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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Various topics related to sustainability in plastics, including bio-related, environmental issues, green, recycling, renewal, re-use and sustainability.
The effect of concentration of Igepal CO 630 on slow crack propagation in MDPE pipe was investigated. The kinetics and mechanism of crack propagation in fatigue at R=0.1 and creep at 50 ?øC were compared to those in air. The fatigue and creep behavior followed the same stepwise crack growth mechanism as in air at all the concentrations used. As the concentration increased to 0.01 vol. % the creep lifetime decreased significantly whereas the lifetime in fatigue gradually increased. At higher concentrations the lifetime was similar in creep and fatigue.
Andres Garcia , Patricia Alvarado , Maria Sibaja , Guillermo Jimenez , Jose Vega, May 2008
Rigid polyurethane (PU) foams were prepared by a multi- step procedure using a polyol blend of poly(ethylenglycol) PEG-200/pineapple molasses and 4 4'-diisophenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) with a NCO/OH ratio of 1.2. Such material was reinforced with fibers from banana rachis with a fiber composition ranging from 18% to 40% wt.Thermal and themooxidative degradation properties of these composites were assessed. Thermal degradation of PU60 showed the highest polymer lifetime values.
The importance of three inter-dependent factors, i.e., (1) materials, (2) manufacturing, and (3) design and engineering, is generally recognized. All factors are indispensable and equally important for product development. Manufacturing is often the least structured factor and many designers and materials experts do not consider themselves capable to deal with it. Fortunately, expertise is sufficiently available and the best professionals are able to utilize plastics expertise properly in collaborative product development.
David Grewell , Gowrishankar Srinivasan , Maria Baboi, May 2008
Recently, an increase in the demand for ethanol as
a fuel additive has resulted in a dramatic increase in its coproducts
namely distiller’s dried grains with solubles
(DDGS).
This work studied a composite of DDGS and
conventional petrochemical plastics (polyvinyl chloride)
for applications in windows construction. The goal was to
characterize the composite and its processibility for
“green” plastics. The experiments showed that DDGS can
be effectively extruded with PVC; at low filler levels (5-
10%) of DDGs strengthening of the PVC was seen.
However, higher filler levels (>10%) of DDGS degraded
the mechanical properties of PVC/DDGS composites.
Also, ground DDGS perform better as reinforcement
agents compared to standard DDGS. Caustic pretreatment
was also studied and it was found not to effect the
mechanical properties significantly. Also, the addition of
PVA had little effect on the properties of the composite.
Marina Rogunova , Jim Mason , Robyn Francis, May 2008
Automotive original equipment manufacturers are consistently looking for low-gloss materials for interior applications that can stand up to years of wear and tear and environmental exposure yet maintain aesthetic quality without painting. Bayblend?? LGX 300 resin is specifically developed for automotive interior applications requiring a material that is inherently low in gloss with extra flowability, good weathering and good scratch and mar resistance. Another important attribute of Bayblend LGX 300 is its low-emission characteristic, which is particularly important as automotive manufacturers strive to reduce the levels of VOCs in their automobiles to improve the interior environment and meet federal regulations. Because LGX 300 resin is a low gloss, high-flow polycarbonate (PC) blend with good heat and impact performance; thin-wall part design can be achieved without painting.
Marina Rogunova , Jim Mason , Robyn Francis, May 2008
Automotive original equipment manufacturers are
consistently looking for low-gloss materials for interior
applications that can stand up to years of wear and tear and
environmental exposure yet maintain aesthetic quality
without painting. Bayblend® LGX 300 resin is specifically
developed for automotive interior applications requiring a
material that is inherently low in gloss with extra
flowability good weathering and good scratch and mar
resistance. Another important attribute of Bayblend LGX
300 is its low-emission characteristic which is particularly
important as automotive manufacturers strive to reduce the
levels of VOCs in their automobiles to improve the interior
environment and meet federal regulations. Because LGX
300 resin is a low gloss high-flow polycarbonate (PC)
blend with good heat and impact performance; thin-wall
part design can be achieved without painting.
M.D. Sanchez-Garcia , E. Gimenez , M.J. Ocio , J.M. Lagaron, May 2008
It is well-known that the nanocomposites technology can significantly enhance among others the thermal mechanical and barrier properties of plastics. It is also known that most bioplastics including the thermoplastic biopolymers have lower than desired levels for certain properties which makes their use in certain packaging applications problematic. The combination of active technologies such as antimicrobials and nanotechnologies such as nanocomposites can synergistically lead to bioplastic formulations with balanced properties and functionalities for their implementation in packaging applications. The present work presents the development and characterization of novel nanocomposites of polycaprolactone (PCL) with enhanced barrier properties and with controlled-release of biocide natural extracts.The antimicrobial nanocomposites of biodegradable materials were prepared in solution by a casting method.The morphology of the biocomposites was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by Atomic Force microscopy (AFM) the thermal properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the solubility and kinetics of released biocide were determined by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transformed Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Water and limonene barrier properties were also enhanced in the biocomposites.
Biopolymers are generally defined as polymers that are found in nature derived from nature or utilized as medical implants. Polymeric biomaterials which are utilized as medical implants are typically characterized for enduse performance as well as processability. While lactic acid is found in the human body polylactic acid is derived from natural resources and utilized as medical implants. This paper will utilize poly(lactic acid) as an example of a bioplastic where the morphological and isomeric structure has an influence on end-use properties such as mechanical properties biodegradability and biocompatibility.
Starch a low-cost annually renewable resource is naturally hydrophilic and its properties change with relative humidity. Starchƒ??s hygroscopic nature can be used to develop materials which change shape or volume in response to environmental changes (eg humidity). For example starch-based graft copolymers have been produced using reactive extrusion for potential superabsorbent and hydrogel applications. Besides absorbing large quantities of water some of these copolymers display large volume changes in aqueous alcohol depending on solvent quality. Other examples include starch-poly(methyl acrylate) graft copolymer films which shrink at high humidities. Various levels of shrinkage can be triggered in response to changes in relative humidity. (AAm) and varying amounts of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl- 1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) display various degrees of swelling in aqueous solutions and approximately discontinuous volume changes in aqueous ethanol solutions over narrow ethanol concentrations. Blown films of starch-PMA graft copolymers display controlled shrinkage in response to increases in relative humidity.
Hossein Hosseini , Mohammad Mosaddegh , Behzad Shirkavand-Hadavand, May 2008
Solid state shear pulverization is a novel technology in polymer processing for production of new polymeric materials. By implementation of this technology various processes such as polymer recycling compounding and improving of mechanical-chemical properties of polymers can be enhanced. This is a continuous and one-stage process with low energy consumption. During this process polymers are subject to high pressure and shear forces. In this paper this technology and its applications to polymer processing is perused. At the end recycling of PET wastes by this technology is presented that have higher efficiency in comparison with existing methods.
The importance of three inter-dependent factors i.e.
(1) materials (2) manufacturing and (3) design and
engineering is generally recognized. All factors are
indispensable and equally important for product
development. Manufacturing is often the least structured
factor and many designers and materials experts do not
consider themselves capable to deal with it. Fortunately
expertise is sufficiently available and the best
professionals are able to utilize plastics expertise properly
in collaborative product development.
For bio-based plastics which are rapidly emerging in
some specific markets it is already clear that the relation
between the three factors is different and more varied than
for the currently well-known plastics. Critical factors for
increased successful application of bio-based plastics will
be product manufacturing and the expectations of
applicators and consumers. From interviewing a variety of
professionals it was found that clear true and complete
information is currently not accessible for most whereas
some assumptions are not realistic or not correct
particularly the ones related to degradability and to
environmental effects. Better and well-structured
information will be needed resulting in fulfillment of
elementary consumer expectations.
What is Impact of PLA Biopolymer
on Corn Supply and Uses? Based on 2001 Harvest of 9.8 billion bushels (NCGA Data): Export 20%; Alcohol 1%; Other 2%; HFCS 6%; Sweeteners 2%; Starch 3%; Ethanol 7%; PLA 0.6%; Feed 59%
Roelof van der Meer, BASF Nederland, Volker Frenz, BASF AG, Germany, Marco Villalobos, Abiodun Awojulu, BASF Corporation, Wyandotte, MI, March 2008
Engineering polymers based on condensation thermoplastics like PET, PBT,
Polyamides, Polycarbonates and Biopolyesters
have to be reprocessed during recycling at very high temperature, where
degradation of these polymers are extremely rapid.
As the result of this regradation, the possiblities for reprocessing
internal process regrind as well as postconsumer - recycle reclaims
back into demanding application is very limited.
The polymeric chain extender offer a possibility to rebuild molecular
weight and melt strengths of these polyester, blends and
related product and open a new window of opportunity for recycling.
PALLMANN develops and manufactures size reduction machines and complete systems
for the plastics and recycling industries. We have over 100 years in the industry, one of
the largest R&D facilities, and a firm commitment to the sustainability movement.
PALLMANN continues to offer innovative solutions to the industry, including Size
Reduction technology and Agglomeration of Thermoplastics with our Plast-
Agglomerator. Our innovating technology is presently applied in such processes as
reclamation of carpet waste, packaging products including biodegradable plastic
materials such as PLA foam, plastic fibers and non-woven materials, films, etc.
PLA (Polylactide resin) is one of the bio-plastics that has found some product applications and seems to be an
extrudable material of growing interest. Any polymer that is made from a renewable resource and that it is a
degradable and/or environmentally friendly material seems to gain favor in some markets, especially if it can be
processed on existing machinery.
This paper will discuss the requirements to efficiently extrude PLA on a single screw extruder with an optimum
screw design and processing conditions. Different sizes of extruders will be looked at to give some guidelines as to
the required equipment to successfully extrude this material.
Joseph Greene, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering Mechatronic Engineering, Joseph Greene, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering Mechatronic Engineering, and Manufacturing Technology, California State University and Fengyu Wang, NWS Jepson Prairie Organics Inc., March 2008
Biodegradable and oxodegradable plastics degraded in an in-vessel compost operation along with food
waste from San Francisco, California. Biodegradable plastics included, corn starch based biobag, Mirel
PHA bag, BioTuf Ecoflex bag, Husky corn starch based trash bag, PLA lids, sugar cane lids, and Kraft
paper. Also buried were polyethylene shrink-wrap, UV degradable plastic bag, and oxodegradable
plastic bag. The samples were placed in perforated plastic sacks and mixed with food waste at NorCal
and Jepson Prairie Organics (JPO) composting operation in Vacaville, California. After 180 days, the
materials that completely degraded included PLA lids, Mirel bags, Ecoflex bags, Husky bags, and corn
starch trash bags. Small fragments of sugar cane lids and Kraft paper were visible. The sugar cane and
Kraft paper fragments were very moist and would disintegrate when picked up. The Kraft paper and
sugar cane fragments did not completely biodegrade due to the lack of mechanical agitation while in the
plastic sacks. If the materials were placed in the compost soil, higher degradation would occur due to
better interaction with the compost soil. The oxo-biodegradable plastic bags, LDPE plastic bags and
UV-degradable plastic bag did not experience any degradation and did not fragment into smaller pieces.
Cynthia M. Flanigan, Christine Perry, Deborah F. Mielewski, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering Laboratory, Ford Motor Company, Systems Division, Lear Corporation, March 2008
Using agricultural crops as material feedstock is becoming more prevalent as scientists search for
alternative choices to petroleum based products. Soybeans are one crop within North America that is
economical and readily available for use in plastic applications. Recently, we have been evaluating the
use of soy as reinforcement and resin in a variety of polymer matrices, including flexible and rigid
polyurethanes. Our main focus has been on using functionalized soybean oil in the manufacture and
formulation development of flexible, polyurethane foams for seating applications. Soy-based foams
reduce the environmental footprint compared with the manufacture of petroleum-based foams. These
materials utilize a sustainable material, decrease our dependency on petroleum and reduce carbon dioxide
emissions. Ford Motor Company has researched methods to overcome several technical issues such as
reducing odor in the foam and maximizing soy content in foam formulations, while meeting rigorous,
automotive interior applications. In a partnership between Ford Motor Company and Lear Corporation,
we have demonstrated the feasibility of formulating and processing soy-based polyurethane systems that
have the key properties required for automotive interior and seating foam applications. Prior to launch of
this soy technology, numerous processing trials were completed on headrest, armrest and seating
applications. We will review the main steps required in moving the technology from a laboratory
research setting to production environment and launch of the soy technology in 2008 Mustang. We will
also discuss the technical and commercial challenges and benefits of implementing soy-based foam.
The punched sections of composite substrate/foam/skin (punch outs) have
traditionally gone to landfill, typically at a cost of $0.05/lb. to the Tier 1 supplier.
Wipag Recycling in Germany has developed a process whereby the substrate
material is recovered from the composite structure, separating the resin from the
foam and skin. The resin has 99.8% purity and can be subsequently blended
back into virgin resin for production at a specified percentage without statistically
varying the physical properties of the LFPP IP substrate. The WIPAG laminate
separation process has been in commercial operation at American Commodities
Inc. (ACI) in Flint, MI for the past 7 years albeit with SMA, PC/ABS and TPO
substrates.
With regard to recycling LFPP, traditional wisdom dictates that the material
properties of the resin will be reduced after each heat history due to glass fiber
length attrition, caused from the processing of the material. This study shows
that up to 30% of resin reclaimed from the composite substrate can be added to
virgin material with a minimal effect on the properties of the final part.
Advances in the field of polyolefin resins in the area of PP
copolymers, PE homopolymers, and PP & PE blends have
allowed for the creation of new and improved polyolefin
bead foams. These polyolefin bead foams are capable of
improved performance due to the advancements that have
been made in the area of polyolefin resin catalyst systems
and additives. The benefits of polyolefin bead foams allow
for lower densities to be used where higher density
extruded foams are currently being utilized.
There is a move in the automotive industry to promote the
use of sustainable products. Sustainability considerations in
automotive design must include a variety of factors. These
include:
• Weight reduction
• Commonization of materials
• Use of more environmentally friendly materials
• Ease of disassembly at vehicle’s End-Of-Life
• Consideration of RoHS requirements
• Compliance to OEM, Federal and Industry
regulations
• Recyclability of materials and current recycling
stream
• Component design and performance requirements
• Vehicle and occupant safety
While evaluating all of these considerations when designing
for sustainability, it is necessary to understand the
allowances for performance and cost trade-offs as they
relate to meeting the needs of both the OEM and end user
(or customer).
This paper will explore the industry trends, particularly
those published by the OEM’s as they relate to designing
for sustainability and recyclability. This paper will
compare some of the newer industry recycling guidelines,
as well as vehicle End-Of-Life dismantling requirements.
This paper will also explain the intention of the newer
vehicle component part guidelines for sustainable
development as they relate to automotive component design
and ease of disassembly and recyclability. Case studies will
be presented to evaluate component part design and the
move toward the use of more commonly recycled and
recyclable products.
Industry trends will also be reviewed as they apply to
market demand for more environmentally friendly
materials. The pros and cons of using some of the new biobased
materials will also be compared and contrasted.
Being sustainable means that a product or service meets both today’s needs and results in
minimized burden to our children and their children and to the environment for the future.
This paper will present a proven alternative to environmental issues such as heavy metals used
chrome plating for application to plastic components in the global automotive, light truck, and
heavy truck industry. It will highlight how this technology, Fluorex® bright film, further
contributes to a “greener” environment by eliminating environmental hazards and residual
footprints from substances such as heavy metals by using film based solutions contributing to
the development of lighter and potentially “greener” light weight vehicles. This translates in both
better fuel economy in vehicles using this technology and reductions in emissions from the
manufacturing processes. Other environmental benefits for other coating opportunities using
Flourex® Paintfilm will be evaluated based on this technology that specifically involve more
opportunities to minimize the environmental impact and improve recyclability while contributing
to a more aesthetically pleasing environment by enhancing the appearance of vehicles
worldwide.
This is a solution for manufacturers to provide the appealing and marketable look of chrome or
other pleasing surface characteristics on plastic components while being environmental
compliant and responsible. This is a sustainable solution for coloring and coating – Fluorex®
bright film and Fluorex® paintfilm – a “green” alternative to painting metal and plastic products
that enhances the environmental benefits of plastics is both possible and here today.
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Any article that is cited in another manuscript or other work is required to use the correct reference style. Below is an example of the reference style for SPE articles:
Brown, H. L. and Jones, D. H. 2016, May.
"Insert title of paper here in quotes,"
ANTEC 2016 - Indianapolis, Indiana, USA May 23-25, 2016. [On-line].
Society of Plastics Engineers
Available: www.4spe.org.
Note: if there are more than three authors you may use the first author's name and et al. EG Brown, H. L. et al.
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