Concentrate processing rheology

In many cases, where precision is more important than accuracy, CLD measurements are adequate to monitor dynamic changes in process parameters related to the particle size and shape, concentration, and rheology of fluid suspensions. 

A review of initial research on processing, rheology and properties of thermoplastic starch is provided by Lai [3] and concentrates on effects of starch... 

Rheology. Flow properties of latices are important during processing and in many latex appHcations such as dipped goods, paint, inks (qv), and fabric coatings. For dilute, nonionic latices, the relative latex viscosity is a power—law expansion of the particle volume fraction. The terms in the expansion account for flow around the particles and particle—particle interactions. For ionic latices, electrostatic contributions to the flow around the diffuse double layer and enhanced particle—particle interactions must be considered (92). A relative viscosity relationship for concentrated latices was first presented in 1972 (93). A review of empirical relative viscosity models is available (92). In practice, latex viscosity measurements are carried out with rotational viscometers (see Rpleologicalmeasurement). 

The kinetics and mechanisms of the C —> G transition in a concentrated solution of PS-fr-PI in the PS-selective solvent di-n-butyl phthalate was studied [137,149]. An epitaxially transformation of the shear-oriented C phase to G, as previously established in melts [13,50,150], was observed. For shallow quenches into G, the transition proceeds directly by a nucleation and growth process. For deeper quenches, a metastable intermediate structure appears, with scattering and rheological features consistent with the hexag-onally perforated layer (PL) state. The C -> G transition follows the same pathways, and at approximately the same rates, even when the initial C phase is not shear-oriented. 

Figures 20.13 and 20.14 describe the effect of dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) on the tensile strength and tensile modulus for the 25/75 LCP/PEN blend fibers at draw ratios of 10 and 20 [13]. As expected, the addition of DBTDL slightly enhances the mechanical properties of the blends up to ca. 500 ppm of DBTDL. The optimum quantity of DBTDL seems to be about 500 ppm at a draw ratio of 20. However, the mechanical properties deteriorate when the concentration of catalyst exceeds this optimum level. From the previous relationships between the rheological properties and the mechanical properties, it can be discerned that the interfacial adhesion and the compatibility between the two phases, PEN and LCP, were enhanced. Hence, DBTDL can be used as a catalyst to achieve reactive compatibility in this blend system. This suggests the possibility of improving the interfacial adhesion between the immiscible polymer blends containing the LCP by reactive extrusion processing with a very short residence time.

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