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.

The Importance Of Chemical Stabilization In Recycled Material For Corrugated And Conduit Polyolefin Pipes

Ian Query, March 2019

Much attention has been given to stabilization packages for polyolefin pressure pipes over the past couple decades, however corrugated and conduit pipes have generally been ignored with respect to more robust stabilization packages. Certain groups such as the Florida Department of Transportation have set rules establishing oxidative resistance in HDPE corrugated pipes, but few others have followed this example. A discussion of the simplicity and importance of pipe resin stabilization as well as examples from stabilized pipes will be covered.

Why Titanates And Zirconates Are Better Than Silanes

Salvatore Monte, March 2019

Added to the hopper just like a color concentrate, 2 to 3 parts of a phosphato titanate or zirconate in pellet masterbatch form per 1,000 parts of filled or unfilled compound provides a method (Function 1-Coupling) for in-situ interfacial nano-surface modification of most all inorganic and organic materials in a compound independent of the interface’s hydroxyl content and absent the need for water to effect hydrolysis for coupling as with silanes while providing metallocene-like repolymerization catalysis (Function 2-Catalysis) and (Function 3) nano-intumescence for flame retardance resulting in: the use of larger amounts of regrind and recycle; copolymerization of blends of dissimilar addition and condensation polymers such as HDPE, PP and PET; prevention of delamination of PP/HDPE blends; faster production cycles at lower temperatures producing thermoplastic parts having less heat stress differentials, better finish, and increased stressstrain strength; and control of burn rate and burn rate exponent. Compounds having subject additives age better due to the removal of water at the polymer-reinforcement interface normally left when using a silane or no additives that cause loss of adhesion during water boil tests.

Open Cell Foams - An Emerging, Low-Cost Bacteria Adhesive Surface for Energy And Environmental Applications

Pavani Cherukupally, March 2019

Bacteria adhesive surfaces (BAS) have diverse applications, such as water treatment, biofuels, and solvents production. However, currently their large-scale usage is hindered by high materials cost. Inexpensive open-cell foams can potentially serve as substrates for low-cost BAS, enabling their wider usage. This work demonstrates a passive approach for attachment of Escherichia coli or E. coli to a polyester polyurethane open-cell foam surface using pH of the wastewater. The foam’s ionic-responsive charge property was used to bind negatively charged bacteria to its pore surface at different pH conditions. At the best pH condition, the foam adsorbed E. coli with over 99% efficiency. The pH-driven bacteria adhesion to foam surface is simple, effective, and passive, therefore has potential for industrial-scale applications.

SPE Sustainability 2018 4th Quarter Newsletter

SPE Sustainability Division, February 2019

Read the 2018 4th Quarter issue of the SPE Sustainability Division newsletter.

SPE Sustainability 3rd Quarter 2018 Newsletter

SPE Sustainability Division, October 2018

Read the 3rd Quarter 2018 issue of the SPE Sustainability Division newsletter.

SPE Sustainability 2nd Quarter Newsletter

SPE Sustainability Division, August 2018

Read the latest issue of the SPE Sustainability Division newsletter.

ReFocus 2018 - Recycled Carbon Fiber Thermoplastic Compounds(2).pptx

Chris Surbrook, May 2018

This paper will discuss the use of recycled carbon fiber as a reinforcing filler in thermoplastic compounds, and how this material adds value to both prime and recycled plastic resins. Background,Validating, Prime vs. Recycled Carbon Fibers, Improvements to Recycled Resins, Improvements to Prime Resins, Applications

3D Printing Feedstock From Recycled Materials

Nicole Zander, May 2018

United States Army warfighters in theater are often faced with the challenge of broken, damaged, or missing parts necessary to maintain the safety and productivity required. Waste plastics can be utilized to improve the self-reliance of warfighters on forward operating bases by cutting costs and decreasing the demand for the frequent resupplying of parts by the supply chain. In addition, the use of waste materials in additive manufacturing in the private sector would reduce cost and increase sustainability, providing a high-value output for used plastics. Experimentation is conducted to turn waste plastics into filament that can be used in fused deposition modeling. The effect of extrusion temperature and number of extrusion cycles on polymer viscosity and crystallinity are explored. The effect of blends and fillers to impart additional functionality are also examined. Tensile specimens were tested and compared to die-cut and injection molded parts. Parts printed from recycled polyethylene terephthalate had the highest tensile strength of all recycled plastics evaluated (35.1 ± 8 MPa), and were comparable to parts printed from commercial polycarbonate-ABS filament. Elongation to failure of all recycled plastics was similar to their injection molded counterpart. In addition, select military parts were printed with recycled filament and compared to original parts. This research demonstrates some of the first work on the feasibility of using recycled plastic in additive manufacturing.

A Characterization Of Soy Additives In Biobased Polyethylene Films

Peter Perez, May 2018

Four different soy additives were compounded into Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The four different additives were compounded and pelletized by FKuR. After a film was produced for each of the four batches, the mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of each batch was characterized and compared to a control sample. The use of soy in polymeric films improved mechanical properties in LLDPE, reduced the cost and amount of plastic used, and improved water vapor barrier of the polymer. The modulus of each film increased with the use of filler. However, the ultimate extension and ultimate tensile strength decreased in the samples containing soy fillers. The films showed increased crystallinity in samples containing soy fillers. Additionally, thermal analysis indicated large amounts of weight loss in the soy loaded films when heated.

Accelerated Aging Of Medical-Grade Resins: Q10 Factors And Material Aging Models

Rob Klein, May 2018

Accelerated aging is used throughout the Medical Device sector and other sectors to evaluate materials and devices in an accelerated fashion. If used properly, it can shave years off of validation efforts. If used improperly, it can generate misleading or completely incorrect data about the resins and products in question. This paper explores the fundamental principles and provides supporting data. It is critical to understand the four primary modes of aging for polymers: (1) physical aging (embrittlement and loss of free volume); (2) chemical aging, which includes oxidation, chemical damage, sterilization, etc.; (3) sustained strain cracking, creep rupture, and environmental stress cracking; and (4) fatigue. For sustained strain or sustained load environments, stress relaxation and creep are also key factors. A case study is presented for polycarbonate and copolyester resins that are undergoing physical aging, sustained strain cracking, and environmental stress cracking (ESC), and a model presented to account for the various factors.

Developing Ultrasonic Processing Of Cnt Nanopaper/Solventless Epoxy Prepreg

Dan Zhang, May 2018

In this work, we propose an environmentally friendly innovative ultrasonic process to impregnate solventless epoxy into carbon nanotube (CNT) nanopaper (NP) (approximately 50 um thick) for fabricating prepreg nanocomposites. Both multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) NP and single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) NP are used for prepreg fabrication. The prepregs show multi-functional performance in EMI shielding and sand erosion resistance. Process parameters including ultrasound time, amplitude level and pressure are studied for the fabrication process.

Automotive Lightweighting With Reduced Density Polyamide Blends

Ying Shi, May 2018

Schulamid RD “reduced density” nylon is obtained through an immiscible polymer blend which requires the optimization of the compatabilization system, component viscosities, and, most of all, design of the compounding process. In addition to low density, low moisture absorption is achieved which provides part designers with more predictable physical properties and part dimensions when their application is exposed to real environmental conditions. For processors, lower moisture absorption means less moisture to remove. Cost savings can be realized by the reduced melt temperatures that can be used due to the improved flow characteristics of Schulamid RD. Less heat added means less heat to remove which reduces energy consumption for the entire process. A tailored heat stabilization technology has allowed use in under the hood applications like active grille shutters, fan shrouds, and other components requiring temperatures up to 150C.

Biodegradable PHA For Use In Fashion Textiles

Anne Schauer-Gimenez, May 2018

Mango Materials has developed an innovative platform technology to turn waste gas streams into ecofriendly, biodegradable materials at competitive economics. Utilizing a biological process, microorganisms convert the carbon from methane into polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), which can be formulated to produce various products. The recent application development of biodegradable bio-polyester production will be highlighted. By substituting persistent polyester with this biodegradable bio-polyester made of PHA, brands can finally produce truly sustainable garments. Until now PHA has never been developed into commercial textile fibers, making this discovery an opportunity to accelerate the market growth of PHA.

Biodegradation Of Biodegradable And Compostable Plastics Under Industrial Compost, Marine, And Anaerobic Digestion

Joseph Greene, May 2018

Biodegradation was measured for biodegradable, compostable, and oxodegradable plastics while exposed to aerobic composting, marine, and anaerobic digestion environments. Biodegradable plastics included, corn-starch based biobag, PHA bag, Ecoflex bag, and PLA lids. Positive and negative controls included, Kraft paper and polyethylene. Other plastics included, and oxodegradable plastic bags. For industrial composting environment, compostable plastic products, along with oxodegradable, cellulose paper, Kraft paper, and polyethylene plastic wrap, were placed in an environment consistent with ASTM 5338 conditions. For marine environment, the plastic samples were placed in a test environment consistent with ASTM 6691. For anaerobic digestion, plastic samples were placed in an environment consistent with ASTM 5511. The degradation was evaluated by measuring CO2 gas, which evolves from the degrading plastic samples. For industrial compost conditions, the compostable plastics, namely, PLA, sugar cane, PHA, Ecoflex, and starched-based biobag, degraded at least 90% and met the degradation time requirement in the ASTM D-6400 standard. The oxodegradable, UV-degradable plastics, and LDPE plastic bag had negligible degradation. After 180 days placed in a commercial food-waste composting operation, PLA, PHA, Ecoflex, and corn starch plastics completely degraded. Small fragments of sugar cane lids and Kraft paper were visible. The oxo-biodegradable plastic bags, LDPE plastic bags and UV-degradable plastic bag did not fragment nor degrade. The samples were also exposed to a simulated marine environment. Under marine conditions, PHA experienced significant biodegradation. Alternatively, corn-starch based trash bag, PLA cup, Ecoflex bag, sugar cane lids, UV-degradable plastic ring, and Kraft paper did not exhibit biodegradation under marine conditions. Under anaerobic conditions PHA experienced biodegradation, but PLA, paper, and polyethylene did not.

Influence Of Gas-Counter Pressure On The Foaming Behavior And The Cell Morphology Of Flexible Polyurethane Foam

Daniel Schneider, May 2018

Discontinuously produced polyurethane (PU) foams can be found in various applications and branches. Typically used blowing agents show significant economic or ecologic disadvantages. Using CO2 as a sustainable blowing agent displays different processing challenges. In this context the influence of gas-counter pressure, which is introduced in the cavity of the mold before injection, and of the CO2-amount on the foaming characteristics and the foam-morphology have been analyzed.

Low Temperature Solution Depolymerization Of Pla

John Campanelli, May 2018

A novel depolymerization method using low-temperature, low-pressure alcoholysis of PLA in a ternary solution is outlined in this work. Depolymerization kinetics are studied for the PLA/methanol/chloroform system at 57°C. Large changes in molecular weight can be achieved at relatively mild conditions. A tin catalyst is found to increase the reaction rate significantly. The method is well-suited to industrial recycling processes and is consistent with the concept of a circular economy.

Changeover Time For A Lab-Scale Blown Film Line

Christopher Thurber, May 2018

Accurate understanding of changeover time (i.e., the time it takes to change formulations) in a blown film line can minimize waste and maximize production. Previous work examined changeover time in extruders, and residence time distribution for blown film [Wang et. al., ANTEC Tech. Papers, 2015, Wang et. al., ANTEC Tech. Papers, 2017]. This work uses transmission UV-Vis spectroscopy with a copper phthalocyanine tracer to examine the factors affecting changeover time for a blown film line. Our results show that throughput is the strongest factor influencing changeover time, and material rheology is a weaker but potentially important factor.

Mechanical Properties And Effects Of Microfibrillation Of 100 % Biomass Sisal-Pla Composite

Hiroyuki Nishimura, May 2018

The mechanical properties of sisal-PLA composites were measured with a parameter of length of sisal fiber, degree of microfibrillation, and mixing method of sisal fiber. The mechanical properties of sisal-PLA composites were also compared with those of wood flour, cellulose based on hardwood, and cellulose nanofiber composites. As a result, the higher tensile strength of the sisal-PLA composite was obtained by kneading PLA and microfibrillated sisal fiber wetted with organic solvent.

Nanocellulose As A Sizing Agent For Glass Fiber Towards An Enhanced Glass Fiber – Epoxy Interphase

Joyanta Goswami, May 2018

Glass fiber/nanocellulose/epoxy interfacial adhesion was explored to determine the optimum coating process and nanocellulose surface chemistry for glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The interfacial adhesion was assessed by photoelastic scattering under a microscope and interfacial shear stress (IFSS) determination by single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT). The effect of nanocellulose as glass fiber coating on the interphase was determined and prospects of nanocellulose sizing of glass fibers (GF) were discussed.

Copolyester Based Wpc(Wood Plastic Composites)

TAE YOUNG KIM, May 2018

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) are composite materials made of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastics. Since a polyolefin-based resin, generally used in WPC, exhibits hydrophobicity, it shows low interfacial adhesion when mixed with hydrophilic wood flour, which causes a problem in that flexural strength of WPC is lowered. In case of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, a phthalate-based plasticizer and stabilizers containing heavy metals can be used in order to enhance processability during the process to make WPC, which are easily extracted out from WPC, causing an environmental pollution problem. Both PP and PVC based WPC are vulnerable to climate changes due to its low dimensional stability according to temperatures, causing many defects and problems. In case of polyester (PET) resin, polyester base resins compatibilizes well with wood, but due to high processing temperature, the wood flour are burned during the process, which makes it impossible to use PET for WPC. Accordingly, in order to solve the above-described problems, ECOZEN® based WPC has been developed. ECOZEN® based WPC has improved physical properties which show superior flexural property (higher than 2 times compared to PP based WPC), impact strength, and lower thermal expansion (or shrinkage). Also it can be easily processed even without help of additional coupling agents, since ECOZEN® shows excellent interfacial adhesion with wood flour. This allows of WPC with higher content of wood flour, which benefits in terms of cost competitiveness and environmental friendliness.