Data relating to the influence of several fillers on flow instabilities in capillary extrusion of two grades of high density polyethylene (HDPE) are presented. Special attention is paid to the pressure oscillation region of the flow curve. First we show that a certain level of flow stabilisation can be achieved with carbon fibres, while carbon black and CaCO₃ have a minor influence only on the oscillation effect when varying the filling between 5% and 10%. The temperature used was 200°C and the capillary entrance was plane (180°). We also show that a complete disappearance of pressure oscillations is obtained when using a different HDPE grade filled with 7% fumed silica or carbon black (also different grade). Compounds containing 7% talc did not stabilise the flow. The same was true when the filling was reduced to 3%. In the latter experiments a capillary rheometer with a conical entrance (120°) was used. The temperature was 160°C. Data obtained by frequency analysis of the fluctuating pressure transducer signal mounted on the rheometric equipment, operating in both cases at constant piston speed, are also presented.

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