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
Rheology of TPV’S
Paul Steeman, Wim Zoetelief, May 2000
The rheological properties of various TPV's have been studied in shear flow using dynamical mechanical spectrometry, capillary rheometry, transient stress buildup and shear creep. The TPV's which are commercial dynamically vulcanised PP/EPDM blends show a typical rheological behaviour with an apparent yield stress value at low shear rates, a shear-thinning viscosity at high(er) shear rates and, moreover, they do not obey the Cox-Merz law. This study revealed that the observed phenomena could be explained by the role of the three main components: PP, EPDM and oil.
Effect of Polyolefin Structure on Grafting of Maleic Anhydride
A.V. Machado, J.A. Covas, M. van Duin, May 2000
In this study the effect of polyolefin composition, i.e. ethene/propene ratio, on MA grafting and branching/crosslinking or degradation was investigated both in the melt and solution. The MA grafting content for PE and EPM was similar, but low for polymers with a high propene content. An increase of the ethene content results in a transition from degradation to branching/crosslinking.
Fundamentals of Polymer Process Control
David O. Kazmer, May 2000
Process control has been recognized as an important means of improving the performance and consistency of thermoplastic parts. However, no single control strategy or system design has been universally accepted, and the manufacturing systems continue to produce defective components during production. This paper provides an overview strategies in polymer process control, and discusses some of the difficulties posed by the complex and distributed processes. Objectives for 'intelligent' process control are presented. Finally, the potential benefits of integating product and process design are demonstrated.
Ethylene/?-Olefin Elastomer Based Compositions for Automotive Interior Applications
Kim L. Walton, Tim Clayfield, May 2000
Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer elastomers based on single site constrained geometry catalysts exhibit a number of physical properties that make them extremely useful for automotive interior applications. Due to the low level of unsaturation in these polymers, they exhibit outstanding heat and UV aging resistance. Their molecular structures enable these polymers to exhibit low glass transition temperatures (Tg). Thus, compositions containing these polymers exhibit very good low temperature impact properties. Furthermore, these products impart inherent flexibility and soft touch to compositions and eliminate the need for plasticizers. Ethylene/1-octene copolymers exhibit an optimum combination of ultimate tensile and low temperature properties. Ethylene/1-octene copolymers can be compounded to produce flexible TPO compositions with elevated temperature and desirable softness suitable for automotive interior applications.
Utilisation of Fly Ash as a Filler in Plastics
Maurice Biagini, Alexandre Paris, Jesse McDaniel, Vaclav Kovac, May 2000
Fly ash is a by-product of the ground coal burning process used in power generation plants. Since fly ash primarily consists of inorganic materials, it is a potential filler substitute for conventional fillers in the plastic industry. In this work, the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of fly ash filled polypropylene were determined and the effect of adding fly ash on the properties of the resin was studied. Driven by the economical potential and environmental aspect of the usage of fly ash, this study enabled us to determine the viability of coal fly ash to be used as a substitute filler in plastic resins.
Biologically Derived Conducting Plastics
Wei Liu, Jayant Kumar, Sukant Tripathy, Lynne Samuelson, May 2000
A new biological strategy has been developed to synthesize water-soluble conducting polyaniline. In this approach, anilines are polymerized by the enzyme horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) catalysis in aqueous buffer solution at pH 4.3 in the presence of a template. Strong acid polyelectrolytes such as polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) and the aqueous micelles formed by strong acid surfactants such as dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (SDBS) are favor-able templates to form nano-scale reactors for the growth of conducting polyaniline. The properties of this enzymatically synthesized polyaniline are consistent with the polyaniline that is traditionally prepared via either chemical or electrochemical procedures. This biological approach offers unsurpassed ease of synthesis, processability, stability (electrical and chemical), and environmental compatibility.
New Halogen-Free Fire Retardant for Engineering Plastic Applications
Sergei V. Levchik, Danielle A. Bright, Gerald R. Alessio, Sophia Dashevsky, May 2000
A comparative study of the fire retardant efficiency of three commercial aryl phosphates: triphenyl phosphate (TPP), resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP) and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) in PC/ABS blends, was carried out. The thermal and hydrolytic stability of the fire retardant resins as well as their physical properties was also studied. The use of RDP and BDP is preferred over TPP because of superior properties, whereas BDP shows better fire retardant efficiency, hydrolytic and thermal stability than RDP.
Development of a Reactive Extrusion Process for the Production of Plasticized Film Grade Polylactic Acid
Rodney K. Williams, Scott R. Koenig, May 2000
The development of a reactive compounding process to provide an economical route for the production of film grade polylactic acid is discussed. The development of this process required the synchronization of a large number of unit operations. The unit operations were combined in a manner to optimize throughput and devolatilization, while minimizing gel formations and blocking. Free radical branching, plasticization, devolatilization, underwater pelletization and surface treatment techniques were employed during the development process. Process development was accomplished on a co-rotating, intermeshing twin screw extruder equipped with both devolatilization and underwater pelletizing systems.
An Overview of Optical Brighteners for Copolyester Resin Extrusion Paper Coating Applications
Johnny F. Suthers, May 2000
Several topics will be covered in the Take Home Information" to aid the reader in a better understanding of optical brighteners use in extrusion coating applications. They include: • What is an optical brightener? • What is the mechanism? • How to formulate with optical brighteners in an extrusion coating grade copolyester resin. "
On-Line Monitoring of Free Radical Grafting in a Model Twin Screw Extruder
Kasama Jarukumjorn, Kyonsuku Min, May 2000
The on-line monitoring system of Raman spectroscopy was developed to monitor the grafting identification and level of grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto low density polyethylene (LDPE). The reactive extrusion and melting behavior of GMA and LDPE was monitored by a fiber optic probe through the glass windows mounted on the model non-intermeshing counter rotating twin screw extruder. Monitoring concentration of GMA along the screw extruder was carried out to determine the reaction level.
Sorption Properties of PAN/Chitosan Composite Fiber
Byung G. Min, Chang-Whan Kim, Sang-Chul Lee, May 2000
Composite fiber of PAN and chitosan was obtained by hydration-melt spinning process. The fiber showed a fibrillar structure which can be converted easily into pulp-like structure by beating. PAN/chitosan pulp showed much higher amount of acid dye uptake than chitosan powder or activated carbon which is used for the color removal from the waste water of dyeing industry. This better sorption for the composite fiber is considered to result from the relatively large surface area due to its pulp-like shape.
Opportunities for Reinforced Plastics in Automotive Applications
Gilbert B. Chapman II, Donald A. Vesey, May 2000
This paper presents the motivation for using fiber-reinforced plastics in automotive applications and the advantages and limitations concomitant therewith. Applications of fiber-reinforced plastic components in current and future vehicles have been selected for discussion to provide examples of how these materials can be used to support the drive toward the continuous improvements in performance, energy-efficiency, manufacturing cost, and environmental conservation.
Product Fabrication Project/Course
J.-M. Charrier, May 2000
Polymer engineering courses are now being taught in a variety of departments of numerous engineering schools all over the world. In many cases, a single introductory course is offered, sometimes shared by departments. A practically-oriented project, designed to alert the students to the strong interdisciplinary nature of the field and to prepare them for the type of work that many engineers do in this field, will be discussed in the light of over thirty years of experience in our school. The project can be integrated in an introductory polymer engineering course or, in an expanded form, made into a complementary course. The presentation will include the general objectives, as well as many practical considerations which are important to the success of such project or course.
Novel In-Line Rheometer for Polymer Melts, Compounds and Solutions
Michael McBrearty, Safwat Tadros, May 2000
A rugged new process rheometer employs a cam rotating in a cylindrical cavity containing a flush mounted pressure transducer. The cam generates excess hydrodynamic pressure in the wedge-shaped region between its outer edge and the cavity wall. As the cam passes the transducer, the measured pressure increases, reaches a maximum and then decreases. The amplitudes of the pressure fluctuations are proportional to viscosity. The shear rate of the viscosity measurement is the cam speed divided by the gap distance. The instrument continuously records and analyzes pressure versus time profiles. For dual shear rate measurements, two cams are keyed to an extruder screw or the shaft of a gear pump. For continuous shear rate sweeps, external variable speed drive motors can be used with side stream and reactor vessel versions. In-line and referee lab data are presented for typical polymers and rheometer configurations.
A Novel Technique for the Detection of a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS), Based on Silicon Technology
Subramaniam Narayan, Robert E. Lee, Dallas Hallberg, Vincenzo Malatesta, May 2000
Polyolefins such as polypropylenes need to be stabilized effectively against UV radiation in order to have a useful product life. The use of hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) in polypropylene fibers and molded articles has been gaining popularity. Specific applications include automotive bumpers, medical devices and polypropylene fibers for carpets. A novel method was developed to detect the presence of a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS), based on silicon technology in polypropylene. The method consists of extracting the HALS from the polypropylene matrix followed by detection and quantification using proton NMR spectroscopy.
Design and Analysis of Crosshead Annular Die for Braided Medical Tubing Extrusion
X. Guo, R. Stehr, May 2000
A theoretical method is proposed for optimum design of a crosshead annular die used for medical tubing. According to this method, the geometric variables are determined to minimize the change in gapwisely-averaged flow velocities due to the variation in flow patterns inside the transitional region of the flow channel of the die, namely the gum space. To achieve this, a numerical approach to flow analysis is put forward based upon the simplified motion and energy equations as well as the approximation of the flow channel using a series of varying annular slits, each having constant geometric parameters. Accordingly, the numerical schemes for flow analysis and design optimization are established, and the computer program is developed using Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0. For an optimum die design, the heat adhesion between the cold-fed inner tube and the hot melt during the over-extrusion is evaluated based upon the temperature rise and pressure profile of the melt in the die land. Based upon the optimum die design obtained from the method, the flow is well balanced with enhancement of extrusion quality. Also, it is found that the optimum die designs are less sensitive to extrusion conditions within a certain range.
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Assisted Polymer Blending in Twin-Screw Extrusion: Relations between Morphology Evolution and Mechanical Properties
M.D. Elkovitch, L.J. Lee, D.L. Tomasko, May 2000
Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) was added during compounding of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and the resulting morphology development was observed. The compounding took place in a twin screw extruder. Viscosity reduction of PMMA and polystyrene were measured using a slit die rheometer attached to the twin screw extruder. Carbon dioxide was added at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 wt.% based on polymer melt flow rates. A viscosity reduction of up to 80% was seen with PMMA and up to 70% with polystyrene. A sharp decrease in the size of the minor (dispersed) phase was observed near the injection point of CO2. However, further compounding led to coalescence of the dispersed phase. De-mixing of the dispersed phase occurred upon CO2 venting. The resulting morphology was similar to that without the addition of CO2. Adding small amounts of fillers (e.g. carbon black, calcium carbonate, or nano-clay particles) tended to slow down the de-mixing of the polymer blend system when the CO2 was released. The comparison of morphology and mechanical properties for various polymer blends with and without CO2 considerations will be reported.
Blends of Ethylene-Styrene Interpolymers
H.Y. Chen, W. Cheung, S.P. Chum, A. Hiltner, E. Baer, May 2000
Binary blends of ethylene-styrene interpolymers (ESIs) were studied over a range of styrene concentration. The miscibility composition map was determined primarily from the morphology as imaged with AFM, and when possible confirmed by analysis of the Tg behavior using DMTA and DSC. A difference in styrene content of about 8 wt% marked a transition from miscible to immiscible behavior for amorphous ESIs. The miscibility criterion extended to blends of semicrystalline ESIs. It was also found that molecular weight affects the observed domain morphology.
Effect of Heater Band Orientation on Cavity to Cavity Variations
Adam J. Shuttleworth, Ramsey J. Haylett, May 2000
This paper presents the results of a study that shows that heater band orientation on a machine nozzle can cause an imbalance of over 5% in multi-cavity molds. The amount of imbalance is material dependant. The imbalance is most directly related a material's temperature and viscosity constants.
The Effect of Varying Injection Molding Conditions on Cavity Pressure
Sonja Macfarlane, Rickey Dubay, May 2000
Obtaining high quality parts in injection molding requires the understanding of the many interactions that exist between the molding parameters. Cavity pressure and part mass are good indicators for maintaining high product quality and obtaining good machine control performance. The effect on cavity pressure and part mass was investigated by varying the molding conditions using a two-phase screw-plunger injection molding machine. The molding parameters that were perturbed included the barrel temperature, injection velocity and hold pressure. The results provided a good understanding of the effect of changing the molding conditions on cavity pressure and part mass for a two-phase injection machine.
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