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Keywords
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Low density polyethylene, nitrogen, batch foaming, visualization, simulation
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Abstract
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Bubble nucleation and growth were investigated in low density polyethylene (LDPE) using
nitrogen (N2). The solubility and diffusivity of N2 in low density polyethylene were
determined by a magnetic suspension balance (MSB) system. The bubble nucleation and
growth during foaming was assessed using a visualization batch foaming system. It was
observed that the increase in temperature and pressure decrement, decreased the bubble
density, respectively. The bubble size during the foaming was also studied through
numerical model and the effect of various simulation variables on the bubble growth was
investigated. It was concluded that the numerical model could predict the foaming
process. Moreover, according to the bubble pressure profile, the N2diffusion are formative
factors in controlling the bubble growth.
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