Polyolefin Compounds and Materials (eBook)

Contents 6
1 Introduction 8
1.1 What Are Polyolefins? 8
1.2 General Information 9
1.3 Importance of Research in the Production and Modifications of Polyolefins 9
1.4 Why Polyolefins? 12
1.5 Polyolefin Blends and Composites 12
1.6 Packaging and Food Industry 13
1.7 Adhesion 13
1.8 Polyolefins in Textiles and Nonwovens 14
1.9 Biomedical Applications 15
1.10 Automotive Industry 15
1.11 Stabilizing Polyolefin and Protection Against Ignitability 16
1.12 Recycling and Oxo-Biodegradation 16
1.13 Conclusion 18
2 Polyolefins---The History and Economic Impact 19
2.1 Introduction 19
2.1.1 Definition 19
2.1.2 Scope 20
2.2 Polyolefins: The History and Economic Impact 20
2.2.1 Polyolefin Elastomer 20
2.2.2 Polyethylene (PE) 21
2.2.2.1 ``Exceptional Invention'' 24
2.2.2.2 Linear Polyethylene 25
2.3 Inorganic and Organo-Metallic Catalysts 25
2.3.1 DuPont ``on the Brink of a Tremendously Interesting Field of Polymer Chemistry'' 26
2.3.2 Standard Oil of Indiana (Later, Amoco) 26
2.3.3 Phillips Petroleum Company 27
2.3.4 Prof. Karl Ziegler 28
2.3.5 Hercules Powder Company 29
2.4 New Entrants 30
2.5 LLDPE 30
2.6 Progress in Catalyst Chemistries 31
2.7 The Progress of Polyethylene 32
2.8 Polypropylene (PP) 33
2.8.1 Standard Oil of Indiana 34
2.8.2 Phillips Petroleum 34
2.8.3 Natta 35
2.8.4 Hoechst 35
2.8.5 Ziegler 35
2.8.6 PCL 35
2.8.7 DuPont 36
2.8.8 Hercules 36
2.8.9 ``Interference'' 37
2.9 Other Polyolefins 38
2.9.1 UHMWPE 39
2.9.2 Polybutene-1 39
2.9.3 TPX 41
2.9.4 PolyDCPD 41
2.10 The Development of the Polyolefin Industry 42
2.10.1 The Development of the Polyolefin Industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) 46
2.10.2 Qatar 47
2.10.2.1 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) 47
2.11 Industrial Economic Impact 48
2.12 Globalization, Feedstocks, and Feedstock Availability 49
2.13 The Future of the Polyolefin Industry 51
2.14 Concluding Remarks 52
List of Patents Referenced in the Chapter 53
References 55
3 Olefin Polymerization 57
3.1 Introduction 57
3.2 Principles of Polymerization 57
3.2.1 Free Radical Mechanism 58
3.2.1.1 Mechanism of Conventional Free Radical Polymerization 58
3.2.2 Ionic Polymerization 61
3.2.3 Cationic Polymerization Mechanism [6, 7] 62
3.2.4 Anionic Polymerization 63
3.3 Stereochemical Implications and Tacticity 64
3.4 Stereo Chemistry of Conjugate Diene Polymerization 66
3.5 Coordination Polymerization 67
3.6 Development of Polymerization Catalysts 69
3.6.1 alpha -Diimine-Based Catalysts 69
3.6.2 2,6-Bis(Imino)Pyridine-Based Catalysts 70
3.6.3 Salicyldimine-Based Complexes 74
3.6.4 Early Transition Metal-Based Phenoxy-Imines 74
3.6.4.1 Late Transition Metal Salicyldimine Complexes 75
3.6.5 Quinaldimine-Based Complexes 76
3.6.6 Ruthenium-Based Polymerization Catalysts 78
3.7 Remarks and Outlook 79
3.8 Conclusion 80
References 80
4 Processing Techniques for Polyolefins 84
4.1 Introduction 84
4.2 Principle of Processing 85
4.3 Employment and Role of Polymer Melt Rheology 86
4.3.1 Viscoelasticity 87
4.3.2 Shear Viscosity 88
4.3.3 Extensional Viscosity 89
4.4 Polyolefin Processing Technologies 90
4.5 Blown Film 91
4.6 Cast Film Extrusion, Extrusion Coating and Lamination 97
4.7 Sheets, Pipes, and Other Profile Extrusion 102
4.8 Foam Extrusion 104
4.9 Fibre Production 106
References 108
5 Polyolefin Blends 111
5.1 Introduction 111
5.2 Polyolefin/Polyolefin Blends 112
5.2.1 Blends with Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) 112
5.2.2 Shape Memory Applications 115
5.2.3 Compatibilization 117
5.2.4 Epitaxial Crystallization 117
5.2.5 Other Crystallization Phenomena 119
5.2.6 Waste and Recycling 122
5.2.7 Rheological Properties 123
5.2.8 Barrier Properties 124
5.2.9 Polyolefin Blends as Models for High-Impact Polypropylene Co-polymers (HIPCs) 125
5.3 Polyolefin/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Blends 125
5.4 Polyolefin/Paraffin Blends 129
5.5 Polyolefin/Polyamide Blends 130
5.6 Polyolefin/Rubber Blends 136
5.7 Polyolefin/Natural Polymer Blends 138
5.7.1 Starch 138
5.7.2 Chitosan 141
5.7.3 Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA) 142
5.7.4 Other Biodegradable Polymers 144
5.8 Polyolefins Blended with Other Polymers 146
5.8.1 Polyaniline (PANI) 146
5.8.2 Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) 147
5.8.3 Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) 147
5.8.4 Polyethylene Acrylic Acid (PEA) 148
5.8.5 Liquid-Crystalline Polymers (LCP) 148
5.8.6 Fluorothermoplastics 149
5.8.7 Poly(3-Alkylthiophenes) (P3ATs) 149
5.8.8 Speciality Blends for Membranes and Foams 149
5.8.9 Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) 152
5.9 Conclusions 153
References 153
6 Polyolefin Composites and Nanocomposites 161
6.1 Introduction 161
6.2 Definition and Classification 163
6.2.1 Particulate Composite 163
6.2.2 Fiber Composite 165
6.2.3 Structural Composite 166
6.3 Applications 166
6.3.1 Consumers 167
6.3.2 Medical 169
6.3.3 Agriculture 171
6.3.4 Packaging 172
6.3.5 Transportation 173
6.3.6 Electrical 174
6.3.7 Construction 176
6.3.8 Textiles 177
6.4 Conclusions 178
References 179
7 Polyolefin in Packaging and Food Industry 184
7.1 Introduction 184
7.2 Processing 186
7.3 Mechanical, Physical, and Technical Requirements 189
7.4 Mechanical, Physical, and Technical Properties 192
7.4.1 Polyethylene 193
7.4.2 Polypropylene 195
7.5 Design Requirements 198
7.6 Conclusions and Future Trends 199
Acknowledgements 200
References 200
8 Polyolefin Adhesion Modifications 203
8.1 Introduction 203
8.2 Definition/Classification 204
8.3 Pretreatment of Polyolefin 205
8.3.1 Chemical Treatment 206
8.3.2 Ultraviolet Light Treatment 209
8.3.3 Flame Treatment 211
8.3.4 Plasma Treatment 214
8.4 Characterization 218
8.4.1 Surface Characterization 219
8.4.2 Characterization of Adhesion 221
8.5 Applications 223
8.6 Conclusions 226
References 227
9 Polyolefins in Textiles and Nonwovens 233
9.1 Introduction 233
9.2 Textiles 234
9.3 Nonwovens 236
9.3.1 Nonwoven Processing 237
9.3.1.1 Spunbond Nonwovens 237
9.3.1.2 Melting Blown Nonwovens (MB) 238
9.4 Properties of Polyolefin Fibers 239
9.5 Characterization and Testing of Polyolefin Fibers 240
9.6 Polypropylene in Nonwoven Applications 243
9.7 Polyethylene in High-Strength Fiber Applications 244
9.8 Polyolefins in Thermal Bonding Applications 246
References 246
10 Biomedical Applications of Polyolefins 248
10.1 Introduction 248
10.2 Biocompatibility 250
10.2.1 Biocompatibility and Toxicity 251
10.3 Polymers for Medical Device Applications 252
10.4 Mechanism of Degradation of Medical Polymers 253
10.5 Degradation of Polyolefins 254
10.5.1 Oxo-biodegradation 254
10.5.2 Photodegradation 254
10.5.3 Degradation from Mechanical Stress 254
10.5.4 Processing Methods of Polyolefins 254
10.5.5 Other Processing Methods of Polyolefins for Biomedical Applications Involves 255
10.6 Polyolefins for Cardiovascular Applications 256
10.6.1 Polyethylene 257
10.6.2 Polypropylene 257
10.7 Current Biomedical Applications of Polyolefins 257
10.7.1 Al--Cu--Fe Quasicrystal/UHMWPE Composites as Biomaterials for Acetabular Cup Prosthetics 257
10.7.2 Bioglass/HDPE Composites for Soft Tissue Applications 258
10.7.3 Bone Replacement Application of Polyolefin Composites 258
10.7.4 Polyethylene for Bioactive Bone Substitution 258
10.7.5 Polyethylene Magnetic Nanoparticle for Biomedical Applications 259
10.7.6 Low-Temperature Plasma-Treated Ultra-High Molecular Weight PE (UHMWPE) for Biomedical Application 259
10.7.7 Polypropylene Monofilament for Biomedical Applications 260
10.7.8 Filament Wound Flat Strip Composites 260
10.7.9 Newly Commercially Available Polyolefin-Based Biomedical Products 260
10.7.10 Advantages of Metallocene-Based Polyolefins 261
10.8 Future Challenges 261
10.9 Conclusion 262
References 262
11 Polyolefins in Automotive Industry 266
11.1 Introduction 266
11.2 Polyethylenes in Automotive Industry 268
11.3 Polypropylenes in Automotive Industry 270
11.4 Polypropylene Composites for Automobile Applications 272
11.5 Polyolefin--Natural Fiber Composites 274
11.6 Nanocomposites of Polyolefin in Automobiles, Current Opportunities, and Applications 279
11.7 Conclusions 281
References 282
12 Polyolefins: From Thermal and Oxidative Degradation to Ignition and Burning 285
12.1 Introduction 285
12.2 LT Degradation 285
12.2.1 Instrumentation in LT Degradation 290
12.2.1.1 Chemiluminescence [2--14] 290
12.2.1.2 DSC 292
12.2.1.3 Thermogravimetry 292
12.2.1.4 Spectral Methods 293
12.2.1.5 Analytical Determination of Peroxides or Carbonyl Groups 294
12.2.2 The Protection of Polyolefins Against LT Degradation [15--19] 294
12.2.2.1 Synergism and Antagonism in the Effect of Stabilizers Mixtures 296
12.2.2.2 Stabilization Against UV Light 297
12.2.2.3 Captodative Compounds in the Stabilization of Polyolefin's Melt and Their Potential Application in UV and Thermo-oxidation Stabilization [23--29] 300
12.3 HT Degradation Leading to Ignition. Protection of Polyolefins Against Fire Risk and Accompanying Phenomena [26--41] 301
12.3.1 The Evaluation of Non-isothermal Thermogravimetry Runs 306
12.3.2 Non-isothermal Thermogravimetry in Nitrogen, Time to Ignition, Oxygen Consumption and Polyolefins 306
12.3.3 Non-isothermal Thermogravimetry Runs and Polyolefins Ignitability 307
12.3.4 The Appearance of Smoke in the Burning Polyolefins 309
12.3.5 Mechanistic Linkage of LT and HT Degradation 311
12.4 Conclusions 312
Acknowledgements 312
References 312
13 Recycling of Polyolefin Materials 315
13.1 Introduction 315
13.2 Separation Techniques 316
13.3 Methods of Recycling 318
13.3.1 Re-Extrusion (Primary) 318
13.3.2 Mechanical Recycling (Secondary) 319
13.3.3 Chemical Recycling 319
13.3.3.1 Heterogeneous Process 320
13.3.3.2 Homogeneous Process 320
Gasification or Partial Oxidation 320
Cracking 322
13.3.4 Recycling of Polyolefins via Pyrolysis 327
13.3.4.1 Mechanism of Pyrolysis Process 328
13.3.4.2 Factors Influencing the Pyrolysis Products 329
13.3.4.3 Catalytic Pyrolysis 333
13.3.4.4 Microwave-Induced Pyrolysis 333
13.4 Recycling-Oriented Characterization of Polyolefin Waste 334
13.5 Applications of Recycled Polyolefin 335
13.6 Conclusions 336
References 337
14 Oxo-biodegradable Plastics: Who They Are and to What They Serve---Present Status and Future Perspectives 340
14.1 Conclusions 350
References 352
15 Erratum to: Chapters 2 and 9 of Polyolefin Compounds and Materials 354
Erratum to Chapter 2 in: M. Al-Ali AlMa’adeed and I. Krupa (eds.), Polyolefin Compounds and Materials, Springer Series on Polymer and Composite Materials, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-25982-6_2 354
Erratum to Chapter 9 in: M. Al-Ali AlMa’adeed and I. Krupa (eds.), Polyolefin Compounds and Materials, Springer Series on Polymer and Composite Materials, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-25982-6_9 354