ASTM D 1238

Melt Flow Rate

Overview
• MFR is calculated based on the amount of resin is extruded through a die with a specified
length and orifice diameter under prescribed conditions of temperature, load, and piston
position in the barrel after a specified time or piton travel distance.
• Unit: g/ 10 min or cm3/10 min

Meaning of MFR

• MFR is disproportional to molecular weight

– High MFR  Low molecular weight Low MFR  High molecular weight

• Hydrogen concentration is proportional to MFR

– High H2  High MFR Low H2  Low MFR

Procedures
• Procedure A: It is based on the measurement of the mass of material that extrudes from
the die over a given period of time (from 0.15 and 50 g/10 min).  MFR
• Procedure B: based on the determination of the volume of material extruded from the die
over a given period of time (from 0.50 to 1500 g/10 min)  MVR
MFR = MVR * molten density (PP: 0.7386 g/cm3 @230°C. PE: 0.7636 g/cm3 @190 oC)
• Procedure C: MFR > 75 g/10 min using half die
• Procedure D: used to calculate the Flow Rate Ratio
Equipment
SAFETY CHECK

• 230oC  Heat
– Burns
– Gases released from PP decomposition
• Measures (PPE)
– Cotton Gloves
– Safety Boots
– Mask
– Protective Glasses

Keep Safety by Wearing Appropriate PPE

Test Conditions

Materials Tem Load (Kg)

• Polyethylene (HDPE, LLDPE) 190 2.16
• Polypropylene 230 2.16
• Perfluoro(ethylenepropylene) copolymer ?? 372 2.16

Inspection before Testing

• Cleanliness of the equipment.
• Die bore diameter using go-nogo gauge.
• Others (Load, charging rod, cleaning cloth, etc).
• Wait for temperature to stabilize in ± 0.2 oC
• Die and piton to be in the cylinder for at least 15 min before test.
Operation
Procedure A (Manual)

1. Weight about 4 g of sample.

2. Remove the piston and charge the
sample and reinsert the piston.
3. Start heating time for 7 ± 0.5 minutes.
4. During preheating, extra force or piston support may be needed depending on
MFR. This should be done at least 2 min before measuring.
5. At the end of preheating time, the piston lower mark should be at the top of the
cylinder.
6. Make the first cut and dispose the extrudate.
7. Make the final cut after the interval time mentioned in table 2.
8. Weigh the mass of the extrudate to nearest 1 mg after it is cool.
9. MFR = mass in (8) x Factor in table 2.

Note: The extrudate must contain no bubbles, otherwise dispose and retest.
Operation
Procedure B (automatic)

1. Weight about 4 g of sample.

2. Remove the piston and charge the
sample and reinsert the piston.
3. Start heating time for 7 ± 0.5 minutes.

4. During preheating, extra force or piston support may be needed depending on

MFR. This should be done at least 2 min before measuring.
5. At the end of preheating time, the piston lower mark should be at the top of the
cylinder.
6. The equipment will automatically cut and display the MFR on the screen.
Result Report and Validation
• Report results to 3 significant figure (eg. 1.00 or 10.0 or 100 g/10 min).
• Other information to be included:
– Sample form (pellet, powder, etc.)
– Test temperature & load
– Testing procedure (A, B,C, D)
– Any unusual behavior
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
ATTENTION