Effect of Physical Foaming Agents on the Viscosity of Various Polyolefin Resins

摘要

The effect of temperature and type of physical foaming agent (HCFC-142b,n-pentane,and carbon dioxide) on the shear viscosity have been investigated for various types of polyolefin resins (PP,LLDPE,and HDPE).The viscosity changes have been monitored using a commercial on-line process control rheometer mounted on a twin-screw extruder.A plasticization index,based on the respective molecular weights of the foaming agent and the repeat unit of the polymer,is proposed.Comparison with an amorphous polymer,namely polystyrene,is also made for mixtures using the same physical foaming agents.