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Access Type

Open Access

Document Type

thesis

Degree Program

Polymer Science & Engineering

Degree Name

Thesis (M.S.)

Year Degree Awarded

1972

Abstract

Both the upper and lower shear rate ranges for a Couette-type high shear viscometer have been extended beyond those reported in the literature. This has been accomplished by: 1» Improved machining and lapping accuracy of precision steel cylinder (spindle and ring) combinations. 2. More effective temperature control and monitoring. 3. Standardized formats for test parameter and data recording. Simplified, but statistically valid, data analysis techniques. These and secondary improvements (self-aligning drive shafts of different diameters for different torques, a spindle depth placement tool, and computer compatible measurement output) have resulted in a high performance laminar shear viscometer of only modest complexity. Operational equations for this instrument are derived, and a complete operation procedure is given. Calibration data analysis shows a measurement accuracy of + 3% or better over most of its shear rate range. Application of this viscometer to the crystallization of polyethylene under simple shear is also demonstrated.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/jv1w-b972

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