and 40% of relative humidity (RH) to study the evolution of its structure and mechanical properties with time. Samples with an initial amorphous PLCL matrix, obtained by fast quenching from the melt were characterized before and during aging. The changes in structure and mechanical properties were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray diffraction (WAXS) and tensile tests. As a result of aging, PLLA crystals were formed within the multiblock copolymer prompting to an increase in stiffness and to a loss of its elastomer-thermoplastic behavior of PLCL.

THE USE AND PROPERTIES OF BIO-BASED/BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS IN FOOD PACKAGING

Christopher Thellen, Jo Ann Ratto, May 2011

Food packaging from bio-based and biodegradable polymeric materials is a relevant topic in today's market with a global emphasis toward sustainability. Physical properties of these natural and synthetic polymers, along with biodegradation rates in the marine environment, have been examined and compared to one another. Major food packaging requirements such as gas barrier, moisture sensitivity, mechanical strength, and service temperature are the focus areas for this research.

EFFECT OF EXPANDABLE THERMOPLASTIC MICROSPHERES ON MICROCELLULAR INJECTION MOLDED POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA): MICROSTRUCTURE, SURFACE ROUGHNESS, AND TENSILE PROPERTIES

Jun Peng, Jian Wang, Ke Li, Lih-Sheng Turng, Xiang-Fang Peng, May 2011

Expandable thermoplastic microspheres were employed as chemical blowing agents to produce biodegradable polylactic acid parts. The surface characteristics of the samples were evaluated with a 2D surface roughness analyzer and a white-light 3D surface profiler. It was found that microcellular injection molded parts with ETM exhibit good surface quality, similar to conventional solid injection molded parts. The tensile properties of injection molded PLA samples with variable ETM weight ratios have been investigated. As shown by the testing results, the cell microstructures play an important role in the surface quality and mechanical properties.

EFFECT OF EXTRUSION DEVOLATILIZATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF AN END-CAPPED POLYPHENYLENE ETHER COPOLYMER

Gerardo Rocha, Alvaro Carrillo, Hua Guo, May 2011

Methacrylate terminated telechelic polyphenylene ether copolymer is produced by reacting methacrylic acid anhydride with a telechelic PPE copolymer. The reaction takes place in a solvent which needs to be removed in an isolation step. The isolation can be done by precipitation with an anti-solvent or by removing the solvent in a devolatilization unit. Avoidance in the use of an anti-solvent is of interest to make the process more environmentally friendly. This paper describes the feasibility of the use of devolatilization extrusion for the isolation step and investigates the effect devolatilization extrusion has on the structure and properties of the copolymer.

EFFECT OF PELLET SIZES ON MOISTURE ABSORPTION AND THERMAL DECOMPOSITION KINETIC OF RECYCLED PET/RECYCLED PP BLEND

Supaphorn Thumsorn, Kazushi Yamada, Yew Leong, Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2011

This study considers the effects of pellet geometry on its moisture absorption and thermal decomposition kinetic of recycled polyethylene-terephthalate (RPET) and recycled polypropylene (RPP) blend. Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) was used for the kinetic study, which it was suitable for thermal degradation of RPET/RPP blend in N2 while the second order polynomial was fitted for degradation in air. Finer powders were found to have higher moisture absorption rates due to their large surface area although they could also be easily dried. Meanwhile, larger pellets exhibited higher degradation activation energies, which suggest that they are more resistant to thermal degradation than smaller grains.

EFFECT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL pH ON THE CORROSION BIOINHIBITIVE PROPERTIES OF MODIFIED CASSAVA STARCHES

Marisela Bello, Nathalie Ochoa, Vittoria Balsamo, May 2011

The effect of the environmental pH on the properties of modified cassava starches as corrosion inhibitors of carbon steel, was evaluated. Two species were tested: activated (AS) and carboxymethylated starch (CMS). The species were studied using electrochemical measurements in tap water under neutral and alkaline conditions. It was found that protection provided by these biopolymers is dependent on the acidity of the system. Their efficiency is related to the formation of a chelate between macromolecules and ferrous cations. When lowering the pH, the active groups tend to be protonated, hindering the protection afforded for these biopolymers.

ELECTROMAGNETIC PROCESSING OF COMMINGLED PLASTICS FOR RECYCLING APPLICATIONS

Fabian Rios, Michael Silverstein, May 2011

In order to evaluate an economical alternative for the recycling of commingled plastics, pellets of Polyethylene (PE) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), two incompatible widely used polymers, were compression-molded using radio-frequency (RF) heating and conventional conductive heating (CH). The main advantage of the RF system over the CH system is the shorter processing time. However, the fast heating in the RF process caused PVC degradation and reduction of the mechanical properties of the molded products. To solve this problem Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) was placed, as a process-specific additive, at the interface between the PVC and PE, using a solvent coating technique.