pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S06 - Injection Molding and Extrusion
Oral Presentation
 
 

New approach for the efficient attainment of flame retardancy using multi component injection molding

Schneider Dorothea (1)*, Hübner Christof (2), Bourbigot Serge (3)

(1) A&E Produktionstechnik GmbH - Dresden - Germany, (2) Fraunhofer-Institut für Chemische Technologie ICT - Pfinztal - Germany, (3) École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Lille ENSCL - Villeneuve d'Ascq - France

The injection molding process yields many possibilities to create innovative plastic part solutions. Based on extensive research in distinct subject areas and the cross-disciplinary interconnection between different academic disciplines lately an interesting new approach for the efficient and effective attainment of flame retardancy could be identified: Multi component injection molding, where two or more plastic melts are injected next to or within each other within one cycle, can be used to produce innovative flame retardant plastic parts. These parts have an optimized skin/core structure with the core part consisting of the pristine polymer while the flame retardant polymer system is located in the skin. Such a structure proves to be ideal, because it allows for a faster protection dynamic. This broadening of the field of application of standard injection molding machines is made possible by the use of intermediate plates with individually suitable “modular technological inserts”. The modular inserts required for this kind of application comprise hot runners including shut off and control functions to separate and join melt flows from different injection units into one cavity. These modules make for the combination of the sequential and simultaneous injection of melts. In that account first trials which prove the concept to be viable have been conducted. Promising results will be shown as well as the principles of laboratory and industrial scale implementation of the underlying production process, while further research still is ongoing. In conclusion the talk will point out the advantages, possibilities and application potential given by this new approach. Cost savings will be given by the supersession of costly special machinery as well as achieved material savings and increased part quality and process stability.