We developed a capillary rheo-optics technique to visualize how fluoropolymer polymer processing additives (PPA) eliminate a surface distortion called “sharkskin” in the extrudate of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The measurements were carried out in a transparent sapphire tube located at the exit of a twin-screw extruder. Depth-resolved optical microscopy was used to measure both the polymer velocity profiles and to image the coating process of the PPA onto the capillary wall. In the absence of PPA, no slippage occurs between the capillary wall and the polyethylene; sharkskin was observed at all flow rates. Upon addition of the PPA to the LLDPE, the PPA migrates to the capillary wall where it sticks and induces slippage between itself and the LLDPE, concomitant with the elimination of sharkskin. The interface between the PPA and LLDPE is characterized by long stripes in the flow direction. Large values of the polymer–polymer slippage parameter were found which indicate that the fluoropolymer and LLDPE are fully disentangled at their interface. The PPA acts by dramatically reducing the extensional deformation of the LLDPE at the exit surface.
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