Design and Fabrication of Vacuum-Assisted Compression Mould for Thermoplastic Polymers with Experimental Validation

Said A. Al Mufarraji; Farooq Al Jahwari; Mahmoud Al-Kindi; Tasneem Pervez; Imad Murtadha Ali

doi:10.53540/1726-6742.1305

Article Details

Design and Fabrication of Vacuum-Assisted Compression Mould for Thermoplastic Polymers with Experimental Validation

Authors:

Said A. Al Mufarraji | Farooq Al Jahwari | Mahmoud Al-Kindi | Tasneem Pervez | Imad Murtadha Ali

Publisher:

Muscat Sultan Qaboos University

Journal:

The Journal of Engineering Research Vol.22 Issue 1, pp.1-9

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001385317

pISSN:

1726-6742

DOI:

10.53540/1726-6742.1305

Keywords:

Polypropylene', 'Compression moulding', 'Vacuum-assisted moulding', 'Mechanical properties

Abstract:

 The manufacturing of thermoplastic materials, particularly polypropylene, is crucial for various industrial applications due to their lightweight, versatile, and durable properties. Compression moulding is a favored method for producing high-strength components; however, traditional open mould systems often result in defects such as air bubbles and voids, which weaken the mechanical integrity of the final product. This research introduces an advanced vacuum-assisted closed mould system designed to enhance the compressive strength and overall mechanical performance of polypropylene specimens. By applying vacuum, entrapped air is effectively removed, ensuring uniform material flow and reducing defects. Experimental results show a substantial improvement in mechanical properties: stress at 0.4 strain increased from 34.98 mpa in conventional compression moulding to 47.2 mpa with vacuum assistance, reflecting a 34.93% increase. Young’s modulus increased from 432.61 mpa to 620.46 mpa, representing a 43.42% enhancement in stiffness. These improvements demonstrate that vacuum-assisted moulding not only enhances material properties but also promotes more efficient manufacturing by minimizing waste and reducing post-moulding machining. this advancement highlights the potential of vacuum-assisted systems to meet growing industrial demands for high-performance, mechanically robust thermoplastic components.

Article Details

Design and Fabrication of Vacuum-Assisted Compression Mould for Thermoplastic Polymers with Experimental Validation

Authors: Said A. Al Mufarraji | Farooq Al Jahwari | Mahmoud Al-Kindi | Tasneem Pervez | Imad Murtadha Ali

Publisher: Muscat Sultan Qaboos University

Journal: The Journal of Engineering Research Vol.22 Issue 1, pp.1-9

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 1/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001385317

pISSN: 1726-6742

DOI: 10.53540/1726-6742.1305

Polypropylene', 'Compression moulding', 'Vacuum-assisted moulding', 'Mechanical properties

Issues

Authors:

Said A. Al Mufarraji | Farooq Al Jahwari | Mahmoud Al-Kindi | Tasneem Pervez | Imad Murtadha Ali

Publisher:

Muscat Sultan Qaboos University

Journal:

The Journal of Engineering Research Vol.22 Issue 1, pp.1-9

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001385317

pISSN:

1726-6742

DOI:

10.53540/1726-6742.1305