SPE Thermoforming Quarterly®

First Quarter 2020

Rheological Method Development: Using Rheological Tools to Predict Thermoformability

Extrusion thermoforming of very large parts such as those used in the appliance industry can exceed the melt strength limits of a given polymer. This study was undertaken to define new rheological tests capable of defining the molecular design required to avoid excessive sag in the heating step of the thermoforming process and to identify the optimum temperature for forming. Damping factor (tan  = G’’/G’), also known as “tan delta”, can be used as a tool to identify fabrication conditions, molding window size, and the effect of added recycle streams…

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First Quarter 2020

Barrier Packaging Materials & Processes

The use of plastics packaging across a wide range of industry segments is increasing due to plastics’ ability to keep products safe and retain their quality until final use by the end-consumer. The outlook for the global packaging industry forecasts steady growth, with several projections anticipating the industry will near the trillion-dollar mark by 2022. Assessing the value proposition among material options available today must transcend the absolute package cost because of the value today’s consumers put on factors such as sustainability, temperature flexibility, traceability, product safety/counterfeit protection, shelf-life, and convenience…

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