Viscous Measurement
Material characterization under pressure determines the viscosity of polymers at high shear rates that match processing conditions. In board fabrication, capillary rheometry measures the flow behavior of molten prepreg resins as they are squeezed through a narrow die during pressing. This technique calculates the shear stress from the driving pressure and the shear rate from the volumetric flow rate.
The applicability of this test terminates once the resin begins to cross-link and solidify inside the capillary tube.
Fluid Dynamics
A heated barrel containing the polymer sample uses a piston to drive the fluid through a tungsten carbide die of known radius and length. Transducers measure the pressure drop across the die exit while the piston moves at programmed speeds. The resulting flow curves of shear viscosity versus shear rate guide the optimization of the heating rate in the multi-opening lamination press.
Melt fractures or wall slip occur if the shear rate is pushed beyond the material limits.
Thermal Application
Correct execution of this rheological test avoids voids in the cured board. High shear rates during the initial press phase require low resin viscosity to wet out glass fibers and fill copper patterns. This rheological signature helps to formulate prepreg resins with predictable flow curves.