For background:
We have a polymer and are looking to adjust its thermal and mechanical properties to resemble the properties of a commercially available polymer to present it as a viable alternative material.
We want to do this by adding a number of additives that are known to improve those properties. We have determined a range of additives we would like to test for their effects on the polymer's properties.
The problem:
I am unsure of a method to determine the best possible combination/ ratio of additives to produce the closest properties. I would like to be able to test different combinations/ concentrations of additives in an efficient way and determine which combination has the best overall effect on the properties.
I initially was considering using a Taguchi Method, however as far as I understand, Taguchi Methods are not suited for properties with interaction/ variables that confound? Is this an issue for this application? Is there a method of determining the optimal combination that would be better suited?
Dear Nate Tran, if you are dealing with a known material(s), then data are available on 'computer aided design of materials' programs. You may find the best combination with the least experimental trials. My Regards
Dear Nate Tran, if you are dealing with a known material(s), then data are available on 'computer aided design of materials' programs. You may find the best combination with the least experimental trials. My Regards
Abdelkader BOUAZIZ Thanks for the suggestion.
I will review this, but unless I'm mistaken I don't believe we can take this approach. The polymer we are using is novel and we will be characterizing its properties. We are looking to add additives like epoxidized soybean oil/ boron nitride to alter its properties, which themselves are not viable materials.
I think what I am looking for is a method that allows me to input the results of the characterization tests on the polymer with varying amounts of the blends and provides some output that can help me find the best combination in some way.
Dear Nate Tran, hope the following documents will be usefull in your work. My Regards
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260983742_Methodology_for_Optimization_of_Polymer_Blends_Composition
https://doi.org/10.1002/app.44516
The important factor you must consider is the compatibility factor of the additive and matrix. Addition of high amounts of non-compatible materials result in failure due to agglomeration and leaching.
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