Connecting the complex microstructure of LDPE to its rheology and processing properties <i>via</i> a combined fractionation and modelling approach
Kristina Maria Zentel, Paul Severin Eselem Bungu, Jonas Degenkolb, Harald Pasch, Markus Busch
Abstract
modelling. The branching topologies of the bulk samples were obtained by coupled kinetic and Monte Carlo calculations. These topologies were fractionated computationally and the result were used to predict the rheological behavior of the individual fractions by applying the BoB algorithm with no parameter adjustment. The experimental observed trends were predicted by the model and the overall agreement was acceptable. This study demonstrates, that polymer fractionation is possible on a preparative scale and allows for the polymer flow properties characterization of the individual fractions, a method that is highly relevant during processing. Moreover, the fractionation process is followed and understood from the modelling point of view.