Analysis of in-mold coating process and ion beam irradiation
Researchers recently explored in-mold coating process that can conduct injection molding and coating in the cavity.
First, rubber particles were embedded into polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and injection molding was carried out. After then, coating was performed on the surface of the injection molded part, and nitrogen ion beam was implanted. The in-mold coating process was also simulated numerically. Effect of the ion beam treatment was analysed, and rheological and morphological characteristics of the samples were investigated.
Improvement of surface properties
Distribution of the residual stress in the sample was measured and computed numerically. It revealed that both the coating process and the ion beam irradiation significantly enhanced the surface properties of the injection molded parts, such as surface hardness and scratch resistance.
The study is published in: Progress in Organic Coatings Volume 126, January 2019, Pages 28-34.
