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
Variation of the Self-Nucleation Domains in ABC Triblock Copolymers with Semicrystalline B and C Blocks
V. Balsamo, A.J. Müller, May 1999
The self-nucleation behavior of the polyethylene (PE) block within polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-block-polycaprolactone triblock copolymers was investigated. The extent of self-nucleation was found to be highly dependent on the PE content of the copolymers. The self-nucleation was almost completely suppressed when the PE content was 15% by weight.
Thermogravimetric Analytical Techniques
K.G.H. Raemaekers, J.C.J. Bart, May 1999
Thermogravimetry (TG) is an important tool for materials characterization. Hyphenated and multihyphenated methods greatly enlarge the scope of TG. Some thirty different experimental approaches were identified, many with a proven record, but some new and promising but in need of confirmation, such as video-imaging-TG, flash-TG- MS and quench-TG. A review of the state of modern thermogravimetry is given.
TG-MS Family Tree
A. Alders, K.G.H. Raemaekers, J.C.J. Bart, May 1999
Strengths and weaknesses of thermogravimetry - mass spectrometry (TG-MS) in qualitative and quantitative industrial problem solving are outlined. The main features of the TG-MS hardware components are reported. Emphasis is laid on the great variety in design options, both for the TG, MS and interface components. The user's requirements for ideal TG-MS instrumentation are described and hyphenated TG-MS options are evaluated. HRTG-EI/SI QMS extended with a chemometrics software package is currently the most advanced option.
Mechanism of Organotin Stabilization of Poly(Vinyl Chloride). 3. the Structure and Equilibria of Alkyltin Alkyl Mercaptopropionates and Their Compatibility with PVC
Radu Bacaloglu, Thomas Dooley, Barbara Hegranes, Jeff Jakubowski, Michael H. Fisch, May 1999
A series of alkyltin 2-ethylhexyl mercaptopropionates was synthesized and their structure and equilibria with alkyltin 2-ethylhexyl thioglycolates and alkyltin chlorides studied by IR and 119Sn NMR. Compatibility with PVC was determined using DMA analysis of glass transition temperatures. The implications of these results on PVC stabilization are discussed.
Use of Non-Contact Scanning Technology as a Means to Reduce Product Development Lead times
Raymond P. Behm, John J. Hahn, May 1999
The objective of this presentation is to discuss the implementation of a non-contact scanning inspection method that can reduce product development lead times by greatly reducing the time to qualify and/or quantify a product for production. The equipment, requirements, and methodology of this CAD based inspection method will be discussed. Additionally, case studies supporting this advanced inspection process will be presented.
Predicting Drop Breakup Using Model Flows
C.R. Marks, D.I. Bigio, R.V. Calabrese, May 1999
This work characterizes the deformation and breakup of a single drop subjected to a sudden onset shear flow. The drop is immersed in a second fluid with which it is immiscible. A cylindrical couette device is used to create simple shear flow on a time scale which is extremely short compared to the time scale of the deformation of the drop. Two breakup mechanisms were observed:elongative end pinching and capillary wave breakup.
New Light Stabilizer for Coextruded Polycarbonate Sheet
James H. Botkin, Andre Schmitter, May 1999
Weatherable polycarbonate sheet can be produced by coextruding a cap layer containing a UV absorber over a minimally-stabilized bulk layer. A new UV absorber based on hydroxyphenyltriazine chemistry has been developed that is especially suited to this application. The product provides superior long term weatherability due to its strong UV absorbance and its excellent photostability. It is also relatively nonvolatile, and has only a minimal effect on melt viscosity.
Diffusion at Polymer-Polymer Interfaces Probed by ATR-Attenuated Total Reflection
Sébastien Vaudreuil, Mosto Bousmina, Serge Kaliaguine, May 1999
In this work we report on the quantification of concentration profiles across the polystyrene-polyvinyl methyl ether interface through ATR-Attenuated total reflection technique. Different narrow molecular weight distributions and different temperatures above and below the glass transition temperature of polystyrene were tested both in the one phase and two-phase regions. The effects of temperature and molecular weight on the diffusion mechanism are discussed in terms of the phase behavior.
Determining Tear Resistance in Blown Film Using a Single Specimen J-Integral Approach
Thomas Eason, Walter L. Bradley, Misty Dawson, May 1999
A single specimen J-integral approach is developed to determine the fracture toughness of thin polyethylene blown films. The test is used to determine the amount of energy required to initiate crack growth as well as the energy required to propagate the crack. This paper presents preliminary findings using the single specimen J-integral approach on LLDPE blown films. A comparison between J, Elmendorf, and Dart is provided.
Crack Growth Studies for Polyacetyl Resins in Chlorinated Water
In Seok Oh, Paul K. So, Lawrence J. Broutman, May 1999
The crack growth resistance in chlorinated water has been measured for two polyacetal resins of different molecular weights. The crack growth rates were measured using single edge notched tensile specimens under constant stress at elevated temperatures. The crack resistance measured in hot water containing free chlorine were found to provide a reasonable explanation for the observed poor field performance of these resins in hot water plumbing applications.
Fluorescence Anisotropy Measurements of Oriented Polymers
Anthony J. Bur, Steven C. Roth, May 1999
Fluorescence anisotropy area scans of sheet and film specimens have been carried out using a fiber optic sensor that contains polarizing optical elements. Measurements on polyethylene terephthalate food packaging, which contains the fluorescent dye benzoxazolyl stilbene, are presented. In one case, a sheet cut from the side of a blow molded bottle displayed variation in biaxial orientation as a function of distance from the neck of the bottle. In another case, a thin film of shrink wrap material showed uniform biaxial orientation over the scanned area.
A Quantitative Investigation of Mixing in a Miscible SAN/PMMA Blend
Heidi E. Burch, Chris E. Scott, May 1999
Mixing of miscible additives into polymeric matrices is being investigated using the model blend SAN/PMMA. The normalized sample variance, as measured by FT-IR, is used to quantify the extent of mixing. The graph of normalized sample variance as a function of sample size reveals that there are at least two characteristic size scales present in short-time mixing samples. Theoretical calculations support this conclusion.
Cavity Pressure Studies for Stereolithography Produced Tooling
John Dell’Arciprete, Robert Malloy, Stephen McCarthy, May 1999
The objectives of the study are to: 1)Determine the relationship between cavity pressure and tool failure; 2)Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of cavity pressure transfer from first to second stage for stereolithography (SLA) produced tooling; and 3)Evaluate the effectiveness of computer simulation in determining the startup conditions for the AIM* injection molding process.
Effect of Applied External Pressure on the Surface Concentration of Erucamide in LLDPE Films
Linwood B. Muire, Douglas E. Hirt, May 1999
External pressure was applied to extruded LLDPE films with an average thickness of 70 microns at 35°C and 50°C for prescribed periods of time. The final surface concentration of the slip agent (erucamide) was then compared to the initial concentration. Three applied pressures were used and diffusion profiles were determined using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy.
Experimental Comparison of Floating Ring Mixing Devices
Jeff A. Myers, Robert A. Barr, Mark A. Spalding, Kevin R. Hughes, May 1999
Experiments were performed to determine the performance of three floating ring mixing devices. The mixers studied were 1) a Twente mixing ring, 2) a Barr sleeve mixer, and 3) a Barr ring mixer. Performance was measured using extrudate sampling, extruder performance, and extrusion solidification experiments.
An Optical Determination of Melt Viscosity through Particle Kinematics
David W. Riley, Andrew H. Schall, May 1999
Melt viscosity is calculated by observing contaminant flow in a low density polyethylene melt stream. The melt stream is radiated by visible light and images of flowing particles are captured and processed. Particle flow rates are measured across the stream, and a velocity profile is then determined. Viscosity is calculated from this profile.
Studies of Sharkskin Melt Fracture Using a Model Polymer
Y.W. Inn, R.J. Fisher, M.T. Shaw, May 1999
Sharkskin melt fracture (SSMF) of, especially, LLDPE has been studied for several decades because of its economic importance and scientific interest. SSMF occurs on extrusion of some--but not all--polymer melts; examples include LLDPE, PDMS and polybutadiene (PBD). PBD exhibits remarkably similar flow and SSMF behavior to LLDPE, but is easier to work with. Evidence for the origin of SSMF inside the die was sought, but not found, leaving the exit as the probable source of SSMF for this resin.
The Color Image Coding Analysis of Progressively Degrading Polymers
C.H. Stapfer, May 1999
Many an industrial polymer product reveals, once its quality diverts from set standards, either a change in color or an increase in fluorescence. After their accelerated ageing, various products are scanned on special flatbed scanners and their filed images are then color coded to determine with high accuracy their color composition, fluorescence intensity and the extent of their discoloration during processing.
The Effect of Salt Absorption on Nylon
Scott Steward, Ron Kander, May 1999
One of the most common environmental exposures that nylon undergoes when used for automotive applications is that of salt splash, which commonly occurs during winter driving. This study looks at the effect of various salts (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2) on the mechanical and thermal properties of nylon when exposed to one and four molar aqueous salt solutions. Also, the partition of the salt/water solutions was studied, as well as the preferential absorption of one salt over another.
Comparison of the Morphologies of Hot-Tool and Vibration Welds of Thermoplastics
Vijay K. Stokes, May 1999
Because the heating rates in hot-tool and vibration welding are very different, and the higher weld pressures used in vibration welding induce more squeeze flow, the weld zones in these two processes see very different flows and cooling rates, resulting in different morphologies. The weld morphologies of bisphenol-A polycarbonate and poly(butylene terephthalate) for these two processes are discussed in relation to these differences.
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