Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet
Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science
Lab Report
On
Determination of melt flow index of supplied polymer.
Course title: Polymer characterization sessional
Course code: CEP 374
Lab Group: 03
Submitted to:
Dr. Mohammed Mastabur Rahman
Professor
Dept. of CEP, SUST
Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman
Associate Professor
Dept. of CEP, SUST
Submitted by:
Sourav Sutradhar
Reg. no: 2016332005
Session: 2016-17
Date of submission: 22-09-2019
Experiment Title: Determination of melt flow index of supplied polymer.
Abstract: This experiment was done in order to determine the melt flow index of supplied
polymer. We got the melt flow index of our polymer by using melt flow index tester. We found
the melt flow index value is 0.343gm/10 min. A single MFI determination requires about 10 grams
of material, and samples are typically evaluated in triplicate. Usually a few trial runs are needed
to set the proper mass charge for the tester, so ideally we like to have about 100 grams of sample.
Introduction: Melt Flow Index (MFI) is a melt flow analysis method that determines the ease
of flow of plastic materials. It is useful,Because the melt flow rate depends on molecular weight,
additives, and other ingredients, the melt flow index value allows for direct comparison of
materials to each other. The melt flow rate values are also used as specification values to allow for
the sourcing of raw materials from multiple suppliers. Significantly different MFI values can be
used to alert a purchaser that the material has changed compared with previous lots, batches, or
suppliers of the plastic. MFI values can also be used to differentiate different grades of material.
When used to compare "good" samples with "bad" samples, MFI values can provide insight into
material degradation resulting from processing, transportation, storage, and drying conditions.
MFI analysis is frequently used as one of the first tests when conducting failure analysis. To
determine the MFI value we used melt flow index tester. The MFI Tester measures the rate of
extrusion of a Thermoplastic Material through orifice of Specific Length and Diameter under
prescribed conditions of temperature and pressure. Hexa Plast MFI Tester is built to measure Melt
Flow Rate with greater accuracy as prescribed in different national and international standards.
Melt Flow Index Tester machine
Following applications of melt flow index:
1. Raw material certification
2. Good vs. Bad comparisons
3. Failure analysis Limitations
4. Does not provide a direct measure of molecular weight
5. Best suited for direct comparison
Materials:
1. Polypropylene
2. Melt Flow Index Tester
3. A pair of scissors to manually cut the extrudate
4. Small beakers
5. Electronic balance
6. High temperature glove
7. Safety glass
Methodology:
1. A small amount of the polymer sample (around 4 to 5 grams) is taken in the specially designed
MFI apparatus which is nothing but a miniature extruder. The apparatus consists of a small die
inserted into the extruder, with the diameter of the die generally being around 2 mm.
2. The material is packed properly inside the extruder barrel to avoid formation of air pockets.
3. A piston is introduced which acts as the medium that causes extrusion of the molten polymer.
4. The sample is preheated for a specified amount of time: 5 min at 190°C for polyethylene and 6
min at 230°C for polypropylene.
5. After the preheating a specified weight is introduced onto the piston. Examples of standard
weight is 2.16 kg
6. The weight exerts a force on the molten polymer and it immediately starts flowing through the
die.
7. A sample of the melt is taken after desired period of time and is weighed accurately.
8. MFI is expressed as grams of polymer/10 minutes of flow time.
Result:
Observation Applied Time Weight of Average MFI(gm/10
no. load(kg) the weight(gm) min)
extrude(gm)
1 2.16 2 0.64
2 2.16 2 0.70 0.686 0.343
3 2.16 2 0.72
Discussion: We got the value of MFI is 0.343gm/10 min. From MFI we can compare two
material about their viscosity or flow behavior or rheology. Melt Flow Index is an assessment of
average molecular mass and is an inverse measure of the melt viscosity; in other words, the higher
a MFI, the more polymer flows under test conditions. Knowing the MFI of a polymer is vital to
anticipating and controlling its processing. Generally, higher MFI polymers are used in injection
moulding, and lower MFI polymers are used with blow moulding or extrusion processes.
Conclusion: In addition to its importance to natural polymers, the MFI of a masterbatch is also
important because the MFI indicates the relative ease with which a masterbatch can be distributed
during a compounding operation or in injection moulding machines, film extruders, [Link] can
get value of D/S (Die swell) ratio from MFI. Die Swell or swelling ratio, is an arithmetic ratio
between the diameter of the cooled extrudate at ambient temperature and the diameter of the die.
This is an important factor for processes such as pipe extrusion and blow moulding.
Reference:
1. polymer_testers_mfi10_manual
2.[Link]
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HW78CUAQ_AUIEigB&biw=13
3. [Link]
4. [Link]
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