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Splitting for strength: Manipulating polymerization reactor split ratios to control mechanical and rheological properties in bimodal polyethylene resins |
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| Authors: | Mohammad Hossein Jandaghian Abdolhannan Sepahi Shahin Hosseini Romina Esmaeilzade Ehsan Nikzinat Maryam Masoori Kamal Afzali |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Polymer Engineering and Color Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran;2. Research and Development Center, Jam Petrochemical Company, Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Bushehr, Iran
Contribution: Data curation (lead);3. Research and Development Center, Jam Petrochemical Company, Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Bushehr, Iran Contribution: Project administration (lead), Resources (lead);4. Department of Polymer Engineering and Color Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran Contribution: Software (lead);5. Research and Development Center, Jam Petrochemical Company, Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Bushehr, Iran Contribution: Writing - original draft (supporting);6. Research and Development Center, Jam Petrochemical Company, Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Bushehr, Iran Contribution: Validation (lead);7. Research and Development Center, Jam Petrochemical Company, Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Bushehr, Iran Contribution: Writing - review & editing (supporting) |
| Abstract: | This study integrates advanced mathematical modeling and experimental methodologies to investigate the simultaneous impact of modifications in the split ratio and molecular weight (MW) of chains on the rheological and mechanical properties of bimodal polyethylene (BiPE) resins. The outcomes underscored the viability of fine-tuning the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of a BiPE resin by augmenting the MW of high molecular weight (HMW) chains while simultaneously diminishing their proportion in the final alloy formulation. In addition, the experimental results illuminated the prospect of attaining a targeted melt flow index for the final polymers by elevating the MW of HMW chains alongside an increase in the proportion of low molecular weight chains. Significantly, these adjustments resulted in remarkable enhancements in the shear thinning index and strain hardening modulus of the fabricated resins. |
| Keywords: | bimodal polyethylene sagging resistance shear thinning slow crack growth resistance split ratio |