Characteristics of physical structure of poly(vinyl chloride) extrudate modified with microspheres

Abstract

Microcellular extrudates based on poly(vinyl chloride) with blowing agents in the form of microspheres added in an amount of 0.5, 1.0, or 2.5 % by weight of the polymer were prepared. Extrudates in the form of rods were studied to determine the geometric characteristics of the microporous structure. The influence of the quantity of blowing agents used on the number, size and surface fraction of micropores formed was tested. Five consecutive sections of prepared extrudate starting from the surface layer and ending with the core were studied. Significant changes in the structure of successive layers, associated with different cooling rates were observed.