Injection Molding of Polymeric and Composite Materials

Injection molding is the most commonly used net-shape manufacturing process for materials. For polymers and some of their composites, injection molding can mass produce high-precision parts with complex geometry at a very low cost. Injection molded products have been widely used in various fields of human life, including daily necessities, baby care products, medical devices, electronic appliances, automobile industry, aviation, aerospace, etc. With the continuous emergence of new polymeric and composite materials, more and more materials, including thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, engineering plastics, recycled plastics, and their composites with fibers and additives, are used in injection molding to meet the increasing demand for different plastic products. Injection molding involves the interdisciplinary intersection of materials, processes, molds, machines, and controls.

The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the latest developments in injection molding of polymeric and composite materials and to advance the understanding of the potential benefits, challenges, and theoretical implications of injection molding in the mass manufacturing of polymeric products with various geometry and functions.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Injection molding theory and techniques

• Thermoplastic injection molding

• Thermoset injection molding

• Elastomer injection molding

• Injection molding of polymer composites

• Injection molding techniques for new polymeric and composite materials

• Mold design theory and techniques

• Regulation of geometry and property of injection molded parts

• Special injection molding techniques