Shear Coalescence Research Articles

Rheology of polycarbonate/linear low density polyethylene blends

AbstractThe flow behavior of linear low density polyethylene blended with polycarbonate (LLDPE/PC) was studied at 245°C using an Instron Capillary Rheometer and a Rheometrics Mechanical Spectrometer. The capillary measurements were repeated several times for each crosshead speed and capillary. The averaged values were corrected for shear heating as well as the pressure, entrance‐exit, and power‐law fluid effects. In spite of the utmost care, blend results were erratic with a standard deviation of 25 to 35 percent. Analysis of the capillary data suggested a telescopic flow with the lower viscosity component of the blend migrating toward the capillary wall. The experimental difficulties resulted from the flow and time induced variations of blend morphology. By contrast, the dynamic shear test results were found to be rapid and reproducible with a standard deviation for the complex viscosity of blends not exceeding four percent. The shear moduli of blends indicated the presence of an apparent (time dependent) yield stress, originating from interaction between domains of the dispersed phase. At frequencies exceeding a critical value, shear coalescence of the dispersed phase was observed near the rim of the rheometer plates.