Viscosity measurement of polypropylene loaded with blowing agents (propane and carbon dioxide) by a novel inline method

Abstract

Decreased viscosity due to the influence of blowing agent in thermoplastic polymer melts is a key issue for understanding the process of foam extrusion. In a process for direct foam extrusion, a novel approach for inline viscosity measurement of single-phase systems in single screw extruders is used to experimentally evaluate a viscosity decrease. Two blowing agents (propane and carbon dioxide) are tested for their effect on the viscosity of a polypropylene melt. While mass fractions of blowing agent below [Formula: see text] show little to no effect in regard to viscosity reduction compared to a pure polymer melt, a mass fraction of [Formula: see text] already results in significantly decreased viscosity values. While melt temperature influences the viscosity of the polymer melt, measurements show no significant additional effect in regard to a lowered viscosity of a single-phase system of polymer and fully dissolved blowing agent.