MEASUREMENT OF SHEAR VISCOSITY AND SOLUBILITY OF POLYSTYRENE MELTS CONTAINING VARIOUS BLOWING AGENTS

摘要

The paper presents measured data on shear viscosity and solubility of HCFC-142b and HFC-134a/Ethanol blowing agent laden polystyrene melts at different temperatures. This study establishes the baseline for more novel and innovative blowing agent systems to replace HFC-142b. The shear viscosity was measured using a Helical Barrel Rheometer. Apparent solubility was determined by observing the onset of gas bubble presence or absence in a specially designed optical cell with sapphire windows using a microscope-CCD camera-monitor/recorder system. The paper presents a selection of viscosity and solubility data and, where possible, compares them with measurements carried out by others. The dynamic methods of measuring solubility and viscosity of gas laden polymer melts used in this study are closer to the polymer foam manufacturing practice.