Mixing immiscible blends in an intermeshing counter-rotating twin screw extruder

Ramesh Potluri, David B. Todd, Costas Gogos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Domain size of 10% dispersed polystyrene in polyethylene was followed in a 34-mm intermeshing counter-rotating twin screw extruder. Variables studied included the effects of barrel temperature, screw speed, viscosity ratio of dispersed-to-continuous phase, and parallel melt versus preblended solids feeds. After steady state was achieved, die samples were quenched, for later photomicrographing. The extruder was then stopped and quenched, with subsequent pulling of the screws. From 7 to 12 additional samples were taken along the 18/1 L/D extruder for determination of the mechanism of dispersion and dispersed phase domain size by optical microscopy At low temperatures, the polystyrene tended to fracture with sharp edges. The fine particles formed in the initial breakup underwent no further size reduction. At higher temperatures, fractured segments had rounder edges, but the size of the small domains remained constant throughout the axial length. There was some evidence of flocculation and coalescence prior to exit through the die.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)81-89
Number of pages9
JournalAdvances in Polymer Technology
Volume25
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Organic Chemistry

Keywords

  • Blends
  • Melt
  • Mixing
  • Morphology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mixing immiscible blends in an intermeshing counter-rotating twin screw extruder'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this