Low cost capillary rheometer, transfer molding and die-drawing module

The results obtained with a capillary rheometer, transfer molding and die-drawing module designed and assembled in our laboratory are presented in this work. The modules were mounted in a Universal Testing Machine, which is responsible for the movements and the data acquisition. Low cost and reliability are the main advantages of this equipment. The results obtained with the capillary module were in good agreement with those obtained on a commercial instrument. The transfer molding configuration was used to produce cylindrical billets that were suitable for die-drawing tests. Differences were observed in the force necessary to fill the mold and in the filling behavior for polystyrene (PS) and poly(L/DL lactic acid) (PLA) samples. The die-drawing method was capable of inducing molecular orientation and enhancing the flexural properties of PLA in comparison to an unreinforced sample.