Connecting Linear Polymers Molecular Structure to Viscoelastic Properties and Melt Flow Index

摘要

A modeling pathway and software tool for linking entangled linear polymer molecular properties to linear viscoelasticity and melt index (MI) values is presented. A reptation model links molecular properties to the flow curve, and then, an ANSYS Polyflow model calculates MI values based on the flow curve predicted. The method is thoroughly tested and validated for uni- and bimodal, low-and high-density polyethylene grades. An overall accuracy level in the range of 90% on average is exhibited, considering both model prediction steps: (i) molecular weight distribution to flow curve and (ii) flow curve to MI.