Effect of Temperature Changes on the Vibration Transmissibility of XPE and PE Packaging Cushioning Material

Péter Csavajda,Péter Böröcz

doi:10.3390/app11020482

Abstract

Polyethylene (PE) and its variations are among the most traditional materials used for cushioning in packaging systems. The role of these materials is to prevent damages during handling and distribution processes from physical events such as vibration stress. This study presents new results on the characterization of properties of PE and XPE (cross-linked polyethylene) packaging materials, which have significant relevance as a protective mechanism due to their vibration transmissibility and frequency curve properties. The main goal of this study is the evaluation of vibration transmissibility of PE and XPE cushion material at varied real temperature and static load conditions through a series of experiments using a vibration tester and climate chamber to determine the peak frequencies, vibration transmissibility, and damping ratios. The results can be used by engineers in the package-design process, and can be useful in different distribution conditions. Three different kinds of static loads and a 0.5 oct/min sine sweep of vibration test were used to find the peak frequencies and vibration transmissibility at −20 °C, 0 °C, 20 °C and 40 °C to estimate the damping ratios. The results provided a better understanding of the materials and can assist in the design of suitable protective packaging systems.

Highlights

Physical events such as vibration are generated by vehicles and handling equipment during distribution in different kinds of temperature conditions
Three static loads were selected for each material and temperature, since vibration transmissibility is influenced by static load [57]
Our study showed the important properties of cross-linked and non-cross-linked polyethylene foam

Summary

Introduction

Physical events such as vibration are generated by vehicles and handling equipment during distribution in different kinds of temperature conditions. Packaging has a particular importance in avoiding or dampening those vibration stresses, which can affect the integrity of packaging and its protective mechanism, as well as product properties. Sensitive products like electrical or medical devices, or porcelain and glass products, require a thorough and professional implementation of the packaging material used in package-design processes. One of the most important aims of this process is to find cost-effective materials that offer enough protection of the product against the hazards of supply chains. Cushioning materials account for the balance between product ruggedness and distribution hazards. The role of the materials is to absorb the energy of impact shock or the dynamic oscillation of vibration

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