Polymer melts are widely used in various industries, such as plastics, rubber, and coatings, for their unique properties and processing advantages. However, the thermal conductivity of polymer melts is poorly understood, and it can vary significantly depending on the polymer's temperature, pressure, and molecular structure. In addition, many analysis methods struggle with testing this material type due to sample test condition requirements and the potential for sensor damage that may occur under said conditions. Therefore, there is a need for a robust, reliable and accurate method to measure the thermal conductivity of polymer melts under different conditions, which can help optimize the processing parameters and improve product quality and performance.
The TLS method is well-suited to testing polymer melts' thermal conductivity. The sensor consists of a thin metal wire sheathed in stainless steel that acts as both a heat source and a temperature sensor. C-Therm has developed novel capabilities with the TLS around temperature and pressure testing, allowing for representative data collection above what is typically offered in the industry. Herein, we describe the use of C-Therm’s HT-TLS300 for testing a Polystyrene (PS) melt at 275°C under varying pressures up to 3000 psi.
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