| Abstract: | A rheological investigation of the saturated fatty acids as lubricants for PVC was made in a Sieglaff-McKelvey rheometer over a wide temperature range. Results reveal that with an increase in carbon chain, fatty acids became more effective in reducing the melt viscosity of PVC. It was also discovered that the maximum viscosity variation due to these materials was observed at 350°F. At test temperatures of 400°F and above, no major viscosity differences were observed. Furthermore, the changes in the melt viscosity were more pronounced at shear rates less than 200 sec?1. The usefulness of the measured viscosity variations at the critical test temperature of 350°F was shown by extrusion. An excellent correlation between the apparent melt viscosity and extrusion melt temperature was found. The criticalness of the test temperature in assessing the effect of lubricants on PVC flow is discussed. |
