Effect of process parameters on the adhesion strength in two-component injection molding of thermoset rubbers and thermoplastics

Abstract

Recently, a novel two-component injection molding process has been developed for combining thermoplastics with thermoset rubbers. This process is of interest for example when thermoplastic parts include seals which are usually produced out of thermoset rubber. The present study evaluates the influence of different process parameters on the bond strength by means of a half factorial experimental design. The considered process parameters are the mold temperature at the interface, the injection temperature, the injection speed, the holding pressure, and the initial roughness of the thermoplastic part at the later interface. The study indicates a large influence of the mold temperature at the interface. Furthermore, the holding pressure only affects the adhesion strength when it is set too low or when the holding time is too short. The other process parameters have no significant effect on the adhesion strength. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46495.