pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S07 - (General Session 7) Films and Fibers
Oral Presentation
 
 

Characterization of a flexible Hinge Conjunction containing a Rebound-Effect made of Polypropylene-based Fleece Fabrics

Heim Hans-Peter (1), Jarka Stefan (1), Jakob Fabian (1)*

(1) Universität Kassel - Kassel - Germany

This flexible hinge conjunction is an innovative in the group of movable conjunction elements and is based on fleece fabrics made of thermoplastic polymers, i.e. polypropylene. Owing to the manufacturing process the flexible hinge conjunction contains an elastic rebound effect, which is the content of this research. The flexible conjunction consists to 100% of one thermoplastic polymer so it can easily be recycled. Additionally it has a low density and is resistant against corrosion and fluids what enables a use i.e. for the automotive industry or for packaging, especially in fluid contact. Also a use for other industries like the furniture industry is possible. For producing the hinge conjunction the fleece fabrics are mate with sheet material under high temperature and pressure in a precision laboratory press. The mechanical characteristics depending to the geometry and the different mating temperatures have been examined by tensile and bending tests. The rebound effect was determined and the coherences between process parameters and the resulting material structure have been examined. For characterization of the material structure functionality, microscopic examinations were made. Additionally the bending moment has been observed over long period tests to determine the rebound behavior after a defined number of bending operations. It has been found that characteristics of the flexible hinge conjunction highly depend on the process temperature and the rebound behavior can be adjusted by that. The results of the research shows that the technology is potential for the future and that in special cases, the technology can integrate additional functions i.e. for self-closing flaps or as spring element. The elastic characteristics over long period test must be examined in future, as well as the use of different materials and fabrics. Keywords: hinge, fabrics, textile, rebound, flexible conjunction.