Melt flow index of low-density polyethylene determination based on molecular weight and branching properties
The MFI value quoted on many datasheets refers to the amount of polymer that is extruded through a known given orifice (die) and expressed as quantity in g/10 mins or for Melt Volume Rate in cm3 /10mins .
low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is characterized based on their Melt Flow Index (MFI). LDPE’s MFI is correlated to its average molecular weight (Mw). An overview of modeling studies on LDPE reactors available in the open literature indicates significant discrepancies among researchers for the correlation of MFI-Mw, therefore a research to produce reliable correlation need to be carried out. This research gathers various experimental and industrial data of different LDPE product grades. Empirical correlations between MFI and Mw are developed and the analysis on the MFI and Mw relation is addressed. The percentage of error between the model prediction and industrial data varies from 0.1% to 2.4% which can be considered minimum. The nonlinear model obtained indicates the competency of the developed equation to describe the variation of industrial data, thus allowing greater confidence in LDPE’s MFI prediction
Post time: Jul-05-2022