ISSN:
0032-3888
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Chemical Engineering
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
,
Physics
Notes:
The objective of this work is to combine reaction, extrusion, and orientation together in a process so as to provide product in a form which is not limited to fiber or film. Three coupled problems form the focus of the work: (i) devising a practical, continuous extrusion-orientation method; (ii) generating low concentrations of free radicals in the polymer to tailor molecular weight distribution before orientation; (iii) generating high concentrations of free radicals in the polymer to form a network in the oriented polymer without destroying its superior properties after orientation. A continuous extrusion method for orienting polymer in forms other than fibers and films was devised based upon two melt pullers. Operation of a prototype of the equipment showed it capable of providing draw ratios of greater than ten. Injection of low initiator concentrations during extrusion (i.e., before orientation) directed at solving the second problem had an effect which depended upon the degree of branching, the molecular weight, and the degree of unsaturation of the polyethylene. Large increases in molecular weight could be obtained. However, in agreement with previous work, formation of branched molecules drastically limited draw ratios attainable by the extrusion-orientation process. To obtain high concentrations of free radicals, bench scale experiments demonstrated that a recently published method involving the use of a UV sensitizer and crosslinker followed by irradiation was directly adaptable to this process (with the irradiation applied after orientation) and provided significant improvements in creep resistance. Various attempts involving die design to obtain orientation and high initiator concentrations as well as gamma radiation to induce crosslinking after orientation were attempted and appear far less promising than the above methods.
Additional Material:
19 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pen.760330803
