Cross-WLF rheological modeling of a new composite material made with bioPE and Thyme

Abstract

Increased environmental awareness is driving the continuous search for new eco-friendly materials. Within the category of Wood Plastics Composites (WPC), a new "Green Composite" is proposed, whose matrix is a bio-polyethylene (bioPE) obtained from sugar cane and whose load, with reinforcing properties due to its fibrous structure, is Thyme, as a residue from the distillation of a liquor manufactured in a local company. Load concentrations of 10%, 30% and 50% %w have been studied. Since the polymers are processed in the molten state and the loads influence their visco-elastic behavior, it is necessary to know the rheological behavior of these new compounds, in order to evaluate their processability. The melt polymer viscosity is very sensitive to the temperature and the shear rate at which it is being processed. The Cross-WLF model, based on the experimental results obtained with a capillary rheometer, describes the rheological behavior of the materials, thus enabling the determination of the viscosity of these new bio-compounds under different conditions than those tested. In this way the processability of these new materials can be evaluated.

Full document