SPE Library

In order to design and manufacture natural fiber-polymer composites as structural components in existing and novel technological applications, the long term viscoelastic behavior of the materials must be understood. In order to do that, the time?temperature superposition principle (TTSP), is used to predict long-term viscoelastic behavior from short-term experimental data. Dynamic?mechanical analysis (DMA), was used to study the viscoelastic properties of composites made from fique mats and low-density polyethylene?aluminium (LDPE?Al) obtained from recycled long-life Tetra Pak packages. This paper reviews the effect in using Chemical treatments such as alkalinization with NaOH, silanization, and polyethylene impregnation treatments for composites, understanding the interaction mechanisms between natural fibers and the LDPE-Al; and presents the effects of treatments on the viscoelastic behavior. Fractographic evaluations in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirm the quantitative characterization obtained from DMA.

Antistatic/dust and ESD management demands are increasing at electronics relevant use plastics especially semiconductor handling area. Transparent performance also needed at specific area because confirm able inside without opening box to minimize contamination from outside. Electrical conductive carbon filler is one option, but it?s tough to achieve both these performance. On the other hand, primary antistatic agents like a surfactant type are questioned for their duration of the antistatic performance. This paper discusses refractive index matched transparent antistatic polycarbonate and polyester blends that offer transparency, sustainable antistatic performance, and cleanliness (lower out gassing, leachable ions).

Nylon is widely used in many applications. At the 2013 ANTEC in Cincinnati, our paper covered the results obtained with compounding primarily recycled nylon with the addition of small quantities of alternating ethylene and maleic anhydride ZeMac? copolymers and specific property improvements for applications in injection molded compounds. The resulting compounds have performance that can match or exceed prime virgin nylon at 30-50% cost savings. At the 2014 ANTEC in Las Vegas, our paper covered the performance enhancements to provide several advantages for upgrading virgin nylon such as increasing relative viscosity for improved melt strength and the unique improvements obtained in impact-modified nylon-6 and nylon-6,6 by reducing the negative impact of traditional impact modifiers by offering synergistic set of properties. This current paper will cover how using the unique chemistry of these copolymer products can reduce costs in nylon compounds and still meet performance specifications.

The intent of this paper is to demonstrate the truly permanent nature of a new patent protected heat fusion process for the transfer of graphics to polyethylene, polypropylene and other olefin products. As stated in Wikipedia, ?Heat fusion (sometimes called heat welding or simply fusion) is a welding process used to join two different pieces of a thermoplastic. This process involves heating both pieces simultaneously and pressing them together. The two pieces then cool together and form a permanent bond. When done properly, the two pieces become indistinguishable from each other. Dissimilar plastics can result in improper bonding.?

This paper will:
Explain the difference between the new Polyfuze Graphic and other labeling processes such as In-Mold Labels (IML), Hot Stamp (Foil), Screen/Pad Printing and adhesive backed stickers.
Define the environmental significance of each of these decorating methods vs. heat fused graphics.

Microstructure development during polymer processing is of interest for manufacturers in engineering the final properties. Injection molding advancements have facilitated molding components with complex geometries. With industry moving towards minimizing the polymer waste while retaining the component properties, it is necessary to understand the microstructure formation in detail. Progresses in the field of X-ray imaging techniques have made it possible to characterize polymers with sub-micron resolution. In the current work, we show the applicability of X-ray nanotomography in quantifying the skin-core morphology resulting from injection molding.

Grafting poly(vinyl acetate) from starch improves film formability, thermal stability, and toughness in biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/starch blends.

Jute-filled polypropylene composites with a heat deflection temperature above150°C and improved mechanical and flow properties were developed on a high-performance co-rotating twin-screw compounder.

A non-Fickian model of moisture diffusion in a hemp/polypropylene composite allows better prediction of moisture uptake and its related effect on mechanical properties.

Enhancing interfacial interactions between natural filler and polymer matrix by modifying the surface of rice straw results in stronger thermoplastic polyurethane-based eco-composites.

Tailoring the microstructure of biobased open-cell porous materials could enable the development of innovative, eco-friendly thermoplastic packages for acoustic applications.

The poly(L-lactide)-to-poly(D-lactide) block length ratio of star-shaped asymmetric stereoblock copolymers is a key control on the crystallization of stereocomplex crystallites.

Spent coffee ground particles are treated with a fatty acid derivative in a novel hydrophobic method that improves particle dispersion and impact properties.

Mechanical treatment, with the use of a Supermasscolloider, of sugar cane bagasse significantly improves the mechanical and thermal characteristics of composites made with this material.

The 3D morphology of nanoparticles prepared from switchgrass is quantitatively and statistically characterized.

Treated sisal fiber-based materials exhibit permeability, resin flow direction, and tensile strength changes compared with untreated samples.

Aluminum trihydroxide can be used with compounded flax and polypropylene to increase flame retardance behavior, but without reducing mechanical properties.

Melt compounding of polylactic acid and halloysite nanotubes produces a novel composite with good mechanical properties.

An in-depth study of polylactide nanocomposite molecular characteristics demonstrates that selecting appropriate organoclays for each polylactide grade is a key issue.