| Abstract: | A study was undertaken to understand the effect of PVC molecular weight, modifier molecular weight, and modifier loading on die swell and foam density in a rigid PVC formulation. We used a statistical experimental design to separate the effects from the noise of normal experimentation. Die swell and foam density of extruded pieces were measured and analyzed in a commercially available software package. Analysis of the experimental data shows that the die swell response is linear over the experimental range, while the foam density response is curved. The mathematical model developed in the data analysis is then used to predict the performance responses when the experimental factors are changed. |
