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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Conference Proceedings
A BRIGHT FUTURE ' SINGLE PLY THERMOPLASTIC POLYOLEFIN ROOFING
Li-Ying T. Yang , Linlin Xing , Thomas Taylor, May 2010
Single ply thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) has been the fastest growing commercial roofing membrane in the last decade due to its superior weatherability, heat-welded seam integrity, energy savings, and safe and easy installation. In 2008, TPO installed roofing systems exceeded EPDM and became the largest single ply roofing market segment. This paper discusses the heat-welded seaming, fire retardancy and UV stability of TPO roofing.
OPTIONS FOR IMPARTING MELT STRENGTH INTO OLEFIN BLOCK COPOLYMERS
Kate R Hollabaugh, Ashish Batra, Laura Weaver, May 2010
Applications such as profile extrusion, blow molding and thermoforming require polymers that have high melt strength. This paper will discuss two modification strategies to enhance the melt strength of olefin block copolymers for use in profile extrusion and thermoforming. The effects of modification type and level of modification are explored and compared. Implications of modified microstructure on the mechanical properties of formulated compounds based on the modified elastomers will also be discussed.
ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF CPVC PIPE BY MIXED GLYCOLS
Ray L. Hauser , Ray Hauser Expertise, May 2010
CPVC pipe is often used for containment of water in fire sprinkler systems, usually with glycerol as the antifreeze, but too often with ethylene or propylene glycol. Environmental stress cracking has caused much distress and economic damage. This test program shows that a mixture of these two glycols can be more damaging to CPVC pipe than either of the glycols by itself. Earlystage cracks are also illustrated, as observed by Scanning Electron Microscope at 1000X magnification.
DIE DESIGN FOR LAYER THICKNESS UNIFORMITY IN MULTILAYER COEXTRUSION
Patrick C. Lee , Christopher W. Macosko, May 2010
It is important to understand the effect of the flow channel shape on the final layer thickness distribution of multilayer products in coextrusion. This study presents examples of non-uniform polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) multilayers produced using existing layer multiplication dies and demonstrates that layer thickness non-uniformity is closely related to the flow channel shape of the multiplication die. Two other designs are proposed and compared with the existing design using both experimental and flow simulation techniques.
IMPROVE MOLD DESIGNS WITH CORRECTIVE ACTION ANALYSES
Steven Johnson, May 2010
When the decision is made to clone a mold, past maintenance issues are seldom considered due to the difficulty involved in capturing, analyzing and acting on design changes that would improve performance. Few engineers will modify a seemingly adequate mold design based on log book scribbles or shop floor hearsay. A properly formatted corrective action analysis will provide information about mold designs that will lower tooling and labor costs and greatly enhance performance and reliability.
AN INFRARED EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF MELT ROTATION ON INJECTION MOLDED PARTS
S. Scholz, C.A. Griffiths, S.S. Dimov, E.B. Brousseau, G. Lalev, P. Petkov, May 2010
During the injection molding process, the laminates close to the frozen layer in the melt delivery system undergo shear heating due to the high shearing. Once these high-shear laminates enter the part, they stay against the outside walls of the part. New technology allows the high-shear laminates to be moved into the center of the part. This study looks at the part temperature distribution in the part.
A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF NAN-O-SIL ASD ON COOLING TIME REDUCTION
Jonathan Meckley, Pravin Shah, Richard Oder, May 2010
A cooling time study was performed to show the benefits of the Nan-O-Sil ASD additive. Through the use of an infrared camera, the parts temperatures can be examined. The parts warpage was also measured and compared to the neat resin for each material. The materials used in this study were PP, PBT - 33% glassfilled, Nylon 6/6 ƒ?? 33% glass-filled, ABS, and HDPE. Through the use of the Nan-O-Sil silica dioxide additive, cycle time can be reduced by as much as 70% in semi-crystalline materials.
THE RAPID ROTATIONAL FOAM MOLDING PROCESSING ADVANTAGE
Steve W. Tuszynski, May 2010
Over recent decades the rotational molding process has evolved into a technology that advantageously allows for creating a cellular structure, i.e., a distinct foamed layer or core within the interior of hollow moldings that can be encapsulated entirely within integrated solid skin boundary layer. However in order to survive the competition, its processing cycle time and the energy consumption must be reduced to levels not conceivable with the prior art, without compromising product quality.
STUDY OF ULTRASONIC WAVE EFFECT ON POLYPROPYLENE IN SOLUTION
J. Guillermo Martínez-Colunga , Carlos Ávila-Orta , Odilia Pérez-Camacho , J. Alberto Rodríguez-González, May 2010
The effect of ultrasonic radiation on polypropylene insolution was studied, applying different radiation doses(50 - 150 watts) for different exposure times from 10 -20 min., observing that for low energy and shortexposure time the change in molecular weight wasminor compared to greater doses and greater exposuretimes. In addition, changes in the temperature ofcrystallization and thermal properties were observedresulting from the action of the ultrasonic radiation onthe polymer .
THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF INNOVATION: DELIVERING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THROUGH CREATIVE PEOPLE
Stephen O. Bozzone , Bonnie J. Bachman, May 2010
The goal of innovation should be to create sustainablecompetitive advantage'not just create inventions withlittle or no market value. In order to compete, the productof service being offered must provide value to theconsumer, be differentiated from competitors' offerings,and be protected from imitation. Frequently employeesand managers involved with product development are notaware of the broader picture and the essential elementsnecessary to create innovative products.
INTERACTION OF HALS AND COLORANTS: PART II
David Bigio, May 2010
A series of colorants including yellows, reds, blues and greens have been evaluated when processed with monomeric and oligomeric HALS in PP and HDPE. Comparisons have been done in masstone and tint looking at effects on color shift and strength.
ADVANCEMENTS IN STACK MOLDING TECHNOLOGY
Sarah K. Overfield, May 2010
Stack molding can be an attractive way to improve the output and efficiency of an injection molding machine. However, molding parts simultaneously at multiple parting lines can introduce new challenges to both the mold maker and the molder. Mold complexity, residence time, and cavity filling are some of the key considerations. Advancements in the melt transfer technology that bridges the machine nozzle and the hot runner melt distribution system have addressed some of these challenges. The features, configurations, and technologies employed will be examined.
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND DEGRADATION OF BIOPLASTICS FROM RENEWABLE POLYFUNCTIONAL MONOMERS
Mathew D. Rowe , Keisha B. Walters, May 2010
Bioplastics were produced by the copolymerization of 1,3-propanediol (PDO) with malonic acid (MA) and with itaconic acid (IA). Effects of reaction temperature and time were examined on the yields and molecular weight (MW) distributions. The resultant bioplastics were characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR and were found to contain anhydride, ester, and ether backbone functional groups. Hydrolytic degradation of the PDO-MA copolymer was also studied as a function of time, temperature, and pH.
VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER: ITS IMPACT ON INNOVATION AND COMMERCIAL SUCCESS
Philip Mayfield, May 2010
This article focuses on obtaining custome rrequirements as a part of the product development process. A common mistake in product development is to begin development without obtaining the Voice of the Customer (VOC). This leads to products that are likely to be financially unsuccessful, such as the Segway'. Companies that take the time to research customer requirements can develop fiscally successful products. An example of this is the patented plastic resealable packaging developed by Kraft Foods.
POLYPHENYLENE ETHER MACROMOLECULES. VII. PERFORMANCE IN T-BUTYL STYRENE/DIVINYL BENZENE RESIN SYSTEM
Can Weng, W.B. Lee, S. To, May 2010
The optical quality of plastic microlens arrays is very sensitive to the presence of residual stress induced during the molding process. In this paper, the effects of aperture structures on the maximum value of residual stress have been investigated. The results from numerical simulation indicate that the geometrical configuration of the aperture can profoundly influence the levels of residual stress in precision injection molded microlens arrays. The five aperture structures present similar trends to the change of mold temperature, packing pressure, packing time and cooling time. With regard to melt temperature and flow rate, the trends of maximum value of residual stress exhibit differences with different aperture structures. It is shown that the cooling time has the least effect on the residual stress. The aperture structure of microlens arrays should be considered the effects on final quality of product at the initial stage of optical design.
EFFECTS OF APERTURE STRUCTURE ON RESIDUAL STRESS OF PRECISION INJECTION MOLDED MICROLENS ARRAYS
Can Weng , W. B. Lee , S. To, May 2010
The optical quality of plastic microlens arrays is very sensitive to the presence of residual stress induced during the molding process. In this paper, the effects of aperture structures on the maximum value of residual stress have been investigated. The results from numerical simulation indicate that the geometrical configuration of the aperture can profoundly influence the levels of residual stress in precision injection molded microlens arrays. The five aperture structures present similar trends to the change of mold temperature, packing pressure, packing time and cooling time. With regard to melt temperature and flow rate, the trends of maximum value of residual stress exhibit differences with different aperture structures. It is shown that the cooling time has the least effect on the residual stress. The aperture structure of microlens arrays should be considered the effects on final quality of product at the initial stage of optical design.
PRESSURE/FLOW PERFORMANCE OF VISCOELASTIC POLYMERIC MELTS IN CYLINDRICAL CHANNELS
Hossein Hosseini , Boris V. Berdyshev , Mohammad Mosaddegh, May 2010
One of the most widespread practical methods of polymer processing is the extrusion method that is based on pressing a polymeric melt through channels of the molding tool which have different geometrical crosssections.The basic performance of extrusion is based on the pressure/flow performance which sets functional correlation between volumetric flow rate of a polymer medium pressed through a molding tool and created pressure drop. Arguments of this correlation are the rheological parameters of polymer and the geometrical characteristics of the channel in which the polymeric melt flows. In this paper a viscoelastic model with a corrected strain energy function is implemented. The comparison of revealed theoretical expression in this paper with the experimental data for flow of polymeric melts in cylindrical channels with various cross-sections demonstrates a good convergence over a wide range of pressure.
PREPARATION OF POLYPROPYLENE-ORGANOCLAY ANOCOMPOSITES: EFFECT ON THERMAL, MORPHOLOGICAL AND VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES
Mohammad Al-haj Ali, Rabeh Elleithy, Saeed AlZahrani, Achmad Chafidz, May 2010
In the present work, PP-clay nanocomposites were prepared and the effect of nanoclay content on the properties of the nanocomposite was studied. polypropylene/surface modified clay nanocomposites were prepared via melt blending method in a laboratory mixing extruder (LME) using commercial polypropylene (PP) and nanoclay masterbatch in concentrations ranging from 5 to 15 wt%. The structure and thermal-mechanical features of the nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). For all nanoclays loadings, SEM shows homogeneous dispersion of the nanoclay in the polymer matrix. The DSC curves show a 15% increase in heat of fusion (crystallinity content) up to 5% wt nanoclay loading but then decreased at higher loadings. This is attributed to the nucleating role of the silica particles at low nanocaly content; however, at relatively high loadings, the presence of excessive number of silica particles hinders the motion of polymer chain segments and thus, retards crystal growth. The temperature sweep reveals an increase in storage modulus (G') with increasing nanoparticles content due to the restricted motion of the PP chains as a result of the interaction between the nanoclay and the matrix that depends on the interfacial area shared between the PP and the nanoclay. As the interfacial area increased, the interaction increased, and hence the chains were more restricted. Besides, the estimation of the softening temperature as well as the slope of the flat region of the curves show that the addition of the nonmaterial increases the thermal stability of the nanocomposites as compared to the neat polypropylene.
COMPARING THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SELECTED POLYOLEFINS USING ROTATIONAL RHEOMETRY TO THOSE OBTAINED FROM MELT FLOW INDEX; A TRILOGY
Eric A. Koester, May 2010
This paper is the third in a series which was previously presented in ANTEC08(1) and ANTEC09(2). These papers showed different applications of the melt flow index, MFI, equipment. These applications included the temperature and/or shear sensitivity, extrudate (die) swell, melt density, melt strength, thermal degradation, and processability of polyolefins. In the current paper, the relation between the measured values via MFI equipment will be related to the viscoelastic properties measured by rotational rheometer. For example, the extrudate swell will be compared to the elastic properties of some polyolefins. Additionally, the processability will be analyzed via the relationships of viscosity, shear rate, and temperature. Moreover, some molecular structure parameters are indentified and then are used to interpret some of the properties measured by the MFI equipment.
HOW TO STRUCTURE FUND & FINANCE A CLEAN TECHNOLOGY VENTURE: TRENDS FOR DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN A “GREENING” MARKETPLACE
Eric A. Koester, May 2010
The plastics industry and related markets represents a substantial opportunity for entrepreneurial and intrapreneural activity ƒ?? particularly in the emerging Clean Technology space. Investment into clean technology is one of the fastest growing markets. However the plastics industry is currently lagging in its ability of startup technologies to tap into those funds. In order to increase access to capital the plastics industry must continue to foster innovation through its development of clean technologies companies. These companies will be built on entrepreneurial and scientific talent broad market opportunities and cutting edge technologies. There are many challenges faced by clean technology companies but with the right foresight and planning success can be achieved and new technologies commercialized.This presentation will provide insights into the clean technology marketplace and insights into successful companies within the plastics industry. In addition weƒ??ll explore what new and emerging companies will require in order to tap into investment dollars and advance their technologies.
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