Prediction of the Bubble Growth Behavior by Means of the Time-, Temperature-, Pressure- and Blowing Agent Concentration-Dependent Transient Elongational Viscosity Function of Polymers.

Bubble growth processes are highly complex processes, which are not only dependent on the foaming process parameters (temperature, pressure and blowing agent concentration) but also on the type and structure of the polymer used. Since the elongational viscosity at the bubble wall during bubble growth also depends on these influencing factors, the so-called transient elongational viscosity plays a key role in describing the gas bubble growth behavior in polymer melts. The model-based description of the transient elongational viscosity function is difficult due to its dependence on time, Hencky strain and strain rate.

A Novel In-Line Measurement and Analysis Method of Bubble Growth-Dependent Strain and Deformation Rates during Foaming.

Bubble growth processes are highly influenced by the elongational viscosity of the blowing agent-loaded polymer melt. Therefore, the elongational viscosity is an important parameter for the development of new polymers for foaming applications, as well as for the prediction of bubble growth processes. Thus, knowledge of the initial expansion and deformation behavior in dependency on the polymer, the blowing agent concentration, and the process conditions is necessary.