Abstract
AbstractPolymers like LDPE can be modified by applying a shearing process for an extended period. As a result the melt elasticity is reduced, as evidenced by the decrease in extrudate (die) swell at the exit of a capillary and onset of melt fracture. Melt viscosity was also slightly reduced; melt flow index (measured in short capillary) is highly increased. At the same time, melt density rises. All these parameters vary mostly for LDPE grades that exhibit the highest degree of long‐chain branching. It was confirmed that the intrinsic viscosisty of the polymer samples was essentially unaffected, so that chain scission may be ruled out. Moreover, the process itself is shown to be reversible as the initial parameters were recovered by special treatment, due to heating or solvation. The mechanism of shear modification is believed to consist of disentanglement of temporary couplings betwen long branches. The practical utilization of this process will be pursued, as well as the scientific understanding of structuring entangled branched chains.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
