Developing a soft sensor random forest model for the inline product characterization of Polylactide (PLA) in a twin screw melt extrusion process

Konrad Mulrennan, Marion McAfee, John Donovan, Leo Creedon, Fraser Buchanan, Mark Billham

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The melt processing of Polylactide faces challenges due to its poor thermal stability which is influenced by processing temperatures and shearing. The characterization of processed products takes place offline in laboratory environments. Typical scrap rates of a medical grade product can be up to 25-30%. This work discusses the development of soft sensor random forest models for a twin screw melt extrusion process. The resulting models can predict product end characteristics from inline data. These include mechanical properties and percentage mass change of a product during its degradation cycle. These models will act as novel inline indicators as to whether products will be in or out of specification. This will reduce manufacturing costs and minimize waste as well as accurately predicting future performance and behavior of products.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication75th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Anaheim 2017
PublisherSociety of Plastics Engineers
Pages1024-1031
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9780878493609
ISBN (Print)978-0-692-88309-9
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Event75th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Anaheim 2017 - Anaheim, United States
Duration: 8 May 201710 May 2017

Publication series

NameAnnual Technical Conference - ANTEC, Conference Proceedings
Volume2017-May

Conference

Conference75th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Anaheim 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim
Period8/05/1710/05/17

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