Splitting for strength: Manipulating polymerization reactor split ratios to control mechanical and rheological properties in bimodal polyethylene resins

This study integrates advanced mathematical modeling and experimental methodologies to investigate the simultaneous impact of modifications in the split ratio and molecular weight (MW) of chains on the rheological and mechanical properties of bimodal polyethylene (BiPE) resins. The outcomes underscored the viability of fine-tuning the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of a BiPE resin by augmenting the MW of high molecular weight (HMW) chains while simultaneously diminishing their proportion in the final alloy formulation. In addition, the experimental results illuminated the prospect of attaining a targeted melt flow index for the final polymers by elevating the MW of HMW chains alongside an increase in the proportion of low molecular weight chains. Significantly, these adjustments resulted in remarkable enhancements in the shear thinning index and strain hardening modulus of the fabricated resins. Simultaneous adjustment of the molecular weight and the split ratio of polymerization reactors strongly affect the rheological and long-term mechanical properties of the bimodal polyethylene resins.image