pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S04 - Injection Molding and Molds
Poster Presentation
 
 

A new multifunctional PvT device for the characterization of thermophysical properties of thermoplastics in extreme thermal conditions

Tardif Xavier (1), Sobotka Vincent (2)*, Boyard Nicolas (2), Lefèvre Nicolas (2), Delaunay Didier (2)

(1) IRT Jules Verne - Nantes - France, (2) University of Nantes - CNRS - Nantes - France

The control and optimization of heat transfers during the forming of thermoplastic parts is of primary importance since they directly impact the quality of final parts. The modelling of these transfers requires an accurate knowledge of the thermo-physical properties of the matrix, but also of the parameters describing the crystallization kinetics. The experimental determination of these parameters induces the use of many instruments, which is time consuming. To address this issue, a home-built PvT instrumented mould, dedicated to thermoplastics (including high-performance ones), has been designed to measure and/or identify several properties from a single experiment and in thermal conditions close the process ones. This device allows the moulding of cylindrical samples of 8mm diameter and 16mm thick while controlling the applied pressure (up to 200 MPa) on the sample and the temperature cycle on its surfaces (the cooling rate can reach more than 100K/min between 300°C and 120°C). This mould is designed such as heat transfer is 1D within the radius of the sample. Variation of volume as well as heat transfers between the sample and the mould are recorded using LVDT and heat flux sensors, respectively. To cool the sample with a high rate, we use the thermal inertia of the mould combined to an initial induction heating. A 1D conduction model with a moving boundary coupled to phase change kinetics is used to describe the behaviour of the sample. Specific volumes as well as transverse thermal conductivity in melted and solid states can be estimated as function of temperature. Parameters of crystallization kinetic model are also identified. Our methodology will be illustrated in a first time from results obtained on isotactic polypropylene polymer.