Sintering Of Polymers: Comprehension, Modeling And Application To Rotomolding Process.

Sintering process is a phenomenon that occurs during the heating phase of a rotomolding cycle. Experiments were done using ethylene-propene copolymer, poly(ethylene) and grafted poly(ethylene). The temperatures chosen are the typical transformation temperatures for rotomolded parts. Two substrates were used to investigate their effects on the sintering. It appears that poly(ethylene) coalesces faster than grafted poly(ethylene), despite the first one has the higher viscosity. Interfacial tension between the material and its substrate seems to take a part in the sintering process. This is not taken into account in the models. © 2007 American Institute of Physics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]