Novel Method for Measuring the Extensional Viscosity of PE with Blowing Agent and its Impact on Foams

Abstract

The nature of blowing agent seems to dominate the dynamics of bubble growth, melt strength, extensional viscosity, and foam properties. A novel technique for measuring the extensional viscosity data will be presented for LDPE with propane and isobutane as blowing agents. The difference in solubility and volatility appears to play an important role in controlling extensional viscosity that has a profound effect on foam processing. Its impact on foaming process and properties show that the dynamics of foaming process is very complex in nature. More rheological exploration is needed to understand new polyolefin materials in the presence of hydrocarbons as blowing agents.