Microstructures

MFG 355
 Molecular Structure
Chain Length
 Molecular Structure
• Backbone
 Molecular Structure
• Pendant Groups
 Molecular Structure
• Branching
 Molecular Weight
• Molecular weight is a statistical
measurement
• Molecular weight has a large impact on
processing parameters
• Two important molecular weight
parameters are Average Molecular Weight
and Molecular Weight Distribution
 Average molecular weight
(Statistical Measure)
• Broad Distribution Broad
• Narrow Distribution Distribution

• Skewed Distribution Narrow

Distribution
• Bimodal Distribution
Skewed
Distribution

Bimodal
Distribution
 Degree of polymerization
DP = n (number of repeat units in the chain)
(How much monomer has been polymerized)

n = Mn/Mo where
Mn = Ave Molecular weight
Mo = Weight of a repeat unit
Melt Index testing machines
 Melt Index
• Ensure that the calibrated orifice is in place at
the bottom of the heating chamber
• Place sample material into the heating chamber
• Position the calibrated weight with the push rod
• Begin timing upon the release of the calibrated
weight
• End the test when the time indicator sounds
• Measure the extruded sample
• Compare with other samples
Molecular Weight and Melt Index
• Molecular Weight
– High Molecular Weight = Low Melt Index
– Low Molecular Weight = High Melt Index
• Melt Index (typical values)
– HDPE – 0.1 - 33 g/10 min
– LDPE – 0.2 - 70 g/10 min
– LLDPE – 0.2 - 20 g/10 min
– PP – 2.0 – 36 g/10 min
 Thermal Properties
• Recognized Transition Temperatures
– Glass Transition Temperature
• Temperature where the plastic becomes pliable and leathery
• Heat Deflection Temperature
– Temperature where plastic will deform a certain distance within
a specified amount of time while still maintaining its basic shape
and geometry
– Melting Temperature
• Temperature where the polymer chains can move freely past
one another
– Decomposition Temperature
• Temperature at which polymer chains begin to break
• Transition points are different for the different
classifications of plastics
Heat Distortion (Deflection)
Temperature
 Thermal Properties
• Transition points
Pure Amorphous Thermoplastic Transitions

Heat Deflection Glass Transition Decomposition

Pure Crystalline Thermoplastic Transitions

Heat Deflection Melt Decomposition

Typical Thermoset Transitions

Heat Deflection Glass Transition Decomposition Melt

 Thermal Effects
• Aging
• Oxidation
• Thermal protective additives
• Thermal conductivity
• Thermal expansion
• Thermal stresses
• Rates of reaction (Arrhenius equation)
– Rate = Ae-E/RT
Thank You