The effect of molecular weight distribution on polyethylene film properties

Polymer Engineering and Science - Tập 12 Số 5 - Trang 340-345 - 1972
Peter J. Perron1, Peter B. Lederman1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn

Tóm tắt

Abstract

Polymer molecular weight heterogeneity affects the rheological properties of polymer melts such as melt viscosity, fracture and die swell. These rheological properties affect the conversion of the polymer from the bulk resin state to its final usable form. In this particular study, the effect of molecular weight distribution on polyethylene blown film characteristics was studied. The effect of the molecular weight heterogeneity on the rheological characteristics of the polymer in the molten state and its effect on the film properties is presented.

The properties studied included film gloss, haze, tear resistance and film impact strength.

This study shows that broadening the molecular weight distribution increases haze and reduces film gloss. Further, it was shown that a linear relationship exists between film gloss and external haze. Both values are measures of surface irregularities in the film which are affected by the drawing characteristics of the polymer.

A broader molecular weight distribution results in increased impact strength as measured by the Dart Drop Impact Test. This is, it is believed, a result of the increase in long chain branching of the higher molecular weight fractions of the polymer which cause a higher degree of molecular weight entanglement at the branch sites. In contrast the tear strength is reduced as the molecular weight distribution broadens because of the low molecular weight fraction in the broad spectrum material which tend to decrease resistance to tear.

Từ khóa


Tài liệu tham khảo

Sperati C. A., 1966, J. Poly. Sci., 6, 45

D. R.Mills G. E.MooreandD. W.Pugh Technical Papers 16th Annual Technical Conference Society of Plastics Engineers Chicago Illinois (January 1960).

10.1002/app.1969.070130312

10.1002/app.1963.070070232

E.Merz Technical Papers Regional Technical Conference Society of Plastics Engineers–Newark Section 12 Newark New Jersey (November 1962).

L.WildandR. T.Guliana “Molecular Weight Distributions of Branched Polyethylenes by Gel Permeation Chromatography ” Sixth International Seminar on gel permeation chromatography Miami Beach (1968).

D. T.PollockandR. C.Kratz “Practical Techniques for the Treatment of GPC Data ” Sixth International Seminar on gel permeation chromatography Miami Beach (1968).

Salovey R., 1967, J. Poly. Sci. A‐2, 5, 33

E.DrottandR.Mendelson “Determination of Molecular Weight and Branching of Polymer Fractions with GPC ” Fifth International Seminar on gel permeation chromatography London (1968).

Guillet J. E., 1965, J. Appl. Poly. Sci., 8

10.1063/1.1735763

Pearson J. R. A., 1966, Mechanical Principles of Polymer Melt Processing, 48

Bergonzoni A., 1966, J. Poly. Sci., 6, 45

Renfrew, 1957, Polythene

Billmeyer F., 1965, Textbook of Polymer Science

McGrew F. C., 1958, Mod. Plas. B. J., 7, 125