Rheometers: How and What do they Measure?
To measure the rheological properties of your sample with a rotational and oscillatory rheometer requires the
determination of the torque and deflection angle of the measuring bob. Your sample provides resistance or a reset torque to
the setting. The resulting deflection angle is then measured by the
rheometer
encoder. The speed is calculated from the deflection angle and the time.
However, as the user, you are usually more interested in the rheological parameters. How do you get these? Rheological
parameters are calculated from the measured values torque, deflection angle, and speed using conversion factors. All further
parameters, such as viscosity, are not measured but calculated.
There is a new grading system for color concentrates and additive masterbatches. It is the European test of melt
dispersability known as FPV or Filter Pressure Value. It is reportedly more stringent than the ASTM dispersion test and a
more objective indicator of both dispersion quality in a concentrate and how well it will disperse in a polymer matrix. Above
all, it is a single number that shows how a concentrate compares with other products.
What is an FPV?
The basic principle is that you run compounded material through a screen mesh, which gradually blocks up with trapped
particles. The time it takes to block and the degree of pressure build-up are a good indication of how well dispersed the
masterbatch was. The
filter pressure value tester
calls for feeding the
lab extruder for a period of time only the
matrix polymer without masterbatch to get a baseline die-pressure reading. Then you introduce the masterbatch and record how
pressure builds as undispersed pigment or other additive is trapped on the screen pack. The test is a combination of time and
pressure peak. After a set time, you reintroduce virgin material into the extruder, and the pressure plot starts to drop to
show that you are ending the test.
The basic steps of compounding can perfectly be realized with a corotating
lab compounding extruder. This makes modular co-rotating twin screw extruders the ideal companion
for plastics from synthesis up to recycling. Profit from the harmonized, modular conception of screws and barrels for
optimally realizing all processing steps (feeding, conveying, plasticizing, dispersing, reacting, venting, pressure build-
up). The system configuration of each model can easily be adapted to the individual processing task - anytime and at a low
cost. Or combine several processing steps within a continuously working extruder and use your twin screw extruder as a modern
in-line compounder. Depending on the extruder size, on the material to be tested, and on the processing task, throughputs up
to 60 kg/h can be reached. This opens up the entire application range to these extruders - from material development up to
small-scale production of sheets and films.
Detailed operating procedures of the
lab cast film machine
:
1. Prepare related tools, such as copper sheet, alcohol, mold release agent, etc.
2. Check whether the die head, rollers, etc. of the casting machine and their surroundings are clean, then clean the die
head with alcohol, paraffin wax and gauze, or clean it with a copper sheet and spray it with a release agent.
3. Check whether the rotation and pressure of each roller of the cast film machines are normal and whether the heat
exchange system, pump and pressure gauges can work normally.
4. Wear each roller with a thick film through film, and then put the chilled roller in a closed state to press the film.
5. Start the cast film machine, check whether the thick sheet and the melt have adhered firmly and smoothly, and then
pull the thick sheet tightly toward the person standing at the exit.
6. Adjust the appropriate working position and carefully complete all operations.
7. After the production is over, manually adjust the cast film machine to the non-working position, and then introduce
the material into the receiving tray, and stop the machine.
With the rapid development of industrial science and technology, the l
ab blown film machine has also mastered the skilled manufacturing process, but compared with the advanced
technology level, there are still gaps in some aspects. If the film blowing machine is to achieve rapid development, then it
must absorb the advanced technology level, let the film blowing machine develop in a new direction.
The calenders employ two or more steel rolls that close under pressure to smooth, compress, and in some cases partially
bond a nonwoven, plastic, paper, or another substrate. The rollers may be mirror-smooth, embossed with a pattern, or porous,
and are usually heated with hot oil or electric elements. The
lab
calender machines can be utilized in an independent converting setting or an integrated production facility.