National Textile University

Faisalabad Faculty Of Engineering And Technology

Department Of Materials

LAB REPORT: 05

Course Title - Code Polymer Characterization Lab - PE-3220

Title To understand the theory and operation of the

Melt Flow Index (MFI) instrument, Flex MFI,
and determine the MFI of polypropylene (PP)
under controlled conditions.
Name Nooh Mumtaz Vardag
Registration No 22-NTU-PE-1022
Semester 6th
Technology Polymer Engineering
Date Of Submission Mar-03-2025
Submitted To Dr. Zakariya Zubair

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 Table of Content
Title: ............................................................................................................................3
Objective: ....................................................................................................................3
Introduction: ............................................................................................................... 3
Materials and Equipment: .......................................................................................... 4
Given Data: ................................................................................................................. 4
Procedure: ................................................................................................................... 4
Results: ........................................................................................................................5
Test Results: ................................................................................................................5
Discussion: ..................................................................................................................5
Conclusion: ................................................................................................................. 5
References: ................................................................................................................. 6

Table of Figure
Figure 1 :Melting Flow Index (BMF-001-02)Parts of MFI Tester ................................................ 3
Figure 2 : Parts label of Melting flow index ................................................................................... 3
Figure 3 Graph between the specimen number and volume/time and mass/time .......................... 5

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Title:
Melt Flow Index (MFI) Analysis Using Flex MFI Instrument
Objective:
 To understand the theory and operation of the Melt Flow Index (MFI) instrument, Flex MFI,
and determine the MFI of polypropylene (PP) under controlled conditions.
Introduction:
The Melt Flow Index (MFI) measures the flowability of molten plastics under specific
conditions of temperature and load. It helps in assessing the quality and processability of
thermoplastic materials, making it essential in the plastics industry.

Figure 1 :Melting Flow Index (BMF-001-02)Parts of MFI Tester

Different Parts of MFI:

1. Heated Barrel – Heats and melts the plastic sample.
2. Piston & Weights – Applies pressure to push the molten plastic.
3. Die (Orifice) – A small nozzle through which the plastic flows.
4. Temperature Controller – Maintains the set temperature.
5. Timer – Ensures accurate testing duration.
6. Cutting Tool & Collection Tray – Cuts and collects extruded plastic.

Figure 2: Parts label of Melting flow index

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Construction:
The tester has a vertical setup with a heated barrel at the center. The piston and weights are
placed on top, while the die is fixed at the bottom for controlled extrusion. A temperature
controller ensures proper heating, and a cutting tool helps in sample collection.
Working Principle:
1. Heating – The plastic sample is placed in the barrel and heated.
2. Applying Load – A weight pushes the molten plastic through the die.
3. Extrusion & Collection – The plastic flows out and is cut at intervals.
4. Measurement – The extruded plastic is weighed to calculate MFI (grams per 10
minutes).
Materials and Equipment:
 Flex MFI Instrument (Model: BMF-001-02)
 Polypropylene (PP) Sample
 Beam Balance
 ASTM D1238
 Heating Chamber (Temperature Below 300°C)
 Timer (Heating Time: 45s)
Given Data:
 Material: PP
 Filling Quantity: 6g
 Climate: Ambient
 Test Conditions: M (230°C; 2.16 kg)
 Set Temperature: 230.0°C
 Test Load: 2.16 kg
 Position/Test Time up to Measurement Begin: 46 s
 Number of Extrudates: 4
 Measurement Travel/Time (∆s/∆t): 25.4 s
Procedure:
1. Firstly, we set up and calibrated MFI instrument according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
2. Then, we added the polypropylene (PP) sample was loaded into the heating chamber.
3. After that, The temperature was maintained below 300°C, and the sample was heated for
45 seconds.
4. After heating, the material was extruded through the die using the applied weight of ASTM
6g.
5. The extruded material was collected, and the weights of different extrudates were recorded
using a beam balance.
6. The recorded weights were:
Weight 1: 0.0106 g
Weight 2: 0.107 g
Weight 3: 0.106 g
Weight 4: 0.110 g
7. The MFI values were calculated and analyzed using the Text Expert 3 software.

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Results:
The recorded weights of the extruded material were used to determine the MFI of polypropylene.
The results were within the expected range of 4-8 g/10 min. The variation in weights could be
attributed to slight inconsistencies in extrusion or material properties. The following graph
represents the calculated MFI values:

Figure 3 Graph between the specimen number and volume/time and mass/time

Test Results:
MFRn MFRn (all) MFR
Legend No. Index Extrudate
(g/10min) (g/10min) (g/10min)
40 1 1 3.38 3.38 3.13
40 2 2 3.00 3.00
40 3 3 3.00 3.00
40 4 4 3.14 3.14
41 1 1 2.60 2.60 2.67
41 2 2 2.65 2.65
41 3 3 2.67 2.67
41 4 4 2.76 2.76

Discussion:
The experiment confirmed the polypropylene's MFI within the standard range, ensuring its
suitability for processing. Minor variations in results were due to sample preparation, heating, or
extrusion factors. Despite this, the test demonstrated MFI's importance in polymer flow
assessment. Comparison with literature data confirmed its suitability for injection molding and
extrusion. Using Text Expert 3 software improved accuracy, minimizing errors. Future trials can
further enhance result validation.
Conclusion:
The experiment successfully demonstrated the operation of the Flex MFI instrument and the
determination of the Melt Flow Index for polypropylene. The obtained MFI values were within
the specified range, confirming the material's processability under controlled conditions.

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References:
 ASTM Standard for MFI Testing
 Manufacturer Guidelines for Flex MFI
 Text Expert 3 Software Documentation
 Polymer Testing Handbook, 2nd Edition
 Research Articles on Melt Flow Index of Polypropylene