Experimental and numerical study on transient elongational viscosity for PP/LDPE blends

Abstract

The transient uniaxial elongational viscosity for binary blends composed of polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was evaluated. A strain hardening behavior is detected for the blends, although LDPE is a dispersed phase. This behavior is attributed to LDPE dispersion deformation; the LDPE forms rigid fibers because of strain hardening. Rheological properties are calculated numerically by the Phan–Thien Tanner model by assuming a symmetric geometry with a periodic structure. Based on the simulation, we propose an appropriate LDPE to modify the processability of PP, for which the strain hardening in the elongational viscosity is required. Transient elongational viscosity for polypropylene (PP)/low-density polyethylene (LDPE) blends was evaluated. Because deformed LDPE droplets act as rigid fibers due to its strain hardening, the blends show a strain hardening behavior. The growth curves are, however, affected by their viscosity ratio. These behaviors are calculated by the Phan–Thien Tanner model by assuming a symmetric geometry with a periodic structure. Based on the simulation, we propose an appropriate LDPE to modify the processability, at which the strain hardening in the elongational viscosity is required.