Ho K., Lee J.S., Viriyabanthorn N., Sung C., Barry C.M.F., Mead J.L.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell, US
Keywords: AFM, coextrusion, feedblock, interfacial instabilities, layer multiplying element, multilayer
Polymeric alternating multilayer laminates have been prepared by coextrusion, utilizing a specially designed feedblock to combine the two incoming materials from different extruder. Layer multiplying elements (LME) were used to split the melt stream, divide it, and then bring the two polymeric melt streams together, increasing the number of layers, while decreasing the thickness of each layer. Polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP) were extruded to form alternating structures by repeated layer multiplications. The materials were characterized by optical microscopy (OM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study layer instabilities. Zig-zag type instabilities were found at the interfaces, predominantly in the center of the samples, which originated from the interfaces near the walls. Instabilities could be reduced by increasing the temperature of the LMEs and decreasing the total flow rate of both materials.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2004 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: March 7, 2004
Pages: 468 - 471
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 0-9728422-9-2