Emanuel Dawit Production Engineering department 4th year –

RDEG-0019/12
1,Explain how would the tensile properties of plastic change with a) If the
temprature were increased? b) If the strain rate (test speed) were increased?
Modulus:
Temperature: An increase in temperature generally leads to a decrease in modulus. As the
temperature rises, the mobility of polymer chains increases, reducing the stiffness of the material.
Strain Rate: Higher strain rates often result in a stiffer material, as the increased rate of
deformation may limit the ability of polymer chains to respond and rearrange.
Yield Stress:
Temperature: The yield stress of plastics can be sensitive to temperature changes. In some cases,
an increase in temperature may reduce the yield stress due to increased polymer chain mobility
and easier plastic deformation.
Strain Rate: Yield stress may also be influenced by strain rate. Higher strain rates can sometimes
lead to an apparent increase in yield stress, as the material may behave more rigidly under faster
deformation.
Elongation:
Temperature: Generally, an increase in temperature tends to improve elongation by promoting
greater plastic deformation before fracture. This is often associated with a transition from brittle
to ductile behavior.
Strain Rate: The effect on elongation depends on the specific plastic. In some cases, higher strain
rates can reduce elongation, as the material may be more prone to brittle fracture.
Toughness:
Temperature: Toughness is a combination of strength and ductility. In many cases, an increase in
temperature can enhance the toughness of plastics due to increased ductility and the ability to
absorb more energy before failure.
Strain Rate: Toughness can be influenced by strain rate. At higher strain rates, the material may
exhibit a more brittle response, reducing toughness. However, it's essential to consider the entire
stress-strain curve to understand how the material behaves under different conditions.
It's important to note that the effects of temperature and strain rate on these properties can vary
widely depending on the specific type of plastic. Additionally, engineers often use temperature-
dependent and strain rate-dependent material models to predict and understand how a material
will behave under different conditions in practical applications
2 Explain viscoelasticity behavior of plastics and two main things affect
viscoelasticity of a plastic
Viscoelasticity is a property exhibited by certain materials, including plastics, which display both viscous
and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation. Viscous behavior involves flow and
deformation over time, while elastic behavior involves the ability to return to the original shape after
deformation. The combination of these behaviors in plastics results in viscoelastic properties.
Two main factors that affect the viscoelastic behavior of plastics are:
Temperature:
The temperature has a significant impact on the viscoelastic properties of plastics. As the temperature
increases, the molecular mobility within the polymer chains also increases. This increased mobility allows
the polymer chains to slide more easily past each other, leading to a more pronounced viscous behavior.
Conversely, at lower temperatures, the molecular motion is restricted, and the material exhibits more
elastic behavior.
The temperature at which a plastic transitions from a glassy, more elastic state to a rubbery, more viscous
state is known as the glass transition temperature (Tg). Above Tg, the material becomes increasingly
viscoelastic.
Rate of Deformation (Strain Rate):
The rate at which a plastic is deformed also affects its viscoelastic response. Plastics often exhibit
different mechanical properties at different strain rates. At higher strain rates, the material may behave
more elastically due to the limited time for molecular rearrangements, while at lower strain rates, the
material may exhibit more viscous behavior.
This phenomenon is often described by the Deborah number, which is the ratio of the characteristic time
of a process to the relaxation time of the material. A Deborah number much smaller than 1 indicates a
predominantly elastic response, while a Deborah number much larger than 1 indicates a predominantly
viscous response.
Understanding the viscoelastic behavior of plastics is crucial in various applications, such as in the design
of products where the material needs to withstand dynamic or prolonged loading conditions. It also plays
a role in processing techniques, as the flow behavior of plastics during manufacturing processes is
influenced by their viscoelastic properties.
3 Compare compression molding process(use free hand sketch) and transfer
molding from the stand point of process ,product and applications.
Compression molding and transfer molding are both popular manufacturing processes used in the
production of various products, especially in the plastics and rubber industries. Here's a comparison of
these two molding processes in terms of the process itself, the resulting products, and their applications:

1. Process:
Compression Molding:
Process Overview: In compression molding, a pre-measured amount of material (usually a thermosetting
plastic or rubber) is placed directly into an open mold cavity. The mold is then closed, and heat and
pressure are applied. The material is compressed and takes the shape of the mold.
Heat and Pressure: Heat and pressure are both applied throughout the curing process to ensure proper
material flow and consolidation. This process is suitable for high-volume production.
Transfer Molding:
Process Overview: Transfer molding is similar to compression molding, but with an additional step. The
material is preheated in a chamber outside the mold and then transferred (hence the name) into a closed
mold cavity where heat and pressure are applied for curing.
Material Transfer: The material is forced into the mold through a sprue, runner, and gate system, allowing
for better control over the material flow. This process is often used for more complex parts.

2. Product Characteristics:
Compression Molding:
Material Distribution: Material distribution may be less uniform compared to transfer molding.

Surface Finish: Surface finish may be affected by the compression process, and flash (excess material)
may need to be trimmed.
Transfer Molding:
Material Distribution: Offers more precise control over material distribution, leading to more uniform
parts.
Surface Finish: Generally results in better surface finish with less flash, reducing the need for additional
finishing processes.

3. Applications:
Compression Molding:
Suitable for: Compression molding is suitable for a wide range of applications, especially for simple and
large parts with lower precision requirements.
Examples: Commonly used for making products like electrical components, appliance parts, and
automotive components.
Transfer Molding:
Suitable for: Transfer molding is often used for more intricate parts where precise material control is
necessary.
Examples: Frequently employed in the production of electronic components, encapsulated parts, and
products requiring intricate details.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages:

Disadvantages: Less precise control over material distribution, may result in variations in product quality.
Transfer Molding:
Advantages: Better material control, improved surface finish, suitable for intricate parts.

Disadvantages: Higher tooling costs, additional material transfer step.