Injection molding optimization in order to improve the dispersion of the nanoclays

Abstract

Injection molding is the most commonly manufacturing process used for the fabrication of plastic parts. Different products can be manufactured using injection molding which vary greatly in their size, complexity and application. Automotive industry is the most important sector that uses this technology. A wide variety of additives are used to modify the raw polymers and achieve new properties. Nanoadditives and nanoclays specifically, are used to improve various physical properties, such as reinforcement, synergistic flame retardant and barrier. This work is focused on the study the different parameters in the injection molding process in order to optimize the process using a specific grade of polypropylene and a specific grade of nanoclay. The main goal of the project is to improve the flexural modulus of the studied part using a lineal model taking into account the behavior the selected parameters.