Abstract
A melt pump was assembled into the compounding line to ensure both sufficient time for diffusion process of polymer chains into the silicate gallery and sufficient mechanical shear energy for exfoliation of clay layers. The melt pump in front of the open co-rotating twin-screw extruder controls the throughput rate and the residence time, whereas the screw speed and screw geometry in the extruder determine the mechanical shear energy applied on the compound. Due to melt pump employment, the melt in metering zone can be accumulated, which results in higher mixing efficiency. It was found that using the melt pump leads to up to two times higher residence time and, consequently, higher level of material reinforcement as investigated by extensional rheology. Different melt pump adjustments, screw geometries, and screw speeds were tested and their effect on processing characteristics and material reinforcement was investigated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
