Modelling of polymer seal strength: response surface methodology

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The response surface methodology (RSM) approach was followed to construct a predictive model concerning the seal strength between film to gland fitments.The proposed method provides a replacement for the current trial and error approach followed by the industry partner. With the new approach, the manufacturercan tailor specific solutions to comply with changing requirements, allowing them to adapt in limited time to manufacture gland seals that complywith specific requirements. The final constructed model was able to account for 90% of the total observed variance of the training set, 3:6% of the 10%unaccounted variance was due to lack of fit, and 6:4% was due to the variability between replicates. Independent validation tests were conducted to verifythe use of the model. The predicted optimum corresponded to a seal strength of 21:9MPa, and process variables of temperature = 320 °C, pressure = 4:4 barand dwell time = 5:5 sec. The results obtained were within the constructed 95% confidence interval, and the mean approximated the true response. As aresult, the model accounted for 89% of the observed variance of the validation set.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University