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
Investigating the Influence of Filler Type, Particle Size and Weight Fraction on Rheological and Thermal Behavior of Polypropylene/Blast Furnace Slag Microcomposite
Abdelhamid Mostafa, Stephan Laske, Elke Krischey, Helmut Flachberger, Clemens Holzer, May 2015
The aim of this study is to assess the rheological and thermal performance of polypropylene (PP) composites filled with blast furnace slag (BFS) filler. Two filler types, crystalline and amorphous, were ground into three micro-sized batches: 71, 40 and 20æm and each introduced without treatment to BB412E-grade PP via melt kneading. So composites with 10, 20 and 30 wt% filler were prepared, formed into plates by means of compression molding and then subjected to rheological and thermal investigation. Type of filler did not show any noticeable effect on rheological and thermal behavior, while particle size and content did. As expected, complex viscosity, storage modulus and loss modulus curves slightly shifted to higher values with increasing filler content. Composites with 40æm filler size showed best rheological performance regardless of filler type. Slight shifting to lower and higher temperature values was observed for crystallization and melting peaks. In addition, decrease of filler size and/or increase in filler amount lead to a decrease in enthalpy and crystallization degree
Evaluating the Efficiency of Nucleation Agents in Polypropylene by Means of Isothermal Crystallization and Kinetic Modelling
Keith Fahnestock, Andreas N. Spoerrer, Claire Strasser, Tobias Pflock, Bob Fidler, May 2015
Semi-crystalline polymers like Polypropylene (PP) or Polyamide (PA) undergo a crystallization process during cooling from the melt, initiated by initial crystal nucleation, followed by crystal growth. The nucleation process is not only dependent on the cooling profile and the resins nature but it can be influenced by nucleation additives. These additives can increase the crystallization temperature and rate as well as the degree of crystallinity. For thermoplastic processing like injection molding it is favorable to have a high crystallization temperature to reduce required cooling time. Additionally a high degree of crystallinity improves mechanical properties like strength and toughness. However, for material developers and molders it may be of severe advantage to fully understand the crystallization process as a function of additive type and concentration, to model their kinetic parameters as well as to predict its behavior at processing relevant temperature profiles. Therefore isothermal crystallization experiments by means of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) are employed using a newly developed heat-flow DSC with a very fast furnace to study the efficiency of two different types of nucleation additives in PP. The measurement data were used to model the crystallization kinetics with Avrami-approach using sophisticated Thermokinetic software. Kinetic modelling allows comparing nucleation efficiency of different additives.
Crystal Morphology of Biodegradable Poly(Lactic Acid)/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites and the Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics Research
Lihong Geng, Hao-yang Mi, An Huang, Peng Yu, Xiang-fang Peng, May 2015
The biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites were prepared successfully at various GO loading by solution casting. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) showed the layered GO were exfoliated in the nanocomposites and well distributed. Evident crystallization peaks were observed in the PLA/GO nanocomsites rather than neat PLA in the nonisothermal melt crystallization test, which indicated the GO was an effective nucleating agent. For isothermal melt crystallization, the overall isothermal melt crystallization rates were signi?cantly greater in the nanocomposites than in neat PLA. The crystallization rates decreased with increasing crystallization tempera?ture. The incorporation of GO did not affect the crystal morphology of PLA in the nanocomposites, but it contributed to more regular and perfect crystallization structure.
Visualisation of Degraded Parts by Applying FT-IR Imaging and EDS Analysis
Kazushi Yamada, Kiyomi Okada, Tetsuya Tsujii, Hiroyuki Nishimura, May 2015
Generally, a durability evaluation of plastic pipe is performed by mechanical test such as tensile test and impact test after accelerated degradation test, whereas there is few research of polymer analysis with spectroscopy for these plastic pipes. However, it is very important to analyze the degradation process for improvement of reliability and long-term usage. In this investigation, we demonstrate the visualization of degradation parts and try to evaluate the degradation of PE-RT pipe after stress rupture test at high temperature by using FT-IR imaging and SEMEDS analysis. From results, it was found that there are many cracks on the inner surface of PE-RT pipe when the pipe ruptured with degradation. In addition, it was found that the inner surface and crack part of PE-RT were not only oxidation but also adsorption of metal ions in water. These results were visualized by using SEM-EDS analysis and FT-IR imaging.
The Real-Time Determination Algorithm of Mold Temperature Stabilization
Byungohk Rhee, Jinsu Gim, Joonsung Tae, Joohyeong Jeon, Eunsu Han, Bongju Kim, May 2015
In order to stabilize the part quality and minimize unnecessary cycles for temperature stabilization, it is desirable to determine the mold temperature stabilization in real-time. In this work, real-time mold temperature stabilization determination algorithm is developed. For an efficient operation of the algorithm, the initial mold surface temperature in each cycle turned out to be appropriate. To determine the stabilized state reliably, a determination criterion using the mold temperature changing rate was suggested. Developed algorithm was installed to an embedded device, showing a reliable operation even in a noisy condition.
Biodegradable Latex Paper Coatings Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoates for Improved Moisture Resistance
Christopher Thellen, Michael Andrews, Allen Padwa, Zhiguan Yang, May 2015
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based latex paper coatings were investigated for improved water resistance in Kraft paper samples. Cobb testing of samples with paper coating weights ranging from 10-30g/mý indicated improved moisture resistance with coating thickness as well as improved performance through heat treatment of the samples. Microscopy investigations indicated the formation of localized concentrations of surfactant after exposure to water. The PHA-surfactant structure and the effect of the annealing process on moisture resistance were investigated.
Using Multiple Morphological Methods to Understand the Processing/Structure/Property/Behavior of Olefinic Microporous Battery Separator Membranes
Garth L. Wilkes, May 2015
Today?s cell phones and many other microelectronic devices commonly utilize lithium ion based batteries that in turn depend on effective microporous membranes as battery separators. The materials utilized for these are typically either linear high density polyethylene, PE, or isotactic polypropylene, PP, or a combination of these two materials in layered form. These have been in existence for many years and they are made in a multiple-step process that begins with the melt extrusion of the given polymer(s). This invited presentation, meant to display the importance of understanding morphological structure in view of processing as well as the final properties, will use such single layer separators as an example system to demonstrate several of the many useful morphological tools available to the engineer or scientist. It will be shown that they provide understanding of the final structure of such systems in view of the process steps the material is put through to achieve the desired porosity for these important semicrystalline membrane materials.
Thermal Conductivity of Carbon Fiber/Carbon Nanotube Hybrid-Filled Polymer Composites
Haihong Wu, Shuaifu Zhu, Chunyan Sun, Zhifu Feng, Zhenfeng Zhao, May 2015
In order to improve compatibility between fillers and matrix, and reduce the scattering effect of the interface flaws on phonons movement, we used carbon fiber(CF) modified with polyamide solution and carbon nanotube(CNT) coated with nickel as fillers to fabricate thermal conductive polyamide(PA) composites. The surface states of different modification methods on CFs were tested with FRA and the microstructures of the composites were analyzed with scanning electron microscope(SEM). The results show that coated nickel CNTs not only disperse in the matrix well, but also attach to the surface of modified CFs easily as well. The thermal conductive network formed between CFs and CNTs through their adsorption of surface functional groups, which is beneficial to increase the mean length of phonons movements. Compare to the composites filled with CFs and CNTs without surface modification, the thermal conductivity of the composites, filled with coated nickel CNTs and surface modified CFs, increase by three times. Meanwhile, their mechanical properties increase also because of improved interface microstructure.
Matrix Effects on Long Fiber Orientation Distributions within Injection Molded End-Gated Plaques
Kevin D. Herrington, Rebecca Minnick, Donald G. Baird, May 2015
The Method of Ellipses (MOE) was applied to long
fiber polymer composites in order to quantify the fiber
orientation distribution within injection molded end-gated
plaques. The effect of matrix viscosity and fiber type on
orientation was explored. Orientation was examined along
the centerline at the mold-gate interface, near the advancing
front and at multiple plaque widths at half of the plaque
length. Preliminary data suggests that the matrix viscosity
has a larger effect on the orientation of the fibers than if
glass fiber (GF) or carbon fiber (CF) is used. A more
viscous matrix caused a more distinct shell-core-shell
orientation profile. CF appeared to orient faster than GF
which is likely due to a shorter aspect ratio. Work is
ongoing to obtain the orientation of GF polymer samples
with different initial fiber lengths and along the plaque
width.
Producing Cross-Linked Polycarbonate ? Challenges and Benefits
Amanda Flores, Peter Johnson, James Hoover, Jean-Francois Morizur, May 2015
The benefits of polycarbonate include inherent toughness, transparency, relatively high temperature stability, and wide flow range. These properties have long led to usage in applications that require good aesthetics, dimensional stability, and strong mechanical properties. Looking to build upon these benefits, a new polycarbonate has been developed with a UV-active ketone incorporated in to the resin which allows for cross-linking of the polycarbonate when exposed to UV. This UV-active polycarbonate has similar physical properties to standard polycarbonate (tensile strength, Izod impact, melt flow, etc.). Yet after UV exposure, the new resin shows improvements in chemical resistance and flame retardance of polycarbonate.
X-Ray Nanotomography of the Skin-Core Structure of Injection Molded Composites
Sudheer Bandla, Jay C. Hanan, May 2015
Microstructure development during polymer processing is of interest for manufacturers in engineering the final properties. Injection molding advancements have facilitated molding components with complex geometries. With industry moving towards minimizing the polymer waste while retaining the component properties, it is necessary to understand the microstructure formation in detail. Progresses in the field of X-ray imaging techniques have made it possible to characterize polymers with sub-micron resolution. In the current work, we show the applicability of X-ray nanotomography in quantifying the skin-core morphology resulting from injection molding.
Continuous Extrusion of LLDPE Films Modified with Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoplatelets
Ozgun Ozdemir, Amod A. Ogale, May 2015
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films containing boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNN) and were fabricated by continuous melt extrusion. The inclusion of BNN led to 10-fold increase of the in-plane thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite (7.7 W/m.K vs. 0.3 W/m.K for pure LLDPE). To increase the surface area available for convective heat transfer, micro-textured films (T-BNN) were produced from a micro-patterned die. Nanoplatelets oriented parallel to the film machine direction. Nanocomposite films lose ductility for a very high BNN content, but retain their stiffness and tensile strength as compared to the base LLDPE. BNN addition to the LLDPE decreased coeffiecent of friction by 50%, and mixrotextures raised this decrease by 7% more.
Producing Long Chain Branched Polymers from Linear Polyolefins
Edward M. Phillips, May 2015
Polyolefins, (polyethylene and polypropylene) are arguably the most commonly used thermoplastics used today in a broad range of processes and applications. There are hundreds of types of polyolefins that can be produced directly from the polymerization reactor considering
co-monomer type and concentration, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution etc. However, even with today?s state of the art process technology, not all of the polymer attributes required by many applications are achievable at the reactor level. Of the polyolefin family, only low density polyethylene inherently exhibits excellent melt strength resulting from it?s highly long chain branched structure. While the physical properties of linear low density polyethylene (higher tear and puncture resistance), high density polyethylene (higher stiffness, toughness) and polypropylene (higher stiffness, clarity, high heat resistance) may be more desirable for a particular application, they all exhibit poor melt strength due to their linear structure.
This paper reviews the history, techniques and practical application of modifying readily available, ?reactor grade? linear polyolefins to produce long chain branching. Some of these materials exhibit rheological properties comparable to or exceed the melt strength of low density polyethylene while maintaining 100% of their original properties. Examples of their commercial practicality will be discussed in terms of value in application.
Plastic Packaging Modeling: Interactions with Food. Model and Method to Estimate the Shelf Life of Oxygen-Sensitive Food Products
Iv n L¢pez, Omar Estrada, Juan C. Estefan, Alejandro Betancur, May 2015
A model to estimate the shelf life in oxygen sensitive food products is proposed. The kinetics of oxygen consumption of the food product and the permeation properties of the package are considered. A novel method to characterize the oxygen consumption is discussed. Some results for an oxygen-sensitive product are presented. The model and method proposed are very useful for developing new products and for making decisions about the selection of film and packaging conditions according to the shelf life expectations.
How Efficient Is Dry-Blending and Rotomolding to Produce Wood-Plastics Composites Compared to Compression Molding
Denis Rodrigue, Brian Vezeau, Bernard Riedl, May 2015
In this work, wood-plastics composites (WPC) were produced at different wood contents (0-40% wt.) in linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE). In particular, the initial dry-blending of the materials was performed and a comparison is made on the effect of the processing method used: 1) compression molding, 2) melt blending followed by compression molding, and 3) rotational molding. The composite properties are then compared in terms of mechanical properties (tension and flexion) as well as polymer degradation while processing.
Long Fiber (glass) Breakage in Capillary and Contraction Flow
Hongyu Chen, Mark J. Cieslinski, Peter Wapperom, Donald G. Baird, May 2015
To couple the effect of average fiber length evolution with fiber orientation, a breakage model based on the semi-flexible orientation model has been developed. In order to test our breakage model and further investigate the effect of fiber length evolution on fiber orientation, our experiments have tracked long fiber (glass) breakage in capillary flow. Initial conditions in terms of fiber orientation and fiber length for future simulations have been obtained inside the capillary rheometer barrel. The fiber length and fiber orientation of the materials exiting the capillary die have also been measured.
Modelling Haze and Transmission of Transparent Filled Systems in Dependence of Filler Surface Area, Refractive Index Difference and Wavelength
Wolfgang Wildner, Dietmar Drummer, May 2015
Glass-filled polymers with a matching refractive index between polymer and glass might combine improved mechanical and thermal properties with transparency. In this paper the transparency of glass-filled polymers is critically examined. To analize transparency and haze, model-like specimens consisting out of a cuvette filled with oil and glass fillers were prepared. The haze of these specimens is strongly dependent on the refractive index difference between oil and filler material and is close to zero at a matching refractive index.
On the basis of these measurements an empirical model for the calculation of transparency and haze is created. The results provided by this model show a good match with the measured values of the specimens and also with results of experiments described in literature. Based on the model, the paper provides calculated graphs to determine the haze of glass-filled polymers in dependence of the specific filler surface area, the refractive index difference, the wavelength and the sample thickness.
Simulation and Validation of Mold Filling with Velocity Controlled Valve Gates
Zhongshuang Yuan, David Astbury, Franco Costa, Dan Ward, Matt Prey, May 2015
Part surface defects can be prevented or minimized by using a cascade molding process with valve gates opening sequentially at controlled speeds. The process dynamics of cascade injection molding were investigated and simulated in the Autodesk Moldflow Insight (AMI) simulation software. Molding trials were performed with sequential valve gates opening at full speed and at variable speeds, respectively using Synventive hot runners equipped with SynFlow?. The experimental results were compared with the predicted results from the simulation software and good agreement was obtained.
Deformation Measurement, Modeling and Morphology Study for HDPE Caps and Closures
XiaoChuan A. Wang, May 2015
Compressive strain data of as-is closures are obtained as a function of time and stress using a modified probe in a DMA instrument at 930C. Data are modeled using a strain equation which involves stress exponent and time exponent. The model describes the data obtained from different types of closures made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) very well. It is also in line with what is expected for deformation resistance regarding the molecular weight and density of HDPE and type of polymers (PP vs. PE). In addition, the predicted compressive creep data agree well with field observations on two HDPE closures. The tendency of the deformation of these two HDPE closures might be related to their crystallization rates and crystalline structures. The methodology may be useful to provide a rapid and cost-effective means for closure deformation prediction, resin comparison on the same closure design and correlation with some end-use closure properties in a sealed system.
Verification of a Structural Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics with Weld Line
Sebastian Kammer, Marco Arras, Thomas Schr”der, May 2015
Finite element methods are a powerful tool to determine mechanical properties of injection molded parts prior to start of production. However, it is still a challenge to predict the weld line quality of a fiber reinforced thermoplastic precisely. Thus the verification of simulation results is necessary to tap the full potential of lightweight materials. In this study the verification of a structural analysis was split into three minor objectives in order to better understand what affects a weld line:
In this study the verification of a structural analysis was split into three minor objectives in order to better understand a weld line:
(1.) Influence of process parameters on the mechanical properties of weld lines
(2.) Influence of glass fibers on the mechanical properties of weld lines
(3.) Verification of a structural analysis regarding breaking stress and fiber orientation and length distribution
A design of experiments (DoE) was used to carry out injection molding dependent effects. Therefore, two gated tensile bars where molded to induce a weld line and then analyzed with a tensile testing machine. The analytical methods of fiber length scanning and æ-CT were used to verify the fiber-length distribution and the configuration of the fiber orientation in the weld line. The experimental results were then compared with the results of the simulation.
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