Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.66, No.1, 141-150, 1997
Precise Measurement of the PVT of Polypropylene and Polycarbonate Up to 330-Degrees-C and 200 MPa
An apparatus for measuring the pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) properties of polymers using a metal bellows has been developed at temperatures from 313 to 623 K and pressures up to 200 MPa. A calibration of the device was performed by measuring PVT of mercury and water. The experimental uncertainty of specific volumes was estimated to be within +/- 0.2%, while that of temperatures was within +/- 0.1 K below 300 degrees C and +/- 0.3 K above 300 degrees C. The estimated uncertainty of pressures was +/- 0.1 MPa below 100 MPa and +/- 0.25 MPa above 100 MPa. The PVT properties of polypropylene and polycarbonate were measured by the apparatus in the temperature ranges from 40 to 300 degrees C and from 40 to 330 degrees C, respectively, and pressures from 10 to 200 MPa. The effects of a sample cup and sample forms were investigated. The use of the sample cup showed a little effect on the measurments of PVT properties for both samples. The shape (pellet and pillar) of the samples caused a small difference in the specific volumes only under high temperatures and low pressures. The PVT properties in a melt state were correlated by the Simha-Somcynsky equation of state, showing a good agreement with measurements.