Computerized database, plastic

Selecting an optimal material for a given product must obviously be based on analysis of the requirements to be met. A simplified approach involves comparing the specific service requirements to the potential properties of a plastic. What follows is a simplified but practical material-selection approach. This longhand system is a basis of the fastest computerized databases. 

Identification of a plasticizer is based on a comparison of a full spectrum of samples in the range from 4000 to 650 cm" with a set of standard spectra or computerized database. This is again subjected to interferences by mixture components. Tire sample used for identification is usually used for quantitative analysis as discussed above or a special sample is extracted for the purpose of a direct quantitative analysis. 

Experiments with unproven materials are discouraged in the motor industry, and until quite recently the quality of suppliers data did not encourage a detailed selection exercise. Since the late 1970s two factors have combined to help make sophisticated selection procedures a reality. One is the generation of meaningful multi-point data by the material suppliers the fruits of this were discussed in Designing with plastics in Chapter 2. The other is the development of computerized databases. 

All data presented in this chapter, as throughout this book, are per ASTM Standards unless otherwise specified. Also, each plastic discussed here can include only a few advantages and disadvantages for detailed information see the References section, computerized databases, and, most importantly, the plastic-material suppliers. 

Diekmann, D. "Computerized Databases for Plastics Materials. Plastics Engineering, pp. 29-37, Nov. 1989. 

The process of selection between different plastics can be quite bewildering. Copious information on materials is available from the manufacturers, but traditionally this tends to play down any reference to the defects, and to omit any meaningful comparison with alternative plastics. Nowadays there is a proliferation of databases, offering a facility for computerized selection from an impressive list of materials. Data have been compiled over a very wide range of properties, often with an unbiased presentation and uniform test methods and units. With such a huge bank of data now available, the problem is frequently reduced to being one of deciding which of the abundant properties really matter for the component in hand. 

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