Sharkskin Instability in Polymer Extrusion
Sharkskin is a surface roughness caused during the extrusion of several polymers such as linear low-density polyehtylene (LLDPE) and polybutadiene (PBD). First reported in the 1960's, this instability limits the speed at which the polymer can be extruded, thereby increasing the cost and energy required to make a viable product. The image to the right is a typical extrudate strand showing the sharkskin surface instability.
Although this phenomenon has been studied thoroughly in the past 40 years, the focus of our research is to further identify and observe the mechanism that causes this instability and subsequently reduce or delay its onset. Current industrial processes use fluoropolymer polymer processing additives (PPA) to minimize the effects of sharkskin. This is a very successful method, however in several applications, the addition of fluoropolymer is undesirable in the final product. Our research hopes to address this issue by more thoroughly analyzing the instability in terms of basic rheological properties of the polymer.
For the experimental work, we have fabricated a primitive, but purpose-built extruder that uses pressurized nitrogen to force the polymer through interchangeable capillary dies. A range of instrumentation including pressure transducers and thermocouples, along with visual obersvation using a CCD camera will be used to monitor the extrudate.
A clip showing Polybutadiene (PBD) going through the transition to sharkskin: web_transition.avi (5.3 MB)
Another clip with a better view of the exit plane of the capillary die during fully developed sharkskin flow: web_sharkskin.avi (2.6 MB)
Relevant articles can be found on our publications page.