Non-isothermal film blowing process stability analysis by using variational principles

Abstract

In this work, film blowing stability analysis has been performed theoretically by using minimum energy approach for non-Newtonian polymer melts considering non-isothermal processing conditions with the aim to understand the complicated link between processing conditions, machinery design and material properties. Specific attention has been paid to the investigation of the complicated links between polymer melt rheology (shear thinning, flow activation energy, Newtonian viscosity, melt strength), processing conditions (heat transfer coefficient, mass flow rate, die exit temperature, cooling air temperature) and film blowing stability. It has been found that the theoretical conclusions are in very good agreement with the experimental reality supporting the validity of the used numerical approach and film blowing model.