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
Composites Derived from Post-Consumer Nylon 6 Carpet
John Muzzy, Youjiang Wang, Melinda Satcher, Bryan Shaw, Andrew McNamara, Josh Norton, May 2004
Over 2 million tons of post-consumer carpet is landfilled each year. This waste carpet is a potential resource for composites. Since waste carpets can be rapidly identified and sorted by face fiber, this paper focuses on the processing and properties of nylon 6 post-consumer carpet. The carpet is cleaned, shredded and extrusion pelletized. This feedstock is compounded with glass fibers and compatibilizers. Based on the properties achieved and the projected costs, applications are identified.
Fiber-Reinforcement of Composites by Reaction-Induced Phase Separation
Amit Chandra, Sadhan C. Jana, May 2004
A new class of fiber-reinforced composite materials is being designed in our laboratory by using a hybrid of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. The thermosetting polymers form separate phase upon reaction-induced phase separation and create morphology on the fiber surfaces. Consequently, strong fiber-polymer bonding of thermosetting composites and high fracture toughness of thermoplastic polymers are obtained from the same composite.
Assessing the Use of Lower Ordered Tensors in Numerical Predictions of Flow-Induced Fiber Orientation
David A. Jack, Douglas E. Smith, May 2004
Orientation tensors are widely used to describe fiber distributions in short fiber reinforced composite systems. This paper considers the effect of using lower order tensors in process simulations, and when computing mechanical properties for the composite structure from the flow calculations. Evaluations are performed by reconstructing the distribution function from successively higher order orientation tensors in a Fourier Series representation. Examples of fiber orientations in simple flow fields are provided.
Characterization of Polyetherimide and Polystyrene in Shear Flow
J. Lou, A. Shahbazi, V. Harinath, May 2004
Filled thermoplastic polyetherimide and polystyrene samples were prepared and their morphological and melt processing properties were studied with respect to the processing conditions and filler loadings. The results should provide insights that are needed to solve complex issues encountered in the industry dealing with the recycling and processing of this important class of thermoplastic materials.
Application of Image Processing Technique in Analyzing Microstructure of Nanocomposites
Chuan-Yang Wang, Han-Xiong Huang, Zhi-Min Xie, May 2004
An image processing program suitable for analyzing the microstructure of polymer/organic-montmorillonite (org-MMT) nanocomposites was developed based on the MATLAB software. The TEM photomicrographs of polypropylene/org-MMT were analyzed using the program. It has been revealed that the shape and size of the MMT in nanocomposites can be determined effectively and promptly by using the image processing program.
A Carbon Nanotube Alternative: Graphite Nanoplatelets as Reinforcements for Polymers
Hiroyuki Fukushima, Lawrence T. Drzal, May 2004
Intercalated natural crystalline graphite compounds [GICs] were formed followed by exfoliation and milling to produce sub-micron graphite flakes. SEM and TEM images showed that the average size of graphite became 0.86 um with a thickness of around 5 nm. The cost of this new nano-size graphite material was estimated to be around $5/lb or less. Since exfoliated graphite has superior mechanical, electrical, thermal properties and cost effectiveness, this material has been shown to be a superior potential reinforcement for polymer nanocomposites.
Synthesis and Characterization of High Density Polyethlene Clay Nanocomposites
M. Mehrabzadeh, M.R. Kamal, V. Mollet, May 2004
High-density polyethylene/clay nanocomposites were prepared, using a twin-screw extruder. The nanocomposites were characterized with TEM, XRD, DSC, optical microscopy and tensile testing. The results show some exfoliation and indicate that the clay does not affect the melting temperature or crystallinity of the HDPE. However, the clay acts as nucleation agent and reduces the crystallite size. The clay improved the modulus, without causing large decrease in the elongation and impact strength.
New Alloying Possibilities with SBM Block Copolymers
Laurent Gervat, Anthony Bonnet, François Court, Michel Glotin, Christophe Navarro, May 2004
SBM is a new family of copolymers constituted of three blocks of linear chains covalently bonded to one another: polyStyrene, 1,4polyButadiene and syndiotactic polyMethylMethacrylate.The polar and apolar moieties on the same molecule render SBM ideal interfacial agents for many incompatible systems, offering innovative possibilities in the design of new high performance polymeric blends.This concept has already been successfully applied to several pairs of incompatible polymers. New achievements with PVDF / PPE are presented.
Influence of Weight Fraction and Shear Rate on Particle Size in Polymer Blends
Y.G. Cho, M.R. Kamal, May 2004
A relationship between particle size and volume fraction, viscosity ratio, interfacial tension, and shear stress was suggested, which can be used to estimate quantitatively experimental data of particle sizes in concentrated polymer blends, for simple shear flow. The relationship explains the observation that, for coalescence-suppressed polyethylene/polyamide-6 blends with high viscosity ratio (>>1), to which maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene was added as a compatibilizer, the particle sizes decreased with the increase of the dispersed phase weight fraction.
Color and Appearance Measurement and Tolerancing Basics
Joseph M. Cameron, May 2004
Unlike properties such as impact or hardness that are directly measured in physical units, Color and Appearance are visual phenomenon that involves a physiological response by an observer. Color and Appearance are personal judgments that depend on how and under what conditions the observation is made. So how do we measure Color and Appearance and how can we set meaningful limits for those measurements?This paper reviews the basics of Color and Appearance measurement, Colorimetry, and addresses some of the important considerations in successful use of numerical tolerances.
Crystal Properties of Organic Pigments
Roger A. Reinicker, May 2004
Organic and inorganic pigments differ from dyes in that they remain particulate in application. Dyes are substances that are soluble or go into solution during the application process. Dyes’ coloristic properties are almost completely a function of their chemistry, but the properties of pigments greatly depend upon the physical characteristics of their particles. In the discussions below, the relationship of pigments' physical characteristics, especially organic pigments, to their application properties will be examined.
Verification of Color Difference Equations – Part II
Bruce M. Mulholland, May 2004
It is the goal of instrumental color measurement to correlate with our visual assessment 100% of the time. Much work has been performed over the years evaluating how well various color difference equations meet this objective. In this new study, seventy-six colors were evaluated using CIELab, CMC, and the proposed CIE DE2000 equations as they compared to the visual assessment. No equation yielded the desired 100% correlation.
Qualitative Analysis of Optical Film Properties
Andrew Yacykewych, May 2004
Optical characterization of films presents several challenges to manufacturers and processors of polymers. Defects in polymer films create both mechanical and aesthetic problems in end-use situations. Grading of films has historically been subjective and time consuming when determining quantity and quality of flaws. This paper intends to discuss how newer transmitted-light technology can be applied to objectively grade and compare the film quality of polyolefin compounds.
Diffusion of Methanol, Ethanol and Toluene in Nylon 12 and Poly(Butyleneterephthalate)
M.P. McCourt, G.M. Mc Nally, A.C. Ruddy, W.R. Murphy, May 2004
This work investigates the diffusion of methanol, ethanol and toluene in Poly(butyleneterephthalate), (PBT) and Nylon 12 over a range of temperatures from 8°C to 60°C. The results show that substantial solvent uptake was noted for Nylon in methanol and ethanol. Solvent uptake in PBT occurred only at the higher temperatures in toluene. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis also showed progressive decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg) and storage modulus (E’) with increase in solvent uptake.
Post-Mold Plastic Decorating
Keith Hillestad, May 2004
This paper will provide a look at various ways to post-mold decorate plastic parts including material selection, part design considerations, various manufacturing methods and the environment of the decorating process as well as the environment of the finished part.
Ultrasonic Welding of Copolyester Resins
Eric J. Moskala, Brian T. Eiselstein, Michael C. Morrow, Danny A. Free, May 2004
Ultrasonic welding is routinely used to join thermoplastic parts used in medical devices. This paper examines the effects of physical aging, welding parameters, and joint design on weld strength using an amorphous copolyester. Recommendations for obtaining the optimal ultrasonic weld are presented.
The Effect of Blending Drop Temperature on Properties of Extruded PVC Tubing
Michelle Moran, A. Lillian Buan-Delos Santos, James J. Penn, May 2004
The effect of blending drop temperature of a highly plasticized PVC resin was studied from compounding through extrusion and e-beam sterilization to produce medical grade tubing. Material characterization of the dry blend, pellets, and sterilized extruded tubing identified parameters in dry-blending and extrusion, which influenced the non-absorbed or free" plasticizer content and mechanical properties of the extruded tubing."
Nanomolding of Silicone Rubber Parts and Inserts in Thermoplastic
Phillip M. Leopold, May 2004
Molding of miniature parts (less than 10 cubic millimeters in volume) from liquid silicone rubber requires specialized molding machines and mold design to minimize flash and assure quality parts. Medical device part examples are used to illustrate sprue, runner, gate and part design concepts for these small parts. Techniques for insert molding LIM into thermoplastic parts to achieve bonding and minimum flash are reviewed.
Designing Nylon 12 Nanocomposites for Catheter Shafts, “ More Clay Is Not Always Better”
Charles J. O’Neil, Lawrence A. Acquarulo, Jr., Nikhil R. Jain, Jonathan Faucher, May 2004
Polymer or nanocomposites are a new class of materials having promise of significantly improving properties over traditionally filled polymers.We have recently seen as increase in interest for nanocomposite nylon 12 for use in catheter shafts. The main desire is for increased stiffness. We have found that the amount of clay has a major effect on increasing the stiffness of nylon 12. This study was performed to determine the clay level that gives the best balance of overall properties.
Development and Design of Novel Co-Injection Molded Soy Protein Delivery Devices
C.M. Vaz, D. Tchalamov, R.L. Reis, A.M. Cunha, May 2004
Novel bi-layer delivery devices have been designed and produced using an innovative processing technique in the field: two material co-injection molding. The study confirmed the potential of these systems to achieve bimodal drug delivery (fast release/slow release/fast release). Depending on the formulation of the skin/core combination it was possible to tailor systems to deliver active agents at a programmed time and rate.
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