Abstract

AbstractA study of the effect of extrusion on the rheological and molecular properties of general‐purpose polystyrene is presented. Polystyrene was recycled through a 2 1/2‐in. extruder five times at medium and high screw speeds. Rheological properties were measured on‐line and the molecular properties determined by gel permeation chromatography. Results indicated Mw is more susceptible to degradation than is Mn: therefore polydispersity decreases. After five extruder passes, Mw decreased 17 percent at the medium and high screw speeds. Changes in the low shear viscosity correlated with the decrease in Mw on a log‐log plot. An energy‐available‐for‐degradation factor, ED, was calculated from extruder operating conditions. An Arrhenius type correlation related ED with changes in Mw and low shear viscosity. Results indicated a definite effect of screw speed and a critical value of ED above which the degradation rate was increased.

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