Study of Co-Injection Processes using Viscous Newtonian Fluids in a Hele-Shaw Cell
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Date
2017-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Co-injection molding incorporates the use of two or more immiscible polymers to make a singular part. Industrially, this process is accomplished by injecting one material within another to create a skin and core combination. This allows for the creation of parts that combine desirable characteristics such as rigidity and flexibility seen in products ranging from toothbrushes to phone cases. In addition, this process is used to create plastics that combine virgin and recycled material without sacrificing durability through degradation. To better understand the influence of viscosity and surface tension in the co-injection process, a Hele-Shaw cell, consisting of two long plates separated by a narrow gap is used to represent the 2-dimensional analog to the industrial process. Prior experimentation with the Hele-Shaw cell was used to model the gas-assisted injection molding (GAIM) process where only one plastic is injected into the mold followed by an air bubble to create a hollow part. The goal of this project is to expand previous studies to include the co-injection process. Testing analyzes the viscosity ratio between the penetrating and displaced fluids. Industrially, co-injection is used to create a wide array of parts. Since these parts are costly to test individually, this research will contribute to a better understanding and prediction of the fluid interaction within the process and decrease process cost. In addition, this study is applicable to the problems faced in enhanced oil recovery where chemical injection is used.
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Keywords
Co-Injection, Hele-Shaw, Fluid mechanics, Bubble penetration, Polymer molding