The Effect of Processing Parameters and Calcium-stearate on the Ejection Process of Injection Molded Poly(Lactic Acid) Products

We investigated the ejection/demolding of continuous production injection molded Poly(Lactic Acid) tensile testing specimens and analyzed effect 1 wt% Calcium-Stearate additive as demolding agent (sliding or mold release agent) on this process. demonstrated that could get stuck in even break during molding a certain type mold, which has low draft angle varying cavity width along flow path. The standard dumbbell-shaped specimen is produced such mold. Demolding was rated with use high-speed camera into three categories (problem-free / stuck, but demolded undamaged product damaged product). Moreover, ejector force required to push out monitored over 30 cycles. also processing parameters, rate (screw speed), holding pressure, time, temperature, melt backpressure, screw rotational speed, pre-process drying (drying not pellets before molding). managed avoid breakage proper settings process parameters Calcium-Stearate, an effective agent. This ensured problem-free thus molding.