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
EFFECT OF CARBON NANOFIBERS ON THE REACTION KINETICS OF WIND BLADE VINYL ESTER SYSTEM
Siva Movva , Zhi-Qi Cai , Dante Guerra , Yunior Hioe , Jose M Castro , L. James Lee, May 2010
Wind energy is one of the most promising environmentally friendly renewable sources of energy. Epoxy has been the preferred resin used to manufacture wind blades; however with the increased need to lower costs, vinyl ester resin is gaining importance as a alternative material. The curing of vinyl ester resin in the presence of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that the carbon nanofibers have a catalytic effect on the curing kinetics of vinyl ester. However there is a percolation threshold and increasing the amount of CNFs beyond this threshold hinders the reaction. A simple autocatalytic model is used to predict the conversion of the vinyl ester resin.
EFFECT OF COMPATIBILIZATION ON CRYSTALLIZATION OF RPET/RPP/CaCO3 BLEND
Supaphorn Thumsorn , Yew Wei Leong , Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET),recycled polypropylene (RPP) and CaCO3 were blendedand compatibilized with SEBS copolymer. The effects of compatibilization on morphological, thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. The results indicated that the dispersed phase in compatibilized blends is significantly smaller in size as compared to uncompatibilized blends. The crystallization temperature and crystallinity of the blends were affected by the incorporation of compatibilizers while tensile and impactproperties depended on the content of CaCO3 and compatibilizer.
EFFECT OF COMPATIBILIZATION ON CRYSTALLIZATION OF RPET/RPP/CaCO3 BLEND
Supaphorn Thumsorn , Yew Wei Leong , Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) recycled polypropylene (RPP) and CaCO3 were blended and compatibilized with SEBS copolymer. The effects of compatibilization on morphological thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. The results indicated that the dispersed phase in compatibilized blends is significantly smaller in size as compared to uncompatibilized blends. The crystallization temperature and crystallinity of the blends were affected by the incorporation of compatibilizers while tensile and impact properties depended on the content of CaCO3 and compatibilizer.
EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE ON MATERIALS BASED ON BLENDS OF PLASTICIZED STARCH AND POLYPROPYLENE
Michael J. Forbes , James T. Goetz , Brian A. Young, May 2010
Due to the recent demand for environmentally friendly polymers and the duty to take advantage of renewable natural resources when possible, biopolymers have become an important alternative to synthetic polymers. Starch when using glycerol as a plasticizer has proven to be a processable ƒ??greenƒ? polymer additive when compounded with maleated polypropylene. In this study, material was characterized based on its ability to perform over five months of exposure to natural conditions. The effects on modulus and elongation with the addition of plasticized starch, in a polypropylene matrix, were evaluated and are presented.
EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE ON MATERIALS BASED ON BLENDS OF PLASTICIZED STARCH AND POLYPROPYLENE
Michael J. Forbes , James T. Goetz , Brian A. Young, May 2010
Due to the recent demand for environmentally friendly polymers and the duty to take advantage of renewable natural resources when possible biopolymers have become an important alternative to synthetic polymers. Starch when using glycerol as a plasticizer has proven to be a processable “green” polymer additive when compounded with maleated polypropylene. In this study material was characterized based on its ability to perform over five months of exposure to natural conditions. The effects on modulus and elongation with the addition of plasticized starch in a polypropylene matrix were evaluated and are presented.
THE FOAMABILITY OF POLYPROPYLENE COPOLYMER BLOWN WITH ARGON NITROGEN AND HELIUM
Anson Wong , Siu N. Leung , Mohammad M. Hasan , Chul B. Park, May 2010
Due to environmental concerns research has been carried out to investigate the feasibility of using inert gases as blowing agents in plastic foaming processes.However the foamability of polypropylene copolymer blown with argon nitrogen and helium has not been reported previously. This paper investigates the nucleating powers of these gases to foam polypropylene copolymer by studying the polymeric foaming processes in situ.
EFFECT OF HAIRLINE CRACK ON THE TOUGHNESS OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
Bernard Chukwuemeka Ogazi-Onyemaechi , Masanori Okano , Yew Wei Leong , Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
The effect of notches was investigated by introducing single-edge hairline cracks and V-shaped notches of different depths on dumbbell samples to ascertain the fracture behavior at the skin and core parts of virgin and recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate), (V-PET/R-PET), injection-moldings. Investigation shows that the fracture behavior of the materials responded differently to both hairline crack and V-shaped notch. Results revealed that amere 5?¬m deep critical hairline crack caused a drasticchange in the fracture behavior of the materials. In contrast, a standard V-shaped notch would only cause drastic change in toughness at a much higher critical notch depth of 600?¬m. V-shaped notch also provided a gradual transition in fracture behavior from the skin to the core regions, which suggests that the fracture behavior can be dependent on the skin and core sizes of PET injection moldings.
EFFECT OF HAIRLINE CRACK ON THE TOUGHNESS OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
Bernard Chukwuemeka Ogazi-Onyemaechi , Masanori Okano , Yew Wei Leong , Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
The effect of notches was investigated by introducing single-edge hairline cracks and V-shaped notches of different depths on dumbbell samples to ascertain the fracture behavior at the skin and core parts of virgin and recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (V-PET/R-PET) injection-moldings. Investigation shows that the fracture behavior of the materials responded differently to both hairline crack and V-shaped notch. Results revealed that a mere 5?m deep critical hairline crack caused a drastic change in the fracture behavior of the materials. In contrast a standard V-shaped notch would only cause drastic change in toughness at a much higher critical notch depth of 600?m. V-shaped notch also provided a gradual transition in fracture behavior from the skin to the core regions which suggests that the fracture behavior can be dependent on the skin and core sizes of PET injection moldings.
EFFECT OF HYGROTHERMAL TREATMENT ON RHEOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE)/ RECYCLED POLYPROPYLENE BLENDS
Siti Fatimah Aminuddin , Leong Yew Wei , Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most important fibers for industrial production due to its high performance,low cost, and recyclability. The amount of waste that arise from post-consumer PET especially in the beverage industry have made recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) a beneficial effort in reducing environmental pollution. Studies of blends and composites using recycled PET have been carried out with several polymeric materials, like polyethylene and polystyrene. In this work, recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/ recycled polypropylene (RPET/RPP) blends was subjected to injection molding and then subjected to hydrothermal treatment in water bath at below transition glass temperature to determine the amount of moisture absorption. As polypropylene tends to degrade at a faster rate than poly(ethylene terephthalate), the results show that defect of polypropylene effect the tensile strength and modulus of the RPET/RPP blends.
EFFECT OF HYGROTHERMAL TREATMENT ON RHEOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE)/ RECYCLED POLYPROPYLENE BLENDS
Siti Fatimah Aminuddin , Leong Yew Wei , Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most important fibers for industrial production due to its high performance low cost and recyclability. The amount of waste that arise from post-consumer PET especially in the beverage industry have made recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) a beneficial effort in reducing environmental pollution. Studies of blends and composites using recycled PET have been carried out with several polymeric materials like polyethylene and polystyrene. In this work recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/ recycled polypropylene (RPET/RPP) blends was subjected to injection molding and then subjected to hydrothermal treatment in water bath at below transition glass temperature to determine the amount of moisture absorption. As polypropylene tends to degrade at a faster rate than poly(ethylene terephthalate) the results show that defect of polypropylene effect the tensile strength and modulus of the RPET/RPP blends.
EFFECT OF NANO FILLERS IN HYBRID BIO DEGRADABLE THERMOPLASTIC CORNSTARCH MATERIALS
Spencer Seung Kim , Bok Hee Kim , Joshua Knies, May 2010
There is a global interest in replacing petroleum based synthetic composites with biodegradable hybrid materials in order to use renewable resources and to reduce the amount of persistent non-biodegradable plastics waste. Fillers (or reinforcements) play an important role to improve various characteristics in biodegradable hybrid composites. Various types of inorganic fillers are used to modify the properties of biodegradable composites in industrial applications. This paper attempts to investigate the effects of inorganic fillers (such as halloysite nano clay and calcium carbonate (CaCO3)) on the mechanical properties (tensile testing) and microstructures of hybrid thermoplastic cornstarch (TPS) material systems.
TRENDS AND NEEDS IN AUTOMOTIVE MATCHED BY VARIOUS PLASTIC SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
Bert Havenith, May 2010
An overview is given of the various drivers, needs and trends in the automotive industry and how these are matched by various new plastic solutions, which in the end all significantly increase the sustainability of various car components and of the cars in total.
UNDERSTANDING THE COMPATIBILIZATION OF POLYPROPYLENE/POLYSULFONE MEMBRANES
V. Flaris , N. Montero, May 2010
Polypropylene (PP)/polysulfone (PSU) membranes were successfully made using an environmentally-friendly process. Flux amongst other mechanical properties were improved with the introduction of functional polyolefins.Understanding the chemistry and location of the functional polyolefins is critical to explaining these improvements.
UNDERSTANDING THE COMPATIBILIZATION OF POLYPROPYLENE/POLYSULFONE MEMBRANES
V. Flaris , N. Montero, May 2010
Polypropylene (PP)/polysulfone (PSU) membranes were successfully made using an environmentally-friendly process. Flux amongst other mechanical properties, were improved with the introduction of functional polyolefins. Understanding the chemistry and location of the functional polyolefins is critical to explaining these improvements.
EFFECT OF THE DEGREE OF SUBSTITUTION OF CARBOXYMETHYLATED CASSAVA STARCH TESTED AS GREEN CORROSION INHIBITOR OF CARBON STEEL
O. Y. Alothman, May 2010
The effect of the degree of substitution (DS) of carboxymethylated starch (CMS) as green corrosion inhibitor of carbon steel on 200 mgL-1 NaCl solution was investigated. Physical/chemical structure of CMS was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C-NMR). DS of this bio-polymer was determined by back-titration. Its inhibitive properties were evaluated using polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. CMS acts as corrosion inhibitor and the protection level is highly dependent on the degree of substitution. The formation of a chelate between carboxylate groups and ferrous cations allows the inhibition mechanism of CMS to be explained.
EFFECT OF TRIACETYL CELLULOSE FILM SURFACE HYDRATION ON THE ADHESION STRENGTH TO POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (PVA) FILM
Hyokap Kim , Juhee Shu , Ho-Jong Kang , Hansung Kim , Jinsik Cho , Yongwon Kim, May 2010
Triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film has been used as a protective film for the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based polarization film in liquid crystal display (LCD). Adhesion strength between TAC and PVA films by PVA type adhesive must be maintained sufficiently to keep the dimensional stability of polarized PVA film under severe environmental conditions, such as high temperatures and high humidity. In this study, the surface hydration of TAC film and adhesion process between TAC and PVA films were investigated. The surface hydration of TAC enhanced the adhesion strength between TAC and PVA films. Consequently, this provides better dimensional stability of polarized PVA film protected by TAC film. In addition to adhesion strength, appropriate draw ratio and the crosslinking in PVA film were also required for better dimensional stability in polarized PVA film.
EFFECTIVENESS OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUID FOR FOAMING OF POLY(LACTIC ACID) DURING INJECTION MOLDING
John Flood, Donn Dubois, Carl Willis, Robert Bening, May 2010
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most favorable candidates to replace conventional packaging materials due to its biodegradability and sustainability. However, its high viscosity and density often poses a challenge to melt processing especially injection molding. In this study, PLA was injection molded and foamed by using supercritical N2. Injection molding parameters such as mold temperature and SCF content were varied in order to investigate their effects on foam cell size. The effects of nucleating agent on the foam structure and cell size distribution were also elucidated by image analysis. Impact and dynamic mechanical performance of the foams were also evaluated.
EFFECTIVENESS OF TALC AS REINFORCEMENT FOR RECYCLED-PET/PE-G-MA BLENDS
Raymond K.M. Chu, Chul B. Park, May 2010
Recycling post-consumer PET bottles is an essential and practical solution to reduce the amount of waste discarded at the landfills. Several methods are commonly used to recycle PET such as fiber making, sheet extrusion and injection molding. However, PET is known to exhibit low notched impact strength and low heat distortion temperature. In this study, an impact modifier was successfully used to enhance the toughness of recycled RPET (RPET). Subsequently, talc, which is typically used in polypropylene, was introduced into RPET and its effectiveness as a reinforcement was evaluated. It was noted that the heat distortion temperature (HDT) of the composites increased significantly with increasing talc content.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES AND APPROACHES FOR THE PROCESSING OF POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES
Mark D. Wetzel, May 2010
In 2005 Environmental Defense and DuPont entered into a partnership to develop a framework that seeks to identify and address potential environmental health and safety (EH&S) risks of nano-scale materials. The Nano Risk Framework was published to establish a systematic and disciplined process to identify and reduce potential risks during nanomaterial development and meet continued product stewardship commitments [1]. This paper describes an approach developed for and the application of the Framework to the processing of polymer nanocomposites at laboratory and semi-works scales. Carbon nanotubes were melt-blended into a polymer matrix with a batch mixer to improve mechanical and electrical properties.Nano-TiO2 nanocomposites were made on laboratoryand semi-works extruders. These case studies exemplify DuPontƒ??s approach to handling nanomaterials in the product research and evaluation phase of development.Utilization of the Framework enabled further refinement of internal EH&S management procedures and to identify questions to be answered for such applications before they move to commercialization.
ENVIRONMENTAL AGEING OF MATERIALS USED FOR COLLAPSIBLE FUEL STORAGE TANKS
Davide S.A. De Focatiis, C. Paul Buckley, Lian R. Hutchings, May 2010
The purpose of this work was to perform a comparative analysis of various candidate nitrile coated fabric materials supplied by potential vendors to be used as fuel storage tanks and compare the results to the currently fielded polyurethane storage tanks. Our strategy is to utilize advanced environmental ageing methods to simulate extended weathering conditions. Our results demonstrate that the nitrile coated fabrics performed well in our evaluation. Their breaking strengths are about equal to the currently fielded urethanes and they performed comparably when subjected to environmental ageing conditions.
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