Structure and Properties of HDPE with Different Molecular Weight Distribution
Different molecular weight distributions (MWD) of high density polyethylene (HDPE) were characterized by high temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT-GPC).Their respective rheological,thermal and mechanical properties were investigated.The results show that molecular weight and its distribution are the major factors to affect resin performance.Crystallinity rises with the increase of low molecular weight (LMW) component content.Melt flow rate (MFR) is found to be inversely proportional to the weight-average molecular weight (Mw).HDPE with the larger Mw is sensitive to the shear rate.The polydispersity index (PI) increases with the increase of LMW component amount for bimodal HDPE,which has a positive effect on tensile strength and a negative effect on the impact property.