In-process rheological measurements during the manufacture of multiphase polymer systems

Abstract

The properties of multiphase systems (e.g., immiscible and compatibilized polymer blends, nanocomposites) depend on the characteristics of the components, on their concentration, on the interfacial adhesion and on the resulting morphology. In turn, the latter is influenced by the thermomechanical environment created during the manufacture of these systems, often by twin screw extrusion. Since the rheological behaviour of a material is sensitive to its morphology, this work provides an overview of in-process rheometry solutions working along the barrel and/or at the die, thus contributing for a better understanding and a more efficient manufacturing of this type of materials.