influence of degradation process on rheological characteristics of polymer materials

Abstract

Rheological properties of thermoplastic polymer materials before and after exposure in chemical solution were evaluated using Frequency sweep test, which monitors changes in viscoelastic properties of polymers with respect to their molecular structure and their behavior in thermoplastic processes. As experimental material thermoplastic polyethylene and polypropylene samples were used and subjected to influence of n‑hexane solution for period of 3 and 6 months. Measurements were performed using oscillating rheometer Physica Rheometer MCR 301 and carried out at the temperature of 160 °C and 180 °C. Degradation process resulted in changes of complex dynamic viscosity, storage and loss modulus, changes in molar mass and its distribution which sufficiently prove the rheological changes.