Materials Know How
The Fundamentals of Polyethylene – Part 1: The Basics
You would think we’d know all there is to know about a material that was commercialized 80 years ago. Not so for polyethylene. Let’s start by brushing up on the basics.
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Unraveling the Science and Myth Associated With Moisture Analysis— Part 1
The first task in moisture measurement is to purchase an instrument that is based on sound fundamentals. Then, before it goes into use, method development must be undertaken for all polymers that are going to be processed in the plant.
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The Fantasy and Reality of Raw Material Shelf Life: Part 2
For the vast majority of thermoplastics, the stability of the materials can be stated in years, not months. But there are exceptions where shelf life can be a serious issue.
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The Fantasy and Reality of Raw Material Shelf Life: Part 1
Is a two-year-old hygroscopic resin kept in its original packaging still useful? Let’s try to answer that question and clear up some misconceptions.
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Imagine A World Where Polymers Were First
One reason for the disproportionate attention that plastics receive in the environmental conversation is that they are newcomers. Perhaps if we had been relying on them for thousands of years, we’d view them differently.
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What's the Allowable Moisture Content in Nylons? It Depends: Part 2
Operating within guidelines from material suppliers can produce levels of polymer degradation. Get around it with better control over either the temperature of the melt or the barrel residence time.
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What is the Allowable Moisture Content in Nylons? It Depends (Part 1)
A lot of the nylon that is processed is filled or reinforced, but the data sheets generally don’t account for this, making drying recommendations confusing. Here’s what you need to know.
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Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials: Part 31, The Conclusion
Let’s close this lengthy series with some personal anecdotes.
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Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials -- Part 30: Polyurethane
In the world of polymers, polyurethane chemistry is probably the most versatile. This a resulted in a wide range of products made from these materials and given the industry the flexibility to respond to the progressive march of regulatory concerns.
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Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials -- Part 29: Polyurethane
This material family has unparalleled versatility, not only in terms of the forms the material can take, but in the different ways in which it can be processed.
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