Miroslav Manas

Mold Cavity Roughness vs. Flow of Polymer

Injection molding represents such a way of polymer processing that requires injection of polymer melt into the mold cavity with very high injection rate. The fluidity of polymers is affected by many parameters (mold design, melt temperature, injection rate and pressure). The main objective of this paper is the study of influence of surface roughness of mold cavity of the polymer melts flow. Evaluation of set of data obtained by experiments where the testing conditions were widely changed shows that quality of cavity surface affects on the length of flow.

Cross-linked low density polyethylene mechanical properties after temperature load at 110, 180 and 220 °C

Radiation processing of polymers is a well-established and economical commercial method of precisely modifying the properties of polymers, especially mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of modified low density polyethylene samples by beta rays were measured at the ambient temperature and after temperature load above the pure low density polyethylene melting temperature. The tested samples showed significant changes of mechanical behaviour before and after temperature load. From this point of view, new applications could also be seen in areas with service temperatures higher than their former melting point, especially for application with short time exposure of temperature load.

Hardness/microhardness properties of HDPE blends

This paper deals with utilization of recycled irradiated high-density polyethylene (rHDPEx) as a filler which was blended with non-modified high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Two blends were tested regarding the original state of the mixing components – HDPE granules/rHDPEx grit and HDPE granules/rHDPEx powder. Results show that the increasing amount of the rHDPEx, regardless its form, results in worsening both observed parameters – hardness and micro-indentation hardness.

Surface Layer Micro-Hardness of Modified LDPE by Radiation Cross-Linking after Temperature Load

The presented article deals with the research of surface layer ́s micro-mechanical properties of modified LDPE by radiation cross-linking after temperature load. These micro-mechanical properties were measured by the DSI (Depth Sensing Indentation) method on samples which were non-irradiated and irradiated by different doses of the β – radiation and then were temperature loaded. The purpose of the article is to consider to what extent the irradiation process influences the resulting micro-mechanical properties measured by the DSI method. The LDPE tested showed significant changes of indentation hardness and modulus after temperature load.

Effect of High Doses Beta Irradiation on the Micromechanical Properties of Surface Layer of Glass-Filled Polypropylene

The presented article deals with the research of micro-mechanical properties in the surface layer of modified Polypropylene filled by 25% of glass fibers. These micro-mechanical properties were measured by the Depth Sensing Indentation - DSI method on samples which were non-irradiated and irradiated by different doses of the β - radiation. Radiation doses used were 0, 66 and 99 kGy for filled Polypropylene with the 6% cross-linking agent (triallyl isocyanurate). The change of micromechanical properties is greatly manifested mainly in the surface layer of the modified polypropylene where a significant growth of microhardness values can be observed.

Micro-Hardness and Morphology of LDPE Influenced by Beta Radiation

This article deals with the influence of different doses of Beta radiation to the structure and mico-mechanical properties of Low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Hard surface layers of polymer materials, especially LDPE, can be formed by radiation cross-linking by β radiation with doses of 33, 66 and 99 kGy. Material properties created by β radiation are measured by micro-hardness test using the DSI method (Depth Sensing Indentation). Individual radiation doses caused structural and micro-mechanical changes which have a significant effect on the final properties of the LDPE tested. The highest values of micro-mechanical properties were reached at radiation dose of 66 and 99 kGy, when the micro-hardness values increased by about 21%. The changes were examined and confirmed by X-ray diffraction.

Mechanical Properties Changes of Irradiated Thermoplastic Elastomer

Some polymers need a cross-linking agent for the controlled cross-linking process of polymers with a tendency to degradation during the radiation cross-linking process. While, on the other hand, other polymers do not need a cross-linking agent—predominantly there are cross-linking polymers. The Thermo-Plastic Elastomer (TPE) that was used belongs to this group of predominantly cross-linking polymers; however, this agent is added because of faster reaction times and smaller irradiation doses. Microindentation–tensile and tensile impact tests were carried out on a thermoplastic sample—with, and without, a cross-linking agent. Small changes were measured between these materials at low radiation doses, (up to 66 kGy); nevertheless, at higher doses, the influence of the cross-linking agent on the mechanical properties is significant.

The Effect of Irradiation on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Selected Types of Polymers

This article deals with the influence of electron-beam radiation on the micro-mechanical, thermo-mechanical, and structural properties of selected polymers. In the search for the desired improvement of polymers, it is possible to use, inter alia, one particular possible modification—Namely, crosslinking—Which is a process during which macromolecular chains start to connect to each other and, thus, create the spatial network in the structure. In the course of the treatment of the ionizing radiation, two actions can occur: crosslinking and scission of macromolecules, or degradation. Both these processes run in parallel. Using the crosslinking technology, standard and technical polymers can acquire the more “expensive” high-tech polymeric material properties and, thus, replace these materials in many applications. The polymers that were tested were selected from across the whole spectra of thermoplastics, ranging from commodity polymers, technical polymers, as well as high-performance polymers. These polymers were irradiated by different doses of beta radiation (33, 66, 99, 132, 165, and 198 kGy). The micro-mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of these polymers were measured. When considering the results, it is obvious that irradiation acts on each polymer differently but, always when the optimal dose was found, the mechanical properties increased by up to 36%. The changes of micro-mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties were confirmed by structural measurement when the change of the micro-hardness and modulus corresponded to the crystalline phase change as determined by X-ray and gel content.

The Effect of Cross-Linking on Nano-Mechanical Properties of Polyamide

Radiation crosslinking of polyamidu 6 (PA 6) is a well-recognized modification of improving basic material characteristics. Radiation, which penetrated through specimens and reacted with the cross-linking agent, gradually formed cross-linking (3D net), first in the surface layer and then in the total volume, which resulted in considerable changes in specimen behaviour. This research paper deals with the possible utilization of irradiated PA6. The material already contained a special cross-linking agent TAIC (5 volume %), which should enable subsequent cross-linking by ionizing β – radiation (15, 30 and 45 kGy). The effect of the irradiation on mechanical behavior of the tested PA 6 was investigated. Material properties created by β – radiation are measured by nanoindentation test using the DSI method (Depth Sensing Indentation). Hardness increased with increasing dose of irradiation at everything samples; however results of nanoindentation test shows increasing in nanomechanical properties of surface layer. The highest values of nanomechanical properties were reached radiation dose of 45 kGy, when the nanomechanical values increased by about 95%. These results indicate advantage cross-linking of the improved mechanical properties.

Effect of Particle Size of Recycled Polyamide 6 to Impact Toughness and Hardness

This work aims to investigate the effect of recycled material and effect of particle size on the mechanical properties of the recycled material. Tested material is polyamide 6. Every manufacture of any plastic parts produces certain amount of waste, such as defective injects or cold runner system from injection molding technology. When size of this material is reduced, particles of different sizes are made. From large particles similar to the original granulate material, to dust particles. This size variation can cause problems during subsequent processing. These particles of different size have distinct melting rate. To determine behavior of recycled material at room temperature. Impact toughness and hardness tests are performed.