Improvement of the measurement process used for the dynamic mechanical characterisation of polyolefin foams in compression

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 20; no. 3; pp. 253 - 267
• Main Authors: Rodrı́guez-Pérez, M.A, Almanza, O, del Valle, J.L, González, A, de Saja, J.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cellular; Dynamic mechanical analysis; Dynamic mechanical properties; Exact sciences and technology; Experimental design; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polyolefin foams; Taguchi method; Technology of polymers; Polyolefin foams; Dynamic mechanical properties; Experimental design; Dynamic mechanical analysis; Taguchi method; EVA; Compression; Low density ethylene polymer; Crosslinked polymer; Foam(plastics); Measurement method; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Expansion
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/S0142-9418(00)00030-1

A Taguchi experimental design has been used to improve the measurement process utilised in a dynamic mechanical analyser (Perkin Elmer DMA7) for the characterisation of polyolefin foams in compression. The measurement process has been analysed in a systematic way, which allows identification of the main factors that influence the variability of tests performed under the same repeated conditions. By applying the Taguchi methodology, the combination of the levels of the control factors that make the measurement process least influenced by external factors has been obtained.