How Melt Flow Ratio Index Assures Quality In Polymers?

Melt flow rate index is measuring the flow of polymer taken into the heating barrel where the granules get heated and as the piston pressurizes the liquid form of polymer passes into the capillary tube at a particular temperature within 10 minutes. The temperature varies as per the types of thermoplastics used and the pressure is applied by the piston in the downward vertical direction. It is expressed in the terms of gm/10min.

Basically melt flow rate is the ability to measure the flow of melted material under pressure. The applied pressure and temperature is responsible for the viscosity of the polymer. The thermostat polymers like polypropylene, polyethylene and polyolefins are commonly used by plastic manufacturers.

The MFI can be high or low, it depends on the requirement of the manufacturer they want to mold the type of polymer and the applicability of the process.If there is high MFI the polymer viscosity will be low with high flowability but if the MFI is high then it has higher viscosity with slow flowability. Finally, the flowability affects the speed of mass production.

HOW DOES A MELT FLOW INDEX MEASURED?
Melt flow index tester is a lab testing equipment used to measure the MFI which helps in determining the quality and mechanical strength of the polymer. We take a small sample of the polymer granules in gms. The granules are inserted into the preheated barrels which melt down the polymer.

The die is inserted with a diameter of 2mm. The granules are poured inside the barrel to avoid air pockets. The piston moves downwards with a weight of 2.16 or 5 kg to apply pressure on the liquefied polymers. As the vertical force applied on the piston to push the molten polymer in the downward direction.

The liquefied viscous polymers move into the capillary thus measuring the MFI. The MFI is used to determine the polymer’s quality and its process condition.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO MEASURE?
Melt Flow Index Tester is used to ensure quality in the plastic industries and labs. Molecular weight distribution can be determined by it. The factors affecting Melt Flow Index are conditions of test, settings of MFI, polymer type and its molecular weight.

It is one of the most important properties to select the type of polymers and to select the appropriate application. The viscosity of the polymer plays an important role in optimizing the procedure of molding polymers. Thus we can observe that MFI is beneficial to determine the various properties of polymers which is very important to perform thermoforming such as die forming, molding and casting.

Pacorr Melt Flow Rate follows the standardized guidelines of ASTM 1238 and ISO 1133. Our technical team has meticulously designed the melt flow index tester to help the plastic manufacturers and to make your business more lucrative.

If you want to know more about this MFI call us +918882149230 and mail us info@pacorr.com.