An experimental study and model assessment of polymer sintering

Abstract Experiments were conducted using pairs of particles inside a hot stage microscopy setup with the ultimate objective to study the coalescence, which is a crucial stage in the rotational molding process. It was found that the geometry of the particles had no significant effect on the sintering rate. The sintering rate increases as the viscosity of the resin decreases. However, this effect became less important as the particle size decreased. The experimental results of this study have been compared with the available mathematical models based on balance of viscous and surface tension forces. The model developed by Frenkel and a corrected version by Eshelby predict a faster coalescence than observed experimentally. However, Hopper's model is in relatively good agreement with the present experimental data. Yet there is evidence that mechanisms other than Newtonian viscous flow may play a role in polymer sintering.