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Connecting Linear Polymers Molecular Structure to Viscoelastic Properties and Melt Flow Index
Author(s) -
Touloupidis Vasileios,
Wurnitsch Christof,
Albunia Alexandra,
Galgali Girish
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
macromolecular theory and simulations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.37
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1521-3919
pISSN - 1022-1344
DOI - 10.1002/mats.201600028
Subject(s) - reptation , viscoelasticity , melt flow index , flow (mathematics) , materials science , polymer , linear low density polyethylene , range (aeronautics) , mechanics , molar mass distribution , thermodynamics , composite material , physics , copolymer
A modeling pathway and software tool for linking entangled linear polymer molecular properties to linear viscoelasticity and melt index (MI) values is presented. A reptation model links molecular properties to the flow curve, and then, an ANSYS Polyflow model calculates MI values based on the flow curve predicted. The method is thoroughly tested and validated for uni‐ and bimodal, low‐ and high‐density polyethylene grades. An overall accuracy level in the range of 90% on average is exhibited, considering both model prediction steps: (i) molecular weight distribution to flow curve and (ii) flow curve to MI.