| Abstract: | In order to predict the processing behavior of a high density polyethylene resin one must know the resin flow behavior over a wide range of shear rates. Low shear properties are important in applications where melt strength, sagging, etc. are critical. On the other hand, high shear flow properties are a determining factor in applications where melt instability, melt fracture and heat generation are important. The flow behavior of a resin can be established by measuring the zero shear viscosity, η0, the maximum relaxation time, τ0, and the shape of the flow curve. We have measured these basic rheological parameters on a large number of high density polyethylene resins. A shear sensitivity parameter which is independent of molecular weight was derived from a correlation between η0 and τ0. This parameter, together with η0, provide the vital information needed in order to predict the processing behavior of the resin. This method is applicable to other polymer systems provided that the rheological parameters η0 and τ0 can be experimentally obtained. |
