Researchers at the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) developed an automated cell for systematic characterization of polyurethane demoulding of permanent plasma polymer release coatings under production-like conditions. The modular mould integrates force, pressure, temperature, and dielectric sensors to monitor curing and quantify adhesive and shear forces. A hinged opening enables controlled peeling, while automated dosing and robotic removal ensure highly repeatable results for evaluating permanent release coatings.
The current investigation employs the Taguchi method to optimize the coefficient of friction (CoF) in rubber-based objects under dry sliding settings. Applying an L16 orthogonal array constructed with Minitab software, four input variables, rubber material type, grooves, normal load, and sliding velocity, were analyzed across four different Levels. The CoF reaction was explored using the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, resulting in the formulation of a mathematical model. The outcomes were confirmed using experimental and anticipated CoF comparisons, exhibiting good agreement. Predicted three-dimensional surface plots emphasize the interconnections between components and their impact on CoF. The presented approach exhibits the utility of the Taguchi method.
Traditional high pressure capillary rheometer (HPCR) measurements can only capture the pressure in front of the capillary. Consequently, the transition between wall adhesion and wall slip, which should display as a pressure drop, cannot be determined. The newly developed rotational slit rheometer (RSR) effectively captures pressures along the entire capillary. For the trials in this article, the device shows constant pressure gradients across various throughputs, no transition between wall adhesion and wall slip can be detected. Comparisons between RSF and HPCR measurements reveal similar viscosities. RPA-measurements with "Steady shear" conditions, also produce comparable viscosity data, indicating all measurements occurred under wall adhesion conditions.
This research focuses on the mechanical and tribological parameters of the bio-epoxy composite materials. The composites consist of varying weight percentages of the bio-epoxy resin, sisal fibers, and nHA nanoparticles. The optimal formulation, with a ratio of 60/20/20 (bioepoxy/sisalfiber/nHA), gives the highest mechanical properties, and a very low values of both wear rate coefficient of friction. The data provides details about the functions of the bioepoxy resin, sisal fibers, and nHANP in the consolidation of the toughening properties and low-friction performance of the nanocomposites. The findings illustrate nanocomposites as a new biomedical tool because of their enhanced mechanical properties and the biocompatible character they possess.
Due to their energy-intensive manufacturing process rubber parts offer great potential for reducing energy consumption and production cost as well as increasing productivity. By optimising the heating time for each cycle, significant amounts of energy can be saved. Furthermore, the parts can be produced with lower deviations in the elastic properties if the cycle is ended at a defined curing degree rather than a fixed heating time. Dielectric Analysis (DEA) was investigated towards its ability to detect changes in the degree of cure inside the mould during heating time. Differences caused by a varied accelerator content can be made visible by DEA.
