Title: Computational Implementation of Rheological Models for Thermoplastic Polymer Melts Using MATLAB
Authors: Yousif.A A,Maysa.E.M. Mohamad H. H. Deifalla
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 13-16
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
Thermoplastic polymers, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are among the most widely utilized materials in industrial applications due to their excellent balance of mechanical strength, processability, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding the rheological behavior of these materials during melt processing is essential for optimizing manufacturing parameters and predicting product performance.This study focuses on developing a MATLAB-based algorithmic model derived from the empirical and theoretical equations used to correlate the melt flow index (MFI) with viscosity, shear rate, and temperature. The algorithm was formulated to process experimental MFI data and compute corresponding rheological properties, providing a predictive tool for polymer melt behavior.Experimental data for PP and LDPE were obtained using standard capillary flow measurements at different loads and temperatures. The algorithm converts these results into apparent viscosity values through a series of coded equations based on the power-law and Arrhenius-type relationships.Results show strong agreement between the predicted and experimental viscosity values, validating the reliability of the developed MATLAB model. The study provides a computational framework that simplifies rheological analysis, enabling real-time prediction of melt behavior for thermoplastic polymers in industrial applications.