Materials

Editorial

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4 pages, 189 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials

by Janusz W. Sikora

Materials 2022, 15(9), 3143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15093143 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1463

Abstract

The current Special Issue entitled “Processing, structure, dynamics and mechanical properties of polymeric materials” brings together scientists working at universities, research institutes, laboratories and various industries to discuss cutting-edge research on processing new polymeric materials using standard and innovative machines and to understand [...] Read more.

The current Special Issue entitled “Processing, structure, dynamics and mechanical properties of polymeric materials” brings together scientists working at universities, research institutes, laboratories and various industries to discuss cutting-edge research on processing new polymeric materials using standard and innovative machines and to understand the structure and properties of these materials [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

Research

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28 pages, 7908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modern Biodegradable Plastics—Processing and Properties Part II

by Janusz W. Sikora, Łukasz Majewski and Andrzej Puszka

Materials 2021, 14(10), 2523; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14102523 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3057

Abstract

Four different plastics were tested: potato starch based plastic (TPS-P)–BIOPLAST GF 106/02; corn starch based plastic (TPS-C)–BioComp BF 01HP; polylactic acid (polylactide) plastic (PLA)—BioComp BF 7210 and low density polyethylene, trade name Malen E FABS 23-D022; as a petrochemical reference sample. Using the [...] Read more.

Four different plastics were tested: potato starch based plastic (TPS-P)–BIOPLAST GF 106/02; corn starch based plastic (TPS-C)–BioComp BF 01HP; polylactic acid (polylactide) plastic (PLA)—BioComp BF 7210 and low density polyethylene, trade name Malen E FABS 23-D022; as a petrochemical reference sample. Using the blown film extrusion method and various screw rotational speeds, films were obtained and tested, as a result of which the following were determined: breaking stress, strain at break, static and dynamic friction coefficient of film in longitudinal and transverse direction, puncture resistance and strain at break, color, brightness and gloss of film, surface roughness, barrier properties and microstructure. The biodegradable plastics tested are characterized by comparable or even better mechanical strength than petrochemical polyethylene for the range of film blowing processing parameters used here. The effect of the screw rotational speed on the mechanical characteristics of the films obtained was also demonstrated. With the increase in the screw rotational speed, the decrease of barrier properties was also observed. No correlation between roughness and permeability of gases and water vapor was shown. It was indicated that biodegradable plastics might be competitive for conventional petrochemical materials used in film blowing niche applications where cost, recyclability, optical and water vapor barrier properties are not critical. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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9 pages, 1749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Computational Geometry Generation Method for Creating 3D Printed Composites and Porous Structures

by Petros Siegkas

Materials 2021, 14(10), 2507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14102507 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2273

Abstract

A computational method for generating porous materials and composite structures was developed and implemented. The method is based on using 3D Voronoi cells to partition a defined space into segments. The topology of the segments can be controlled by controlling the Voronoi cell [...] Read more.

A computational method for generating porous materials and composite structures was developed and implemented. The method is based on using 3D Voronoi cells to partition a defined space into segments. The topology of the segments can be controlled by controlling the Voronoi cell set. The geometries can be realized by additive manufacturing methods, and materials can be assigned to each segment. The geometries are generated and processed virtually. The macroscopic mechanical properties of the resulting structures can be tuned by controlling microstructural features. The method is implemented in generating porous and composite structures using polymer filaments i.e., polylactic acid (PLA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and nylon. The geometries are realized using commercially available double nozzle fusion deposition modelling (FDM) equipment. The compressive properties of the generated porous and composite configurations are tested quasi statically. The structures are either porous of a single material or composites of two materials that are geometrically intertwined. The method is used to produce and explore promising material combinations that could otherwise be difficult to mix. It is potentially applicable with a variety of additive manufacturing methods, size scales, and materials for a range of potential applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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21 pages, 3558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Physical Methods for the Detection of a Thermally Degraded Recycled Material in Plastic Parts Made of Polypropylene Copolymer

by Luboš Běhálek, Jozef Dobránsky, Martin Pollák, Martin Borůvka and Pavel Brdlík

Materials 2021, 14(3), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14030552 - 24 Jan 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1720

Abstract

The paper deals with the possibility of applying physical methods to detect a thermally degraded recycled material in plastic parts made of polypropylene. Standard methods of evaluating the mechanical properties of the material under static tensile and bending stress, as well as under [...] Read more.

The paper deals with the possibility of applying physical methods to detect a thermally degraded recycled material in plastic parts made of polypropylene. Standard methods of evaluating the mechanical properties of the material under static tensile and bending stress, as well as under dynamic impact stress using the Charpy method, were used for the experimental measurements. The rheological properties of materials were monitored using a method involving measuring the melt flow index, while their thermal properties and oxidative stability were monitored using differential scanning calorimetry. Based on the methods used, it can be clearly stated that the most suitable technique for detecting thermally degraded recycled material in polypropylene is the method involving establishing the melt flow index. The bending test seems to be the most suitable method for detecting recycled material by measuring the material’s mechanical properties. Similarly to the melt volume flow rate (MVR) method, it was possible to unambiguously detect the presence of even a small amount of recycled material in the whole from measuring the material’s bending properties. It is clear from the results that in the short term, there may be no change in the useful properties of the parts, but in the long term the presence of degraded recycled material will have adverse consequences on their lifespan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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15 pages, 4060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Features of Structure and Properties of pHEMA-gr-PVP Block Copolymers, Obtained in the Presence of Fe²⁺

by Oleksandr Grytsenko, Ludmila Dulebova, Oleh Suberlyak, Volodymyr Skorokhoda, Emil Spišák and Ivan Gajdoš

Materials 2020, 13(20), 4580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13204580 - 14 Oct 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

This paper presents the research results of the copolymer structure and properties of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and their hydrogels, obtained by block polymerization in the presence of iron sulfate (II). By the methods of chemical analysis, IR spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric (TG) and [...] Read more.

This paper presents the research results of the copolymer structure and properties of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and their hydrogels, obtained by block polymerization in the presence of iron sulfate (II). By the methods of chemical analysis, IR spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric (TG) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), the course of grafted copolymerization of HEMA on PVP with the formation of a cross-linked copolymer was confirmed. The results received by scanning electron microscopy showed that due to the copolymerization of HEMA with PVP, macroporous hydrogels with a pore size of 10–30 μm were obtained. The peculiarities of the structure formation of the obtained copolymers depending on the initial composition formulation were established and their structural parameters were investigated: PVP grafting efficiency, PVP content in copolymer, molecular weight of internodal fragment of polymer network, crosslinking degree, and crosslinking density. The interrelation of sorption–diffusion, physical–mechanical and thermophysical properties along with the structure of the obtained materials was proved. It was shown that with the increasing PVP content in the original composition, the efficiency of its grafting and crosslinking density of the polymer network decreased, but the surface hardness, heat resistance, sorption capacity of copolymers in the dry state, as well as ion permeability and elasticity in the swollen state increased, while their tensile strength deteriorated. It is proved that by changing the original composition formulation it is possible to change the structure and hence the properties of the copolymers in the desired direction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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10 pages, 5997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Low-Pressure Plasma Treatment Parameters on Wrinkle Features

by Bongjun Gu, Dongwook Ko, Sungjin Jo, Dong Choon Hyun, Hyeon-Ju Oh and Jongbok Kim

Materials 2020, 13(17), 3852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13173852 - 01 Sep 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2322

Abstract

Wrinkles attract significant attention due to their ability to enhance the mechanical and optical characteristics of various optoelectronic devices. We report the effect of the plasma gas type, power, flow rate, and treatment time on the wrinkle features. When an optical adhesive was [...] Read more.

Wrinkles attract significant attention due to their ability to enhance the mechanical and optical characteristics of various optoelectronic devices. We report the effect of the plasma gas type, power, flow rate, and treatment time on the wrinkle features. When an optical adhesive was treated using a low-pressure plasma of oxygen, argon, and nitrogen, the oxygen and argon plasma generated wrinkles with the lowest and highest wavelengths, respectively. The increase in the power of the nitrogen and oxygen plasma increased the wavelengths and heights of the wrinkles; however, the increase in the power of the argon plasma increased the wavelengths and decreased the heights of the wrinkles. Argon molecules are heavier and smaller than nitrogen and oxygen molecules that have similar weights and sizes; moreover, the argon plasma comprises positive ions while the oxygen and nitrogen plasma comprise negative ions. This resulted in differences in the wrinkle features. It was concluded that a combination of different plasma gases could achieve exclusive control over either the wavelength or the height and allow a thorough analysis of the correlation between the wrinkle features and the characteristics of the electronic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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23 pages, 7492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

POM/EVA Blends with Future Utility in Fused Deposition Modeling

by Mateusz Galeja, Klaudiusz Wypiór, Jan Wachowicz, Przemysław Kędzierski, Aleksander Hejna, Mariusz Marć, Krzysztof Klewicz, Jadwiga Gabor, Hubert Okła and Andrzej Szymon Swinarew

Materials 2020, 13(13), 2912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13132912 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2451

Abstract

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is one of the most popular thermoplastic polymers used in the industry. Therefore, the interest in its potential applications in rapid prototyping is understandable. Nevertheless, its low dimensional stability causes the warping of 3D prints, limiting its applications. This research aimed [...] Read more.

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is one of the most popular thermoplastic polymers used in the industry. Therefore, the interest in its potential applications in rapid prototyping is understandable. Nevertheless, its low dimensional stability causes the warping of 3D prints, limiting its applications. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of POM modification with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt.%) on its processing (by melt flow index), structure (by X-ray microcomputed tomography), and properties (by static tensile tests, surface resistance, contact angle measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis), as well as very rarely analyzed emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (by headspace analysis). Performed modifications decreased stiffness and strength of the material, simultaneously enhancing its ductility, which simultaneously increased the toughness even by more than 50% for 7.5 wt.% EVA loading. Such an effect was related to an improved linear flow rate resulting in a lack of defects inside the samples. The decrease of the melting temperature and the slight increase of thermal stability after the addition of EVA broadened the processing window for 3D printing. The 3D printing trials on two different printers showed that the addition of EVA copolymer increased the possibility of a successful print without defects, giving space for further development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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20 pages, 6210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Polypropylene in the Production of Metal-Filled Polymer Composites: Development and Characteristics

by Volodymyr Moravskyi, Anastasiia Kucherenko, Marta Kuznetsova, Ludmila Dulebova, Emil Spišák and Janka Majerníková

Materials 2020, 13(12), 2856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13122856 - 25 Jun 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2327

Abstract

Metal-filled composites based on polypropylene waste have been successfully obtained with an injection molding method of metalized polymer raw materials. Using the model polymer, the peculiarities of the formation of the copper layer in solutions of chemical metallization on the polypropylene surface were [...] Read more.

Metal-filled composites based on polypropylene waste have been successfully obtained with an injection molding method of metalized polymer raw materials. Using the model polymer, the peculiarities of the formation of the copper layer in solutions of chemical metallization on the polypropylene surface were investigated and the main factors influencing this process were established. The main influence on the rate of reduction of copper in solutions of chemical metallization has the concentration of copper sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and EDTA-Na₂. It was shown that the efficiency of the copper plating process also strongly depends on polymer processing, which follows the activation. In case of the use of simple activation, it is not possible to obtain metalized raw materials with high efficiency. Additional processing of activated polymer raw materials is required to carry out the process with high efficiency. The amount of reduced copper on the polymer surface can be adjusted by changing the concentration of the components of the chemical metallization solution, as well as the degree of loading of the polymer raw material. Examination by electron scanning microscopy of the obtained metalized polypropylene showed that the copper coating on the polymer particles is formed with a high degree of surface coverage. The formed copper coating is free of copper oxides, which is confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies and analysis of the spectrum of characteristic X-rays. Metal-filled composites have been characterized by the effect of copper on mechanical and rheological (MFR) properties. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric (TG) methods show a certain effect of metal on the magnitude of thermal effects and the rate of weight loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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16 pages, 5155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Different Compatibilizers on the Properties of Poly (Lactic Acid)/Poly (Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) Blends Prepared under Intense Shear Flow Field

by Hezhi He, Guozhen Wang, Ming Chen, Chengtian Xiong, Yi Li and Yi Tong

Materials 2020, 13(9), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13092094 - 01 May 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2483

Abstract

In this report, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) with three kinds of compatibilizers were melt blended under intensive shear flow. A self-made parallel three-screw extruder was developed to generate such flow during the process. Mechanical properties, chemical reactions among PLA, PBAT [...] Read more.

In this report, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) with three kinds of compatibilizers were melt blended under intensive shear flow. A self-made parallel three-screw extruder was developed to generate such flow during the process. Mechanical properties, chemical reactions among PLA, PBAT and compatibilizers, rheological behavior and morphology were investigated. The mechanical tests showed that the notched impact strength of super-tough composite with 10 wt% EGMA is about 20 times than that of pure PLA. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results showed that the epoxy functional groups or maleic anhydride functional groups of KT-20, KT-915 and EGMA reacted with the hydroxyl groups of PLA or PBAT macromolecules, resulting in a bridge of PLA and PBAT. About rheological properties, the tan δ—angular frequency curves and the η’’- η’ curves confirmed the chemical reactions mentioned above and indicated better compatibility of η’’- η’ between PLA and PBAT, respectively. Meanwhile, the loss modulus and storage modulus—angular frequency curves demonstrated the discrepancy of different compatibilizer components. In particular, from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, it can be seen that the phase size and dispersion uniformity of PBAT adjusted by compatibilizer, corresponding to better compatibility that is described in the η’’- η’ curves. The approach for producing super-tough PLA/PBAT/compatibilizer by intensive shear flow provides a viable direction for further improving PLA performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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19 pages, 10289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Tests, FEM Constitutive Modeling and Validation of PLGA Bioresorbable Polymer for Stent Applications

by Jakub Bukala, Piotr P. Buszman, Jerzy Małachowski, Lukasz Mazurkiewicz and Kamil Sybilski

Materials 2020, 13(8), 2003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13082003 - 24 Apr 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3974

Abstract

The use of bioresorbable polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) in coronary stents can hypothetically reduce the risk of complications (e.g., restenosis, thrombosis) after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, there is a need for a constitutive modeling strategy that combines the simplicity of implementation [...] Read more.

The use of bioresorbable polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) in coronary stents can hypothetically reduce the risk of complications (e.g., restenosis, thrombosis) after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, there is a need for a constitutive modeling strategy that combines the simplicity of implementation with strain rate dependency. Here, a constitutive modeling methodology for PLGA comprising numerical simulation using a finite element method is presented. First, the methodology and results of PLGA experimental tests are presented, with a focus on tension tests of tubular-type specimens with different strain rates. Subsequently, the constitutive modeling methodology is proposed and described. Material model constants are determined based on the results of the experimental tests. Finally, the developed methodology is validated by experimental and numerical comparisons of stent free compression tests with various compression speeds. The validation results show acceptable correlation in terms of both quality and quantity. The proposed and validated constitutive modeling approach for the bioresorbable polymer provides a useful tool for the design and evaluation of bioresorbable stents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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20 pages, 3725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modern Biodegradable Plastics—Processing and Properties: Part I

by Janusz Sikora, Łukasz Majewski and Andrzej Puszka

Materials 2020, 13(8), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13081986 - 24 Apr 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5616

Abstract

This paper presents a characterization of a plastic extrusion process and the selected properties of three biodegradable plastic types, in comparison with LDPE (low-density polyethylene). The four plastics include: LDPE, commercial name Malen E FABS 23-D022; potato starch based plastic (TPS-P), BIOPLAST GF [...] Read more.

This paper presents a characterization of a plastic extrusion process and the selected properties of three biodegradable plastic types, in comparison with LDPE (low-density polyethylene). The four plastics include: LDPE, commercial name Malen E FABS 23-D022; potato starch based plastic (TPS-P), BIOPLAST GF 106/02; corn starch based plastic (TPS-C), BioComp^®BF 01HP; and a polylactic acid (polylactide) plastic (PLA), BioComp^®BF 7210. Plastic films with determined geometric parameters (thickness of the foil layer and width of the flattened foil sleeve) were produced from these materials (at individually defined processing temperatures), using blown film extrusion, by applying different extrusion screw speeds. The produced plastic films were tested to determine the geometrical features, MFR (melt flow rate), blow-up ratio, draw down ratio, mass flow rate, and exit velocity. The tests were complemented by thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and chemical structure analysis. It was found that the biodegradable films were extruded at higher rate and mass flow rate than LDPE; the lowest thermal stability was ascertained for the film samples extruded from TPS-C and TPS-P, and that all tested biodegradable plastics contained polyethylene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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11 pages, 4679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Thermal Behavior of γ-PA1010: Evolution of Structure and Morphology in the Simultaneous Thermal Stretched Films

by Zhenya Zhang, Wentao Liu, Hao Liu, Aihua Sun, Yeonwoo Yoo, Suqin He, Chengshen Zhu and Mingcheng Yang

Materials 2020, 13(7), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13071722 - 07 Apr 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2045

Abstract

In this work, polyamide 1010 (PA1010) films were prepared by melt-quenching. A wide-angle X-ray diffractometer (WAXD) with a thermal stretching stage was used to investigate the structure transformation, crystallinity and degree of orientation in the course of simultaneous thermally stretched PA1010. The crystallinity [...] Read more.

In this work, polyamide 1010 (PA1010) films were prepared by melt-quenching. A wide-angle X-ray diffractometer (WAXD) with a thermal stretching stage was used to investigate the structure transformation, crystallinity and degree of orientation in the course of simultaneous thermally stretched PA1010. The crystallinity increased along with the increase of draw ratio and then decreased as the draw ratio was over 2.00 times—which the maximum value reached when the draw ratio was about 2.00 times. The degree of orientation of γ-PA1010 was much greater at higher temperature than room temperature (RT); the difference gradually became weaker with the increase of draw ratio. There was a linear relationship between the draw ratios and tensile force at higher temperatures, and the tensile force increased with the increase of draw ratios. The tensile force may induce crystallization and promote orientation in the course of simultaneous thermally stretched PA1010. These phenomena are beneficial to understand the structure-processing-performance relationship and provide some theoretical basis for the processing and production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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12 pages, 2201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed ABS as a Function of Raster Angle

by Mateusz Galeja, Aleksander Hejna, Paulina Kosmela and Arkadiusz Kulawik

Materials 2020, 13(2), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13020297 - 09 Jan 2020

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 4999

Abstract

Due to the rapid growth of 3D printing popularity, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), as one of the most common technologies, the proper understanding of the process and influence of its parameters on resulting products is crucial for its development. One of the [...] Read more.

Due to the rapid growth of 3D printing popularity, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), as one of the most common technologies, the proper understanding of the process and influence of its parameters on resulting products is crucial for its development. One of the most crucial parameters of FDM printing is the raster angle and mutual arrangement of the following filament layers. Presented research work aims to evaluate different raster angles (45°, 55°, 55’°, 60° and 90°) on the static, as well as rarely investigated, dynamic mechanical properties of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) materials. Configuration named 55’° was based on the optimal winding angle in filament-wound pipes, which provides them exceptional mechanical performance and durability. Also in the case of 3D printed samples, it resulted in the best impact strength, comparing to other raster angles, despite relatively weaker tensile performance. Interestingly, all 3D printed samples showed surprisingly high values of impact strength considering their calculated brittleness, which provides new insights into understanding the mechanical performance of 3D printed structures. Simultaneously, it proves that, despite extensive research works related to FDM technology, there is still a lot of investigation required for a proper understanding of this process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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Review

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20 pages, 7202 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optimization of Polymer Processing: A Review (Part II-Molding Technologies)

by António Gaspar-Cunha, José A. Covas and Janusz Sikora

Materials 2022, 15(3), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15031138 - 01 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2498

Abstract

The application of optimization techniques to improve the performance of polymer processing technologies is of great practical consequence, since it may result in significant savings of materials and energy resources, assist recycling schemes and generate products with better properties. The present review aims [...] Read more.

The application of optimization techniques to improve the performance of polymer processing technologies is of great practical consequence, since it may result in significant savings of materials and energy resources, assist recycling schemes and generate products with better properties. The present review aims at identifying and discussing the most important characteristics of polymer processing optimization problems in terms of the nature of the objective function, optimization algorithm, and process modelling approach that is used to evaluate the solutions and the parameters to optimize. Taking into account the research efforts developed so far, it is shown that several optimization methodologies can be applied to polymer processing with good results, without demanding important computational requirements. Furthermore, within the field of artificial intelligence, several approaches can reach significant success. The first part of this review demonstrated the advantages of the optimization approach in polymer processing, discussed some concepts on multi-objective optimization and reported the application of optimization methodologies to single and twin screw extruders, extrusion dies and calibrators. This second part focuses on injection molding, blow molding and thermoforming technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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31 pages, 3952 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optimization of Polymer Processing: A Review (Part I—Extrusion)

by António Gaspar-Cunha, José A. Covas and Janusz Sikora

Materials 2022, 15(1), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15010384 - 05 Jan 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3066

Abstract

Given the global economic and societal importance of the polymer industry, the continuous search for improvements in the various processing techniques is of practical primordial importance. This review evaluates the application of optimization methodologies to the main polymer processing operations. The most important [...] Read more.

Given the global economic and societal importance of the polymer industry, the continuous search for improvements in the various processing techniques is of practical primordial importance. This review evaluates the application of optimization methodologies to the main polymer processing operations. The most important characteristics related to the usage of optimization techniques, such as the nature of the objective function, the type of optimization algorithm, the modelling approach used to evaluate the solutions, and the parameters to optimize, are discussed. The aim is to identify the most important features of an optimization system for polymer processing problems and define the best procedure for each particular practical situation. For this purpose, the state of the art of the optimization methodologies usually employed is first presented, followed by an extensive review of the literature dealing with the major processing techniques, the discussion being completed by considering both the characteristics identified and the available optimization methodologies. This first part of the review focuses on extrusion, namely single and twin-screw extruders, extrusion dies, and calibrators. It is concluded that there is a set of methodologies that can be confidently applied in polymer processing with a very good performance and without the need of demanding computation requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Structure, Dynamics and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials)

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