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
The Thermal and Mechanical Performance of uPVC/Styrenic Copolymer Blends
W.C. Yap, K. Halliwell, I.F.M. Major, G.M. McNally, W.R. Murphy, May 2005
uPVC profiles laminated with woodgrain foils occasionally deform in direct sunlight due to solar energy gain. Blending ASA copolymer and ABS copolymer resins with uPVC increased the heat deflection temperature of the uPVC, therefore reducing the potential for deformation. This paper reports on the thermal and mechanical performance of these blends.
Mechanical Properties and Morphologies of PET-Based Ternary Composites
Mert Kilinc, Goknur Bayram, May 2005
PET based ternary composites were prepared by using twin screw extrusion technique with the addition of both elastomer and glass fiber. Effects of content of both elastomer and glass fiber were studied on mechanical properties and morphologies of the composites. Impact strength of ternary composites increased significantly after 30% elastomer. SEM micrographs were taken for morphology. SEM analyses showed that there was a good adhesion between fibers and matrix, and adhesion increased with elastomer concentration.
Preparation and Characterization of Nylon 6 Based Conductive Composites
Ozcan Koysuren, Sertan Yesil, Goknur Bayram, May 2005
Carbon black filled nylon 6 composites were prepared by two different methods, namely masterbatch dilution technique and melt mixing method. Composites were compared in terms of electrical, mechanical and morphological properties. Electrical resistivity of diluted masterbatch composites was reduced to 10-7 ohm.cm at 1 wt.% of carbon black composition. Tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break and impact strength properties of composites were also studied.
Melt Temperature Field Measurement in Single Screw Extrusion: Influence of Melt Pressure and Die Geometry
A L Kelly, E C Brown, P D Coates, May 2005
Melt temperature fields have been measured in single screw extrusion using novel thermocouple grid, ultrasound and infra-red sensor techniques. The effect of die geometry on melt temperature profile has been investigated using simple slit and rod dies on a single screw extruder. Die geometry of the simple dies studied here was found to have a minor effect on melt temperature field in regions near to the die wall. Die head pressure had a more significant effect on melt temperature distribution.
UV Curable Coatings for Automotive Lighting
Eileen Weber, Phil Abell, May 2005
In the last few years, UV curable coatings have gained great interest among numerous automotive OEMs and finishers because it allows for more efficient manufacturing, improved performance properties and an overall more environmentally friendly process. In consideration of this interest, the automotive lighting sector should be evaluated as a benchmark for early UV technology success as well as continued innovation in terms of appearance, performance and processing advantages.
Troubleshooting the Ultrasonic Welding Process: The Interpretation of Welding Graphs in a Thermoplastic Plunge Welding Process
Kenneth A. Holt, May 2005
This paper will explain the intricacies of interpreting the graphs of the ultrasonic welding graphs. Further, it seeks to explain how these graphs can be used to optimize welding results, troubleshoot welding difficulties and document the process for future use.
Compounding of Conductive Polypropylene/Graphite Composites
P.E. Poirier, D.J.Y.S. Pagé, P.J. Bates, May 2005
Polypropylene (PP) and Natural Graphite Flake (NGF) composites were prepared by three methods using a high-speed thermo-kinetic mixer. The electrical conductivity of the materials was measured as a function of NGF content. Mechanical and rheological properties were characterized to assess the composite's potential to be processed for applications such as fuel cells.
Environmental Stress Cracking – Examples from the Automotive Indsutry
Jeffrey A. Jansen, May 2005
Four case studies are presented to illustrate environmental stress cracking (ESC) within automotive components. ESC is a very important mode of plastic component failure. The presented cases illustrate how the failure analysis process was used to identify the failure mechanism as well as the primary factors responsible for the failures. The four cases depict representative automotive failures involving varied designs and service conditions.
Injection Velocity Control in Plastic Injection Molding
B. Pramujati, R. Dubay, J.G. Han, May 2005
Injection velocity is a difficult process to control due to its complexity and nonlinearity. Different dynamic characteristics with variations in melt temperatures and materials occur. A control strategy using simplified predictive control (SPC) was developed and implemented for injection velocity having wide ranging multiple velocity profiles. The experiment results have shown that the SPC control of injection velocity has good setpoint tracking performance.
The Effect of Calcium Carbonate Particle Size on PVC Foam
Frederic Marchand, Bahar Azimipour, May 2005
CaCO3 is the predominant filler used in polyvinyl chloride compounding. Selection of fillers, as in the case with other compounding ingredients, involves consideration of available types and their effects on processing, product properties, and economics.In this paper the effect of the particle size of CaCO3 on the properties of PVC foam is investigated. The paper analyzes the correlation between fusion time, extrusion torque, and foam density as well as foam cell structure with the filler particle size.
Initial Expansion Behavior of Butane-Blown LDPE Foam at Extrusion Die Exit
J. Wang, P.C. Lee, C.B. Park, May 2005
A CCD camera was used to observe n-butane-blown LDPE foams at the extrusion die exit. The effects of butane content, nucleating-agent (talc) content, aging modifier (GMS), die temperature, and geometry on the initial expansion behavior of the foam extrudate were studied. A transparent section of the foam extrudate was found at certain die temperatures. The reasons for the existence of this transparent section and its effect on the processing conditions and material formulations are discussed.
The Manufacture of Aligned Poly(Acrylonitrile) Fibres by Electrospinning
C. Laffin, G.M. McNally, R.D. Sanderson, C.J. Greyling, May 2005
Electrospinning is a process used to obtain nano-diameter randomly deposited fibres by electrostatically drawing a jet of polymer solution onto an electrically grounded metal sheet. This work reports on a novel method of obtaining aligned fibres of poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) by means of an electrospinning process and investigates the effect of polymer solution concentration and take off speed on fibre diameter and molecular orientation.
Mechanical Properties of Short- and Long-Glass Fibrereinforced Polypropylene Compounds
X.Y. Dai, P.J. Bates, May 2005
The tensile and impact properties of two short- and two long-glass-fibre-reinforced polypropylene compounds were measured on injection-molded and machined specimens. It was found that mechanical properties were strongly dependent on the glass fibre length and orientation with respect to the flow direction.
Overview of Property Development in Layered Silicate Polymer Nanocomposites
Lloyd A. Goettler, May 2005
This work reviews approaches to fabrication and property development in various layered silicate polymer nanocomposites, including the roles of thermodynamics and hydrodynamics in determining the nanoscale structure. Material is taken from the specific research of the author over the past decade, with emphasis on nanocomposites comprising polymer blends, as well as from some of his prior review papers (1, 2, 3).
Exfoliation in Pa-6/Clay Nanocomposites by Melt Processing
N.K. Borse, M.R. Kamal, V. Mollet, May 2005
Nanocomposites prepared by various methods were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, wide angle X-ray diffraction, mechanical testing and oxygen permeability measurements. Correlations were made between structural parameters (e.g. aspect ratio, dspacing) and the mechanical and barrier properties of the nanocomposites. Higher aspect ratios of filler lead to significant improvements in mechanical and barrier properties.
ESCR Thresholds Evaluated by Observation of Interfacial Surface Energies
Peter J. Walsh, Alan J. Lesser, May 2005
This work probes a hypothesis for initiation of environmental stress cracking (ESCR) based on a thermodynamic criterion for localized stress induced swelling. The threshold metric involves observation of solid-vapor surface energy and contact angle of a liquid on a loaded polymer substrate and thus inference of solidliquid interfacial surface energy with respect to substrate stress. The intent is to develop a screening technique for ESCR that is not limited by the kinetics of the crazing event.
Solid-State Processing of Polymer in the Presence of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Xianbo Hu, Alan J. Lesser, May 2005
Open cell microporous bisphenol-A polycarbonate (PC) films are made by a novel, solvent-free processing: drawing PC in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The pore size is less than 1.0 micron and the porosity is in the range of 20%-70%, and is highly tunable. The porous film has mechanical properties nearly as high as the original film. The influence of temperature and pressure on drawability, porosity, and mechanical integrity are systematically studied.
Degradaton Mechanisms and Environmental Effects on Poly Pphenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) Fibers
Alan J. Lesser, Xianbo Hu, Peter J. Walsh, May 2005
Recent reports have shown the fibers made from polyp- phylenebenzobisoxazole show a significant reduction in properties after relatively mild exposure to environmental conditions. This paper discusses potential mechanisms responsible for the degradation and reports results on degradation of fiber properties due to various environmental exposure conditions.
Extrusion Pulverisation of Elastane Fibres
D.A. McGroggan, G.M. McNally, J.S. Ramsey, May 2005
A novel ram extrusion process for the size reduction of various grades of poly(urethane urea) (PUU) fibres (elastane) is described in this work. The process was performed over a range of shear rates and temperatures. SEM and GPC analysis results showed significant reduction in both particle size and molecular weight of the poly(urethane urea) as a result of the extrusion pulverisation process.
Properties of the Oxidized HDPE Obtained from Continuous Extrusion Blow Molding Process Machinery
Rakhil M. Sinelnikova, Valery G. Makarov, May 2005
Deterioration of a barrel sleeve in a forwarding and solids compaction zone of a blow-moulding unit increases the heat exchange time and negatively affects the stability process.It has been shown that gel, formed by oxidation and structurization of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), sharply differs from HDPE in density, fluidity, dissolution of additives, and interaction with a metal surface.The research established the reason of worsening quality container and restoring stability of blow moulding.
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