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
IMPROVEMENT OF IMPACT PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) (PET)INJECTION MOLDINGS RECYCLED POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) (PET)INJECTION MOLDINGS IMPROVEMENT OF IMPACT PROPERTIES OF R
N. Kunimune , S. Tamada , T. Nagasawa , Y. Makata , Y.W.Leong , H. Hamada, May 2010
Recycling PET is emerging issue for protecting the earth environments and using petrochemical products effectively. R-PET has been used in the form of film fibers and sheet. In the industries R-PET injection moldings are demanded however there are still some problems in injection molding pellet making and properties of products. The most important problem is low impact strength. In this paper we found effective modifier of R-PET to increase impact strength. The effects of modifier contents on not only impact strength but static strength and rigidity were discussed.
IMPROVEMENT OF IMPACT PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) (PET)INJECTION MOLDINGS
N. Kunimune , S. Tamada , T. Nagasawa , Y. Makata , Y.W.Leong , H. Hamada, May 2010
Recycling PET is emerging issue for protecting the earth environments and using petrochemical products effectively. R-PET has been used in the form of film, fibers, and sheet. In the industries R-PET injection moldings are demanded, however there are still some problems in injection molding, pellet making and properties of products. The most important problem is low impact strength. In this paper we found effective modifier of R-PET to increase impact strength. The effects of modifier contents on not only impact strength but static strength and rigidity were discussed.
IMPROVEMENT OF INTRINSIC VISCOSITY OF RECYCLED PET BY RADIO FREQUENCY HEATING
Maxime Ricbourg, Jean-Pierre Habas, Pascal Pignolet, May 2010
The improvement of Intrinsic Viscosity of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)(R-PET) pellets by an industrial radio frequency(RF) heating is described. RPET pellets are made from post-consumer PET bottles, degraded by hydrolysis during distribution process. Hence, intrinsic viscosity(IV) or molecular weight of RPET exhibits significant lower compared to virgin PET, caused from cleavages of chains. This study indicates thermal recycling method of solid phase polymerization to improve the IV values, namely molecular weight of RPET pellets.
IMPROVEMENT OF INTRINSIC VISCOSITY OF RECYCLED PET BY RADIO FREQUENCY HEATING
Minoru Ogasahara , Manabu Shidou , Shigeru Nagata , Hiroyuki Hamada , Leong Yew Wei, May 2010
The improvement of Intrinsic Viscosity of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)(R-PET) pellets by an industrial radio frequency(RF) heating is described. RPET pellets are made from post-consumer PET bottles degraded by hydrolysis during distribution process. Hence intrinsic viscosity(IV) or molecular weight of RPET exhibits significant lower compared to virgin PET caused from cleavages of chains. This study evaluates the feasibility of RF Heat Treatment to improve the intrinsic viscosity of the material.
IMPROVEMENT OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF AN ALL RENEWABLE BASED WOOD-RESIN COMPOSITE
Rahul M. Rasal, Douglas E. Hirt, May 2010
Impregnation of linseed epoxy resin into softwood creates an all-renewable composite. This composite is intended to be a substitute for expensive hardwoods used in applications such as decking and flooring. Initial epoxy impregnation was conducted within a custom vacuum-pressure chamber with positive results. The impregnation process begins with an initial vacuum treatment to remove the air inside the wood, followed by the use of pressure to drive the resin into the wood under certain temperature conditions. This process was improved by optimizing vacuum-pressure levels and temperature, as well as the use of a high temperature curing agent. In this way, superior impregnation depths were obtained. The final result was a composite material with better mechanical properties than both the resin and the softwood themselves. Specifically, the impregnated samples showed Youngƒ??s modulus over three times higher than those of unimpregnated wood samples, in both tension and compression. Furthermore, the hardness of the wood increased significantly; depending on impregnation depth, hardness reached and surpassed 4500 lbf, the estimated value of Lignum Vitae, the hardest wood available. Secondary testing focused on automation of the initial process in order to facilitate optimized impregnation on an industrial scale. A custom multi-chambered impregnation machine was designed to perform a continuous impregnation.
IMPROVING THE EXFOLIATION OF LAYERED SILICATE IN A POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) MATRIX USING SUPER CRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE
Joseph Samaniuk , David Litchfield , Donald Baird, May 2010
A novel technique for improving the exfoliation of organically modified layered silicate (OMLS) in a PET matrix using super critical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is compared to traditional direct melt blending. The process relies on the rapid expansion of a sc-CO2/OMLS mixture into the second stage of a single screw extruder where it is subsequently melt blended with the PET matrix. The simple environmentally benign process results in a more highly exfoliated system than direct melt compounding.X-ray diffraction analysis and mechanical testing are used to reveal improved clay exfoliation and the resulting mechanical properties.
IN SITU PRODUCTION OF SLIGHTLY BRANCHED POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) BY SOLID-STATE SHEAR PULVERIZATION: A POTENTIAL SOLUTION TO IMPROVED RECYCLABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Cynthia Pierre , John M. Torkelson, May 2010
Using solid-state shear pulverization (SSSP) to process poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) without addition of chemical agents, we demonstrate that linear PET can be transformed into lightly branched PET, with resulting improvements in physical and mechanical properties. Rheological characterization demonstrates an increase in the melt viscosity of the pulverized PET while intrinsic viscosity characterization yields data consistent with no increase in linear chain length. These results indicate that branching occurs in situ during SSSP via mechanochemistry involving the production of polymeric radicals that result from low levels of chain scission accompanying SSSP. A hypothetical mechanism for this mechanochemical transformation is discussed. The lightly branched PET resulting from SSSP yields a dramatic increase in the crystallization rate of the PET, improving its processability. The ability to increase the melt viscosity of PET by SSSP may contribute to sustainable engineering of PET; a long-standing issue with recycling PET for high-value applications is the fact that melt processingof PET results in reduction of molecular weight and thereby melt viscosity, making the recycled material often unusable for the original application for which it was made.
INFLUENCE OF RECYCLED ABS ADDED TO VIRGIN POLYMERS ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Venkatesha. N, Claes. Lindberg, Stefan. Johannesson, Derek Buckmaster, May 2010
Reuse of recycled polymers is steadily increasing. In this study, blends of varying proportions of ABS recycled resins (0~50%), obtained from the gate and runner materials of products, was added to virgin resin to investigate the effect of various compositions of virgin ABS and recycled polymers on the physical properties of the final blend. The results show that there is no obvious effect of recycled ABS percentage (by weight) on the tensile strength, elongation at yield, flexural strength, and flexural modulus. However, hardness, glass transition temperature, MFI, and heat conductivity of recycled ABS increase with as the percentage (by weight) of recycled material increases. The impact strength was also found to vary with the recycled ABS loading.
INNOVATIVE PVD TECHNOLOGY SUSTAINABLE METALLIZATION PROCESSING WITH ADVANCED FUNCTIONALITIES FOR PLASTIC SURFACES
Dr. Ruediger Schaefer , Carlos Ribeiro, May 2010
The continuing trend toward metallic surfaces on plastics has motivated hartec to further develop PVD metallization by magnetron sputtering.Specifically, the combination of PVD + Topcoat (paint) appears to be a viable alternative to electroplated surfaces and real metals. Ecologically, the PVD process is sustainable, 100% non-toxic and emission free.PVD metallization offers a wide range of applications with advanced functionalities: Daynight design realized by laser-etching; optically and electromagnetically translucent coatings for 'hidden' displays and sensor technology; flexible substrates like TPU or TPE, for example used for safety components like airbag emblems in the automotive industry etc.
INVESTIGATION OF POLYCAPROLACTONE/STARCH BASED MATERIAL MELT PROCESSED BLENDS
Koffi L. Dagnon , Nandika A. D’Souza, May 2010
Research on biodegradable materials has been stimulated due to environmental and economic concerns. The blends of polycaprolactone and a starch based material were prepared by compounding with a twin-screw Brabender. DSC TGA and DMTA were used to characterize the blends and indicated some degree of interaction between the neat polymers. With respect to the neat PCL DSC results of the blends revealed peak shift and depression in either the melting or melt crystallization point and the glass transition temperatures obtained from the maxima loss tangent peaks of DMTA were also shifted. TGA studies showed decreased thermal stability of the PCL rich phase blends with increasing wt.% starch based material. Tensile test concluded improved modulus in the blends in comparison with the neat PCL. (Ref.9)
INVESTIGATION OF PROCESSABILITY OF ZEIN BASED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
Gowrishankar Srinivasan , David Grewell, May 2010
The current market viability of petroleum based plastics is strong, but may drop in the future due to international oil crisis accompanied by issues associated with disposal. This has already led to a thrust to develop bio-renewable and biodegradable plastics. One of the emerging contenders are plant based protein polymers such as soy protein and zein (corn protein).The paper reports on the extrusion, molding and mechanical performance of zein based plastics and natural fiber composites. Different formulations of zein plastics with plasticizers and crosslinking agents were extruded and both injection and compression molded. Samples exhibited strengths of up to 12.7 MPa and a crosshead displacement extension value of 61% for different formulations respectively. In addition zein formulations were compounded with coconut and corn-cob fibers in various filler levels via extrusion. The injection molded composite samples had strengths upto 20 MPa.
INVESTIGATION OF PROCESSABILITY OF ZEIN BASED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
Gowrishankar Srinivasan , David Grewell, May 2010
The current market viability of petroleum based plastics is strong but may drop in the future due to international oil crisis accompanied by issues associated with disposal. This has already led to a thrust to develop bio-renewable and biodegradable plastics. One of the emerging contenders are plant based protein polymers such as soy protein and zein (corn protein).The paper reports on the extrusion molding and mechanical performance of zein based plastics and natural fiber composites. Different formulations of zein plastics with plasticizers and crosslinking agents were extruded and both injection and compression molded. Samples exhibited strengths of up to 12.7 MPa and a crosshead displacement extension value of 61% for different formulations respectively. In addition zein formulations were compounded with coconut and corn-cob fibers in various filler levels via extrusion. The injection molded composite samples had strengths upto 20 MPa.
IONOMERS WITH ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIVE SELF-REGULATED BREATHABILITY AND THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR HOUSE AND ROOF LINERS
Yushan Hu, Debbie Chiu, Jose M. Rego, Hongyu Chen, Benjamin Poon, May 2010
Environmentally responsive self-regulated gas transmission is achieved by smart vapor barrier (SVB) ionomers. Their moisture transmission changes reversibly from barrier to transmitter as the environmental relative humidity changes. This provides a means to regulate the moisture content within enclosed structures, such as buildings, and enables effective dissipation of moisture to mitigate problems from moisture condensation. It also provides an effective draft barrier to minimize heat transfer for energy conservation. WUFI (W??rme Und Feuchte Instation??r) modeling, methodology pioneered by the Frauhofer Institute, can be used to calculate the coupled heat and moisture transfer in building components containing smart vapor barrier membrane.
MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE AND FRACTURE CHARACTERISTICS OF INJECTION MOLDED R-PET/PE-E-GMA BLENDS
Norman E. Fowler, May 2010
The effect of the amount of reactive additive and screw speed during extrusion on the morphological characteristics and mechanical performance of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (RPET) has been investigated. With the increase of E-GMA additive content, a gradual increment in Izod impact strength of the RPET/E-GMA blends was initially recorded. Subsequent increments in E-GMA content to above 13.5 wt% led to a drastic enhancement in the toughness of the blends. Meanwhile, the density of the blends decreased with increasing amount of additive E-GMA. The toughness and density of the blends were found to be dependent on screw speed during the extrusion. In addition, ductile and microporous structures could be observed from the Izod impact fracture surfaces.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF A RECYCLED POST-CONSUMER PRODUCT WITH COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION
Andrew J. Donovan , Mary E. Moriarty, May 2010
Many consumer products have a complex construction with multiple types of materials. This makes it difficult to recycle the products if the materials are not easily separated. A mixed recycling study was conducted for a particular multi-material product to determine the degree of material segregation required to obtain a recycled feedstock with useful properties. Toothbrushes were selected as the product for this study. These were collected from a commercial take-back program and were separated by material. Different formulations were compounded with virgin material at varying percentages and molded into ASTM test specimens for mechanical property testing.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HEAT SEALED RECYCLED POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) SHRINK FILM
Rei-ichi Konishi, Kazushi Yamada, Yasuo Hashimoto, Yew Wei Leong, Tetsuya Tsujii, Hiroyuki Hamada, May 2010
In recent years, the development of recycling methods for waste PET bottles has generated much interest due to environmental and waste management concerns. Therefore, in this study, recycled PET (RPET) was considered instead of PS or PVC to prepare shrink films for labeling purposes. However, the labels would still have to be removed from the bottles prior to recycling due to color incompatibility. For this reason, the tear properties of the RPET labels, especially at the heat sealed regions, are elucidated and correlated to film crystallinity and molecular orientation.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HEAT SEALED RECYCLED POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) SHRINK FILM
Rei-ichi Konishi , Kazushi Yamada , Yasuo Hashimoto , Yew Wei Leong, May 2010
In recent years, the development of recycling methods for waste PET bottles has generated much interest due to environmental and waste management concerns. Therefore, in this study, recycled PET (RPET) was considered instead of PS or PVC to prepare shrink films for labeling purposes. However, the labels would still have to be removed from the bottles prior to recycling due to color incompatibility. For this reason, the tear properties of the RPET labels, especially at the heat sealed regions, are elucidated and correlated to film crystallinity and molecular orientation.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF INJECTED MOLDED PCL/TPS NANOCOMPOSITE BLENDS
Daniel E. Ramírez-Arreola , Guillermo Sandoval-Hernández , Martín Arellano , Cesar Gomez , Rubén González-Núñez , Denis Rodrigue, May 2010
Injected molded nanocomposite blends based on PCL/TPS and Cloisite 15A (C15A) were prepared and its mechanical properties were studied. The injected samples were exposed to the environment in order to analyze the influence of exposure time and moisture uptake over mechanical properties. The results showed that samples tested right after molding exhibit low mechanical resistance to impact and high Young modulus, while increasing the environmental exposure time reduced the Young modulus and substantially increased the medium failure energy. On the other hand, using C15A increases the medium failure energy, and an important interaction between TPS, moisture and clay was observed.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF INJECTION-MOLDED JUTE/GLASS REINFORCED HYBRID COMPOSITES
Tomoko Ohta , Yoshihiro Takai , Yew Wei Leong , Asami Nakai , Hiroyuki Hamada , Tsutomu Nagaoka, May 2010
Bio-composites are generally made from natural fibers as reinforcement and a biodegradable polymer matrix such as poly(lactic acid) or poly(caprolactone).However the mechanical properties of these composites are relatively low. For practical applications glass fibers were added to create hybrid composites. The concept of ƒ??degree of greenƒ? is introduced to identify the true content of biodegradable material in the composite. Three different fiber hybridization methods are proposed i.e.dry blending mixing of pellets and sandwich injection molding. The mechanical properties of these hybrid composites are evaluated and the relation between the properties and degree of green is discussed.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED PET/PP INJECTION MOLDINGS
H. Inoya , W. Klinklai , Y. W. Leong , H. Hamada, May 2010
Compatibilization effects on the phase morphology and mechanical properties of post-consumer recycled poly(ethylene terephathalate) (RPET)/ polypropylene (PP) blends were investigated. The blending of RPET and PP (RPET/PP:95/5) was carried out by a singlescrew extrusion process in the presence of various amounts of compatibilizer ranging from 0-35 phr based on the PP content. The compounded materials were injection molded into dumbbell test pieces which were subsequently used for mechanical and morphological characterizations. The addition of compatibilizer of up to 15 phr resulted in a size reduction of the dispersed phase while an apparent increase in density of the blends suggests an improvement in interfacial interaction following the depletion of hollow ligaments between the PP and RPET phases. The changes in morphological structure significantly affect the tensile and impact resistance of the moldings. An elongation at break (EB) of more than 350% could be achieved with the incorporation of just 15 phr of compatibilizer (as compared to <90% EB for un-compatibilized specimens) while significantly better impact performance was observed in all compatibilized specimens.
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