Modeling and Optimization Studies in Reactive In-Mold Coating - The Enviromentally Friendly Alternative to Painting for Plastic Parts

该项目将模拟热塑性塑料和复合材料零件在模内涂层过程中发生的复杂相互作用。该加工模型的目标是预测在填充和涂覆过程中的模具和成型机挠度，以及该工艺的最佳注射参数。计划通过实验验证该模型在注塑热塑性部件涂层中的应用，其中基材可压缩性等问题在填充阶段和随后的涂层性能中起着关键作用。模内涂层有可能大大减少对塑料部件喷涂和涂层的需求，这是当代制造中的主要环境危害。多年来，模具内涂层化合物已被用于改善由板材成型化合物制成的零件的表面性能。迄今为止，该工艺尚未应用于注塑成型的热塑性部件，尽管由于消除喷漆而产生的潜在环境效益和成本节约是巨大的。主要的绊脚石是在涂层过程中预测热塑性基材行为的困难，以及模具设计中的相关问题。另一个具有巨大环境效益的潜在应用是作为船舶制造中凝胶涂层的替代品。这项工作将对汽车和消费品行业产生直接影响，并将直接应用于俄亥俄州立大学的聚合物加工和模具设计制造课程。减轻重大环境危害的潜力显然非常大。另一个具有巨大环境效益的主要潜在应用是作为船舶制造中凝胶涂层的替代品。女性工程项目主任将积极吸引不同的学生参与。

This project will model the complex interactions that occur during the in-mold coating of thermoplastic and composite parts. The goals of this processing model will be to predict mold and molding machine deflection during filling and coating, as well as optimal injection parameters for the process. Plans to experimentally validate the use of this model for coatings for injection molded thermoplastic parts where issues such as substrate compressibility play a key role in the filling stage and subsequent coating performance In-mold coating has the potential to greatly reduce the need for spray painting and coating of plastic parts, a major environmental hazard in contemporary manufacturing.In-mold coating compounds have been used for many years to improve the surface properties of parts made from sheet molding compounds. To date, the process has not been applied to injection-molded thermoplastic parts, although the potential environmental benefits and cost savings resulting from elimination of painting are enormous. The major stumbling blocks have been the difficulty of predicting the behavior of the thermoplastic substrate during the coating process, and associated problems in mold design. Another potential application of large environmental benefit is as a substitute of gel coats for boat manufacturing. This work will have an immediate impact on the automotive and consumer products industries, and will be directly applied to manufacturing courses in polymer processing and mold design at Ohio State University. The potential for alleviating a major environmental hazard is clearly very large. Another major potential application of large environmental benefit is as a substitute of gel coats for boat manufacturing. The Director of the Women in Engineering Program will actively engage a diverse student participation.