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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Various topics related to sustainability in plastics, including bio-related, environmental issues, green, recycling, renewal, re-use and sustainability.
The company Merquinsa SL | located in
Barcelona | Spain | produces classical
polyurethane as well as new (ECO)
polyurethane based on several raw materials
from renewable sources. This particular study
was based on biogenic oil as primary renewable
source for TPU.
A new family of thermoplastic
polyurethanes (TPU) is presented. This new
TPU series has application for polyurethane
adhesives | polyurethane for extrusion | and
injection molding markets. A full range of
vegetable plant-based sources derived from
bifunctional polyols has been developed. The
reaction of these polyols in the TPU
formulation allows new TPU with a renewable
content ranging from 30% to 90% by weight.
Compared to the standard petrochemical-based
grades | the new ‘green-TPU’ shows better
hydrolytic resistance | and maintain equivalent
mechanical properties like first-class
thermoplastic polyurethanes. Merquinsa will
present the latest results for its ECO-TPU
range | based on different renewable raw
materials.
Automotive plastics with a low polarity, such as PE,
PP, TPO, POM, PUR and PTFE typically require
surface treatment when decoration is required.
Metallic surfaces may also require cleaning to
remove low molecular weight organic materials
prior to decoration. Once the above-mentioned
interior and exterior grades of substrate surfaces are
cleaned and activated, printing, gluing and painting
are possible without the use of adhesion-promoting
primers. This paper describes the latest innovations
in three-dimensional surface treating technology for
plastics finishing which address the need to advance
adhesion properties, increase product quality, and
achieve environmental objectives within the
automotive industry. These innovations include
advanced thermal and non-thermal discharge
treatment processes for raising the polarity of
surfaces to be painted, bonded, decorated,
laminated, printed, or to have tape applied.
Novel phenolic resins (PF) with improved fracture
toughness and flexibility properties were synthesised and
evaluated. A first modification consisted in the
copolymerization of Phenol with a natural renewable
component (Cardanol) during the synthesis of PF resins
(CPF). An increases in the content of Cardanol resulted
in a proportional increases in the flexural strength and in
the fracture toughness together with a decreases in the
flexural modulus of the cured CPF/PF blended resins.
Further increased plasticizing and toughening effect was
observed by the blending of the CPF/PF resins with propylene glycol (PG).
Marianna I. Triantou | Petroula A. Tarantili, November 2011
In this study | blends based on poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) were prepared and studied | in an attempt to explore the performance of mixtures deriving from recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The modification of ABS and ABS/PC blends via the incorporation of reinforcing fillers | such as organic modified montmorillonite nanoparticles (OMMT) | was also explored and its effect on the structure and properties was evaluated.
Polyamides are widely used in many applications. There is a vast amount of recycled polyamide coming from the carpet and textile and other industries. Due to degradation and loss of viscosity, this recycled polyamide has reduced performance and limited its use. The unique chemistry of alternating copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride provide several advantages for upgrading recycled polyamide. This paper discusses the results obtained with compounding prime grade polyamide as well as recycled polyamide with the addition of small quantities of this copolymer and specific property improvements for applications in injection molded compounds.
Closed Loop Inkjet Cartridge; Recycling Program: – Cartridges torn down and 100% recycled – Recycling/Cleaning partners – PPO/PS resin is collected – Cleaned and recompounded – Compounding partners – Reintroduced into new ink cartridges
All manuf. sites will have a wildlife habitat certification or
equivalent (where feasible) • GM will utilize 125 MW of renewable energy sources • Reduce energy intensity by 20% (baseline 2010) • Reduce carbon intensity by 20% (baseline 2010) • Reduce total waste by 10% (baseline 2010) • Reduce water intensity by 15% (baseline 2010) • Reduce VOC intensity by 10% (baseline 2010) • 100 mfg. sites and 25 non-manufacturing sites are landfillfree
Common Issues With Recycling Heavily Printed Materials: Printing inks contain binders and additives that emit gases when heated to required melt temperatures. Gases and other contaminants enter melt and
often result in poor quality pellets.
Dr. Brian Coleman and Dr. Seetha Coleman-Kammula, October 2011
US EPA waste plastics data show that in 2010: A total of 31 million tons of plastic waste was generated making up 12.4 % of total MSW. Only 8 % of this waste was recovered for mechanical recycling. The rest most likely goes to landfills as dirty and soiled plastic.
Embodied energy values were determined for bio-fibers, mineral and glass fiber using data
obtained from recently published technical papers. This data, together with other LCA and
actual physical property data was used to explore the comparative performance and
environmental footprints for a wide range of reinforced polypropylene composites. The data
show that RheVision® bio composite materials present competitive and useful physical
performance coupled with improved environmental impacts.
Plant oil based derivatives have been noted in polymer chemistry dating back to the fist
developments of polyamides in the 1940's. In the world of elastomers, natural rubber has
always been plant based. Today the use of bio mass derivatives has gained new attention given
the quest to reduce the dependence of polymer production on petroleum sources. One notable
monomer is sebacic acid derived from caster oil and used in polyamides. The advantage this
monomer brings to the resulting polymers is not its Green Character alone. First, it can be
applied to standard polymerization processes already in place for making the petroleum based
relatives. This is a key aspect in bringing new bio based polymers to market at scale and cost
effectively. Second, it imparts unique performance characteristics that differentiate the
resulting polymers from their petroleum based relatives. This allows them to fill true
performance gaps in their polymer families. We will examine the performance characteristics of
PA 410 relative to the existing range of polyamide demonstrating that unique features (and
ultimately - economic value) beyond Green Character can be realized.
The erosion of our coastlines and estuaries is a problem that is getting some help from an
unlikely source – bioplastics. Restoration is achievable through sound planning, use of advanced
environmental practices, and understanding the importance of natural habitat in both the
water and surrounding land. However, advances in bioscience can help achieve these goals.
We will discuss how the properties of bioplastics make the material a suitable solution for
manufacturing marine-related products. Certain bioplastics have the unique ability to
biodegrade in marine and freshwater environments, in accordance with ASTM D7081 for
marine-biodegradable non-floating plastics. This standard specification, along with the standard
method ASTM 6691 for determining aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials in the marine
environment, was developed at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and
Engineering Center (NSRDEC) in Natick, Massachusetts, with support from the U.S. Navy and
the Waste Reduction Afloats Protects the Sea (WRAPS) Program.
This session will explain what is required to meet the standards for the biodegradation of
water-resistant yet marine-biodegradable bioplastics. The presentation will also discuss how
bioplastics safely biodegrade in marine environments, highlighting the types of commercial
product applications that are ideal for these new materials.
PHA compostable plastic materials demonstrated marine biodegradation per ASTM D-7081
standard. Two PHA-based films and cellulose paper biodegraded over 30% after 180 days while
at 30°C and under conditions of the ASTM D-6691 test method. Biodegradation was measured
by CO 2 evolution from samples in glass jars. PLA based plastic cup, PLA-based snack bag, and
polyethylene film negative control did not meet 30% biodegradation in 180 days. Bio-additive
polyethylene based trash bag and ziplock bags did not meet the marine biodegradation
standards in ASTM D-7081.
An important attribute for many plastics is the ability to be recycled. By melting and
reprocessing thermoplastics for re-use, the carbon footprint can typically be reduced compared
to the use of virgin materials. The benefits of incorporating recycle content into new and
existing applications, however, must be tempered by the reality that recycled plastics may not
have the same performance as virgin materials due to either 1) degradation by
weathering/aging, 2) contamination, or 3) thermo-mechanical degradation from re-processing.
To minimize the intrinsic effects of the recycling process and allow usage of recycled plastics
such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or streams with mixed content, it is important to
understand the benefits of utilizing impact modifiers and compatibilizers.
Reclamation of polyester waste in the fiber industry is well known and a seemingly well
developed process. It offers numerous benefits to fiber producers. These benefits include but
are not limited to the following: conservation of oil, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
saving landfill space and energy conservation. Unfortunately, in spite of these benefits, total
recycling of polyester does not exceed 25%. The main reason for low recycling rates is the
hydrolytic instability of polyester resin leading to a severe drop in the polymer’s viscosity. This
deterioration in polyester viscosity is amplified due to high temperatures and shear rates
involved in fiber processing. Existing methods to preserve IV and melt viscosity of polyester
resin include solid state polymerization (SSP), and gaining popularity in the last 25 years, Erema
recycling technology. Both of these approaches include significant capital investment in
equipment and both are rather energy consuming. We are offering an alternative approach to
maintain or even increase IV of polyester resins during recycling or direct processing of fibers
and yarns. Developed by Goulston Technologies, internal polymer additives work like linear
chain extenders and offer a cost effective improvement in IV and melt viscosity of polyester
resins. These additives are based on bi-functional reactive chemicals and are available in a form
of highly concentrated master batches that can be dosed directly into the waste stream. These
additives are capable of significant increase in IV and melt viscosity without cross linking and
corresponding gel formation, and clogging of the spinning packs. This additive technology offers
polyester processors a safe and cost effective alternative to capital intensive investments.
ECO Research Institute (ERI) has developed a dry grinding method that pulverizes waste paper
to the micron size range and that powdered recyclate is then used as filler in thermoplastics.
Using this technology reduces carbon-dioxide emissions by as much as 60-80 percent compared
to using traditional thermoplastics while also enhancing mechanical properties.
ERI has seen its business growth very rapidly in Japan as the technology does not suffer from
any of the processing and performance limitations of other bio-plastics. The ERI materials are
now widely used in automotive, electric, food, housing, transportation and toy industries. ERI is
now expanding capacity through its US subsidiary in cooperation with Michigan Molecular
Institute, which will bring compounding capabilities to the U.S. under the name Eco Bio Plastics
Midland, Inc.
Paper has been one of the oldest products for the history of human being and it has been
produced on a huge scale basis all over the world. The basic application relies on the
technology of utilizing long cellulose fiber for processing. Paper is also known for high level of
recycling, mostly by producing recycled paper.
We have investigated the possibility of:
1. Finding new technology of paper other than the application of long cellulose fiber
2. Recycling paper other than producing recycled paper
3. Creating more environmentally friendly material by utilizing non-hydrocarbon based
paper
We have succeeded in developing new technology of pulverizing paper into micro powders as
minute as 30μm and compounding it with conventional plastics in the form of pellets for the
purpose of mass production. Pellets can contain up to 70% paper. This paper-reinforced plastic
composite can reduce CO2 emission dramatically since the main material is paper. Currently the
technology is commercially available in polypropylene for injection molding or thermosetting
products but other formulation with different based materials such as PE, PS, PLA and PHA for
different processing is on-going.
International Automotive Components Group has developed an internal database to track
manufacturing scrap, material re-use, landfill and team action items among other things. The
database enabled IAC to measure the amount of landfill resulting from various processes and
then target specific areas. Regrind use was optimized to assure quality and best possible
application. Via this database, landfill numbers, regrind use, and projects were graphically
displayed to show the progress in each area. The database proved the adage ‘What is measured
is managed and what is managed is improved” Examples of the capabilities of the database will
be presented. The ability to track and measure also proved this database to be a very useful
tool for management reporting. Based on these efforts, IAC was able to reduce their landfill
from manufacturing by 36 million pounds in 2010.
Over the years there has been an on again - off again relationship between consumer electronic
products and post consumer recycled materials. The use of these materials is ultimately desired
for the environmental benefit to our world, but also for the potential financial benefit of
reclaiming a high value waste stream. To most outside the plastics or recycling industries,
recycling plastics seems like a simple and obvious thing to do. The reality of it however is much
more complicated. Ever-changing variables such as supply and demand, shifting waste streams,
environmental regulations, and the price of oil, keep the sand shifting under the feet of those
trying to succeed in this field. We will try to bring to light many of the issues and present some
achievements along the way. With the learning of the past twenty years and new technological
advancements it seems that this industry is beginning to turn a corner and achieve a stable,
quality supply of post consumer recycled (PCR) materials. Coupling this improved supply with a
more stable and increasing demand for Post consumer materials may make it possible for
recycled engineering plastics to soon make their way into more consumer electronic products.
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Any article that is cited in another manuscript or other work is required to use the correct reference style. Below is an example of the reference style for SPE articles:
Brown, H. L. and Jones, D. H. 2016, May.
"Insert title of paper here in quotes,"
ANTEC 2016 - Indianapolis, Indiana, USA May 23-25, 2016. [On-line].
Society of Plastics Engineers
Available: www.4spe.org.
Note: if there are more than three authors you may use the first author's name and et al. EG Brown, H. L. et al.
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