| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Accelerated Discovery and Insertion of Next Generation Structural Materials
|
| Presentation Title |
Enabling Next Generation Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) for Lightweight Structures |
| Author(s) |
Komal Chawla, Seokpum Kim, Ahmed Hassen |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Komal Chawla |
| Abstract Scope |
Replacing large metal components in trucks and buses with lightweight polymer composites is challenging due to high operational temperature. Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) process using Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) resin offers a rapid and efficient solution, producing robust parts with exceptional impact strength and resistance properties. High purity DCPD is a promising feedstock for large-scale composites being a co-product of the naphtha cracking process, recovered in C5 hydrocarbon stream in high volumes with a relatively low carbon footprint. Low viscosity of DCPD allows for low-cost tooling. However, potential of RIM parts to replace metal is limited by insufficient stiffness and dimensional stability, as well as a lack of robust simulation tools. This work focuses on identifying optimal process parameters to reduce cycle time and minimize defects in RIM process through simulations. The optimized process enhances performance of DCPD parts and contributes to sustainable manufacturing practices by reducing material waste and energy consumption.
|
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Composites, Modeling and Simulation, Mechanical Properties |