Plastic
2011
issue
·
Volume
XX
Join us for our 7 April 2011
Technical Program on Plastics in Renewable Energy!
Detailed Abstract on Page 3
“Reliability and Safety Science of Plastics in Infrastructure of Renewable Energy Systems” Hsinjin Edwin Yang, Ph.D. J. Thomas Chapin, Ph.D. Corporate Research, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Holiday Inn and Suites Seattle-Kent 22318 84th Ave. S, Kent, WA 98032 Social Hour and Buffet Dinner ............ 5:30 – 7:00 PM Presentation ....................................... 7:00 – 8:00 PM $25 for SPE members (cash/check) $30 for non-SPE members $15 for students RSVP Xiaoxi Wang, PacNW Section [email protected]
Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendars!
28 April 2011
Tour of Globe Machine Manufacturing Tacoma, WA
13 May 2011
Open House – WWU Plastics Processing Center
Bellingham, WA
Number
11
·
www.4spe.org
Happy Spring!
April
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
President’s Message Great SPE Programs are On Tap!
T
he pace of activities is picking up as we move into April! We start the month off on 7 April with a very interesting presentation from UL on the safety aspects of plastics in renewable energy. Dr. H. E. Yang is an industry veteran, and knowledgeable speaker. Be sure to join us in Kent for a great evening of networking, learning and eating; not bad for $25!!. Next we end the month of April on the 28th with a tour of Globe Machine Manufacturing in Tacoma – Ron Jacobsen of Globe will be our host for what promises to be
an excellent event. Of course, what would May be without our ANTEC meeting? If you are going to Boston, we hope to see you there… several of our Section will be attending. If Boston is a bit too far afield, however, we have a great local SPE activity coming up in midMay at Western Washington University. The WWU Plastics Processing Center will host their yearly open house, and it’s a great event. Mark your calendar now, and meet some of the students who will be leading the plastics industry in just a few years! Speaking of WWU, your PacNW section is partnering with some WWU students to develop a plastics educational outreach program aimed
at middle school students in the Puget Sound area. We’ll have more on this exciting development in future newsletters – if you are interested in helping to spread the “plastics word” to students, we’d be glad to have you as part of the team. Last but by no means least, several of our Section enjoyed a great tour and presentation at Cedar Grove Composting on 19 March. Check out the pictures we’ve included. Michelle Riggs and Jami Burke were excellent hosts and outstanding educators. We now know the difference is between compostability and biodegradability – if you are curious, give us a call! Charlie Pratt Pratt Materials Consulting LLC 206-734-9767 [email protected]
Pacific Northwest Section News & Views Upcoming Event 28 April 2011 Tour of Globe Machine Manufacturing Company 701 East D Street, Tacoma, WA April 28, 2011 • 7:00pm – 8:00pm Reception 6:30pm – 7:00pm
C
ome join us between 6:30pm and 7:00pm for light refreshments and socializing. At 7, we’ll provide a tour of our engineering
Page 2
and manufacturing facilities including our fabrication and machine shops, assembly areas, and electrical panel shop with time for good discussion. Established in 1917, Globe is a supplier of custom designed, built, and fully integrated equipment and systems for industries that include plastic composites, automotive, aerospace, military, pulp and paper, and building products. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Globe recently
supplied a 12,000 ton multi-opening press system with automatic loading and unloading to a composites armor manufacturer, and has designed and built a prototype head demonstrating the automated application of prepreg for manufacturing wind turbine spars. Globe is currently producing Out-ofAutoclave Carbon Fiber Composite Press Systems for manufacturing automotive Class A body panels at significantly reduced cycle times.
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Pacific Northwest Section News & Views
Abstract for 7 April Technical Program
Reliability and Safety Science of Plastics in Infrastructure of Renewable Energy Systems
Hsinjin Edwin Yang, Ph.D. and J. Thomas Chapin, Ph.D. Corporate Research, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
ity of plastics when exposed with biofuels and used in PV system as functions of environmental factors is very important for the safety usage of final renewable energy systems. Recently, UL has extensively studied the physical and chemical properties of plastics exposed with ethanol biofuels, for example, to understand the failure mechanism of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) after exposing with ethanol-gasoline biofuel blends by applying solubility parameter theory. We will further investigate how the change of plastics performance/ properties with long term aging/exposure contribute to failure modes and electrical/fire safety hazards of the final system. Therefore, we can drive the functional requirements
P
lastic materials are widely used in the delivery and dispensing systems for biofuels, and in the components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and systems, e.g. encapsulants, back or front sheets, junction boxes, connectors, cables, etc. Currently, there are approximately 120 Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standards related to fuels that address safety and performance of products and components, and about 12 UL safety standards related to PV system such as plastic materials, PV modules, connectors, junction box, cable and their flammability. Fundamental understanding for performance, durability and reliabil-
istry/Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. He currently works in Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as a Sr. Scientist and Technical Projects Leader in the areas of polymer science and technology for the reliability and safety of renewable energy and industrial applications. He is also an adjunct professor for department of chemistry, Univ. of Missouri at Kansas City. Dr. Yang has issued 19 patents and filed 5 patents, and published over 40 publications in Journals or Book Chapter or Conference Proceedings. Prior to his current job, he served as Sr. Scientist and Manager in the areas of biomedical devices and medication delivery system Baxter Healthcare Corp.; R & D manager in the areas of optical thermoplastic lenses at Essilor of America; technical leader and scientist in the areas of imaging materials and medical plastics at Eastman Kodak and Eastman Chemical Co.
of plastic materials/components for safety standards of the system. Our ultimate goal is to establish the safety science of plastics used in infrastructure of renewable energy systems, and their challenges and needs will also be addressed. Speaker: Dr. Hsinjin Edwin Yang received his Ph. D. in Physical Chem-
Page 3
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Pacific Northwest Section News & Views Cedar Grove Tour, Everett, Wa 19 March 2011
Xiaoxi Wang, James Hanks, Sergio Sanchez
Yellow vests for safety!
We were watched closely by a local resident…
Jami Burke, Chris Hall, James Hanks.
We enjoyed a glorious Spring day, a fine pizza lunch, an excellent tour, and very informative presentations by Michelle Riggs and Jami Burke of Cedar Grove. Time well spent to understand the role of plastics in the overall composting/ recycling chain of events! Page 4
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Plastic Industry News Airbus looks down under for composites in-between
surface of components to be joined. The thermoplastic and thermoset polymers intermingle before the heat cure is complete, providing a strongly attached thermoplastic surface on the thermoset composite laminate. Then, during the welding process these laminates can be rapidly joined, providing a robust joint with less sensitivity to aggressive environments than adhesive bonded joints, says Melbournebased CRCACS, which expects the process to cut component costs by 10%. Airbus expects dramatic cost reductions in aircraft assembly if the technique can be made to work in load-bearing applications. Airbus is initially looking at the use of TCW for brackets and attachments, but sees potential for other, more ambitious applications such as attaching stringers to panels, says Dale King, Airbus senior manager for international research and technol-
By Emma Kelly Date: 16/03/11 Source: Flight International Airbus hopes to be able within two years to use a new bonding method being developed by Australia’s Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures (CRC-ACS). Thermoset composite welding (TCW) speeds assembly of carbon/epoxy components by combining the rapid welding potential of thermoplastic composites with the versatility and lower cost of carbon/ epoxy prepregs. During layup, a layer of thermoplastic is incorporated in the
ogy partnerships. Airbus hopes the technology will be mature enough in one or two years for initial use in smallscale non-load bearing applications. By 2015 Airbus should know whether TCW will work for more substantial applications, says King. Airbus but has recently become a full partner in the CRC-ACS government-industry research organisation and is working with other Australian research organisations in a number of areas, including structural health monitoring and the use of sustainable bio-sourced materials. One technology of particular interest is laser-assisted machining of titanium, says King. King describes Airbus as working to understand the strengths of Australia’s technology sector: “There is potential here [in Australia] that hasn’t properly been tapped.”
Check out our advertisers
they make sure every issue of The Plastics Sound reaches hundreds of SPE members and plastics professionals in the Northwest Region.
This Ad Space Available
Advertise in the Plastics Sound! for more information, contact: Charlie Pratt • 206-734-9767 • [email protected]
Page 5
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Already a member?
Participate in the SPE’s Member-Get-A-Member Recruitment Campaign
Invite your colleagues to join SPE through our 2009-2010 Member-Get-A-Member Drive. It’s easy and takes just a few minutes. Go to www.4spe.org/member-get-member-campaign for details, including up to one full year of SPE membership.
Help SPE Grow. Recruit a new member today. Thanks for participating. Page 6
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Pacific Northwest Section
Board of Directors – 2010/2011 President....................................... Charlie Pratt...................................................pmconsulting.pratt@gmail.com Past President............................... Jamie Langabeer............................................. [email protected] President Elect.............................. Xiaoxi Wang.................................................................wang0213@gmail.com Tech Program Chair...................... Xiaoxi Wang.................................................................wang0213@gmail.com Treasurer....................................... Chris Hall....................................................................... [email protected] Secretary...................................... Kevin Gaw.................................................................. [email protected] Education Chair............................. Steve Dillman................................................................. [email protected] Education Committee.................... Sergio Sanchez............................................... [email protected] Membership Chair......................... Aaron Bartel........................................................ [email protected] Student Representative................. James Hanks.............................................. [email protected] Councilor...................................... Al Smith...........................................................................asmith@calsak.com Director......................................... Jim Griffing....................................................... [email protected] Director......................................... Eric Teoh..........................................................................spepnw@gmail.com
Do you have a Professional or Career question? Contact any Board Memeber... we’re here to help!
Sponsor a single edition of The Plastics Sound, or place and ad in each issue of our Newsletter. We reach 200 members of the Plastics industry in the Puget Sound region and Western Canada. Single edition sponsorship:
Dr. Charles F. Pratt President
$200 for a half-page or $400 for a full page
Thermoplastics • Composites Long Fiber Technology • Application Development
For an ad in each edition of the Plastics Sound
Gig Harbor, WA
206-734-9767
[email protected]
(7-8 per year; e.g., Oct, Nov, Dec/Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June):
$200 for a 1/8 page $400 for a 1/4 page $800 for a 1/2 page
Page 7
issue
·
Volume
XX
Join us for our 7 April 2011
Technical Program on Plastics in Renewable Energy!
Detailed Abstract on Page 3
“Reliability and Safety Science of Plastics in Infrastructure of Renewable Energy Systems” Hsinjin Edwin Yang, Ph.D. J. Thomas Chapin, Ph.D. Corporate Research, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Holiday Inn and Suites Seattle-Kent 22318 84th Ave. S, Kent, WA 98032 Social Hour and Buffet Dinner ............ 5:30 – 7:00 PM Presentation ....................................... 7:00 – 8:00 PM $25 for SPE members (cash/check) $30 for non-SPE members $15 for students RSVP Xiaoxi Wang, PacNW Section [email protected]
Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendars!
28 April 2011
Tour of Globe Machine Manufacturing Tacoma, WA
13 May 2011
Open House – WWU Plastics Processing Center
Bellingham, WA
Number
11
·
www.4spe.org
Happy Spring!
April
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
President’s Message Great SPE Programs are On Tap!
T
he pace of activities is picking up as we move into April! We start the month off on 7 April with a very interesting presentation from UL on the safety aspects of plastics in renewable energy. Dr. H. E. Yang is an industry veteran, and knowledgeable speaker. Be sure to join us in Kent for a great evening of networking, learning and eating; not bad for $25!!. Next we end the month of April on the 28th with a tour of Globe Machine Manufacturing in Tacoma – Ron Jacobsen of Globe will be our host for what promises to be
an excellent event. Of course, what would May be without our ANTEC meeting? If you are going to Boston, we hope to see you there… several of our Section will be attending. If Boston is a bit too far afield, however, we have a great local SPE activity coming up in midMay at Western Washington University. The WWU Plastics Processing Center will host their yearly open house, and it’s a great event. Mark your calendar now, and meet some of the students who will be leading the plastics industry in just a few years! Speaking of WWU, your PacNW section is partnering with some WWU students to develop a plastics educational outreach program aimed
at middle school students in the Puget Sound area. We’ll have more on this exciting development in future newsletters – if you are interested in helping to spread the “plastics word” to students, we’d be glad to have you as part of the team. Last but by no means least, several of our Section enjoyed a great tour and presentation at Cedar Grove Composting on 19 March. Check out the pictures we’ve included. Michelle Riggs and Jami Burke were excellent hosts and outstanding educators. We now know the difference is between compostability and biodegradability – if you are curious, give us a call! Charlie Pratt Pratt Materials Consulting LLC 206-734-9767 [email protected]
Pacific Northwest Section News & Views Upcoming Event 28 April 2011 Tour of Globe Machine Manufacturing Company 701 East D Street, Tacoma, WA April 28, 2011 • 7:00pm – 8:00pm Reception 6:30pm – 7:00pm
C
ome join us between 6:30pm and 7:00pm for light refreshments and socializing. At 7, we’ll provide a tour of our engineering
Page 2
and manufacturing facilities including our fabrication and machine shops, assembly areas, and electrical panel shop with time for good discussion. Established in 1917, Globe is a supplier of custom designed, built, and fully integrated equipment and systems for industries that include plastic composites, automotive, aerospace, military, pulp and paper, and building products. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Globe recently
supplied a 12,000 ton multi-opening press system with automatic loading and unloading to a composites armor manufacturer, and has designed and built a prototype head demonstrating the automated application of prepreg for manufacturing wind turbine spars. Globe is currently producing Out-ofAutoclave Carbon Fiber Composite Press Systems for manufacturing automotive Class A body panels at significantly reduced cycle times.
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Pacific Northwest Section News & Views
Abstract for 7 April Technical Program
Reliability and Safety Science of Plastics in Infrastructure of Renewable Energy Systems
Hsinjin Edwin Yang, Ph.D. and J. Thomas Chapin, Ph.D. Corporate Research, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
ity of plastics when exposed with biofuels and used in PV system as functions of environmental factors is very important for the safety usage of final renewable energy systems. Recently, UL has extensively studied the physical and chemical properties of plastics exposed with ethanol biofuels, for example, to understand the failure mechanism of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) after exposing with ethanol-gasoline biofuel blends by applying solubility parameter theory. We will further investigate how the change of plastics performance/ properties with long term aging/exposure contribute to failure modes and electrical/fire safety hazards of the final system. Therefore, we can drive the functional requirements
P
lastic materials are widely used in the delivery and dispensing systems for biofuels, and in the components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and systems, e.g. encapsulants, back or front sheets, junction boxes, connectors, cables, etc. Currently, there are approximately 120 Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standards related to fuels that address safety and performance of products and components, and about 12 UL safety standards related to PV system such as plastic materials, PV modules, connectors, junction box, cable and their flammability. Fundamental understanding for performance, durability and reliabil-
istry/Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. He currently works in Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as a Sr. Scientist and Technical Projects Leader in the areas of polymer science and technology for the reliability and safety of renewable energy and industrial applications. He is also an adjunct professor for department of chemistry, Univ. of Missouri at Kansas City. Dr. Yang has issued 19 patents and filed 5 patents, and published over 40 publications in Journals or Book Chapter or Conference Proceedings. Prior to his current job, he served as Sr. Scientist and Manager in the areas of biomedical devices and medication delivery system Baxter Healthcare Corp.; R & D manager in the areas of optical thermoplastic lenses at Essilor of America; technical leader and scientist in the areas of imaging materials and medical plastics at Eastman Kodak and Eastman Chemical Co.
of plastic materials/components for safety standards of the system. Our ultimate goal is to establish the safety science of plastics used in infrastructure of renewable energy systems, and their challenges and needs will also be addressed. Speaker: Dr. Hsinjin Edwin Yang received his Ph. D. in Physical Chem-
Page 3
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Pacific Northwest Section News & Views Cedar Grove Tour, Everett, Wa 19 March 2011
Xiaoxi Wang, James Hanks, Sergio Sanchez
Yellow vests for safety!
We were watched closely by a local resident…
Jami Burke, Chris Hall, James Hanks.
We enjoyed a glorious Spring day, a fine pizza lunch, an excellent tour, and very informative presentations by Michelle Riggs and Jami Burke of Cedar Grove. Time well spent to understand the role of plastics in the overall composting/ recycling chain of events! Page 4
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Plastic Industry News Airbus looks down under for composites in-between
surface of components to be joined. The thermoplastic and thermoset polymers intermingle before the heat cure is complete, providing a strongly attached thermoplastic surface on the thermoset composite laminate. Then, during the welding process these laminates can be rapidly joined, providing a robust joint with less sensitivity to aggressive environments than adhesive bonded joints, says Melbournebased CRCACS, which expects the process to cut component costs by 10%. Airbus expects dramatic cost reductions in aircraft assembly if the technique can be made to work in load-bearing applications. Airbus is initially looking at the use of TCW for brackets and attachments, but sees potential for other, more ambitious applications such as attaching stringers to panels, says Dale King, Airbus senior manager for international research and technol-
By Emma Kelly Date: 16/03/11 Source: Flight International Airbus hopes to be able within two years to use a new bonding method being developed by Australia’s Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures (CRC-ACS). Thermoset composite welding (TCW) speeds assembly of carbon/epoxy components by combining the rapid welding potential of thermoplastic composites with the versatility and lower cost of carbon/ epoxy prepregs. During layup, a layer of thermoplastic is incorporated in the
ogy partnerships. Airbus hopes the technology will be mature enough in one or two years for initial use in smallscale non-load bearing applications. By 2015 Airbus should know whether TCW will work for more substantial applications, says King. Airbus but has recently become a full partner in the CRC-ACS government-industry research organisation and is working with other Australian research organisations in a number of areas, including structural health monitoring and the use of sustainable bio-sourced materials. One technology of particular interest is laser-assisted machining of titanium, says King. King describes Airbus as working to understand the strengths of Australia’s technology sector: “There is potential here [in Australia] that hasn’t properly been tapped.”
Check out our advertisers
they make sure every issue of The Plastics Sound reaches hundreds of SPE members and plastics professionals in the Northwest Region.
This Ad Space Available
Advertise in the Plastics Sound! for more information, contact: Charlie Pratt • 206-734-9767 • [email protected]
Page 5
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Already a member?
Participate in the SPE’s Member-Get-A-Member Recruitment Campaign
Invite your colleagues to join SPE through our 2009-2010 Member-Get-A-Member Drive. It’s easy and takes just a few minutes. Go to www.4spe.org/member-get-member-campaign for details, including up to one full year of SPE membership.
Help SPE Grow. Recruit a new member today. Thanks for participating. Page 6
The Plastics Sound • April 2011
Pacific Northwest Section
Board of Directors – 2010/2011 President....................................... Charlie Pratt...................................................pmconsulting.pratt@gmail.com Past President............................... Jamie Langabeer............................................. [email protected] President Elect.............................. Xiaoxi Wang.................................................................wang0213@gmail.com Tech Program Chair...................... Xiaoxi Wang.................................................................wang0213@gmail.com Treasurer....................................... Chris Hall....................................................................... [email protected] Secretary...................................... Kevin Gaw.................................................................. [email protected] Education Chair............................. Steve Dillman................................................................. [email protected] Education Committee.................... Sergio Sanchez............................................... [email protected] Membership Chair......................... Aaron Bartel........................................................ [email protected] Student Representative................. James Hanks.............................................. [email protected] Councilor...................................... Al Smith...........................................................................asmith@calsak.com Director......................................... Jim Griffing....................................................... [email protected] Director......................................... Eric Teoh..........................................................................spepnw@gmail.com
Do you have a Professional or Career question? Contact any Board Memeber... we’re here to help!
Sponsor a single edition of The Plastics Sound, or place and ad in each issue of our Newsletter. We reach 200 members of the Plastics industry in the Puget Sound region and Western Canada. Single edition sponsorship:
Dr. Charles F. Pratt President
$200 for a half-page or $400 for a full page
Thermoplastics • Composites Long Fiber Technology • Application Development
For an ad in each edition of the Plastics Sound
Gig Harbor, WA
206-734-9767
[email protected]
(7-8 per year; e.g., Oct, Nov, Dec/Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June):
$200 for a 1/8 page $400 for a 1/4 page $800 for a 1/2 page
Page 7
