Difference of Filler Dispersion in Polymer Matrix Using a Co-rotating Batch Mixer ∼Effect of Rotor Twist Angle∼

Abstract

In this study, we tried to prepare composites by melt compounding using a co-rotating twin-screw batch mixer which has two rotors (RT) with different twist angle, 15°, 30° and 45°, and quantify filler dispersion in polyethylene (PE) by evaluating with a microscope. From mean particle area, standard deviation, distribution function and dispersion coefficient, it was proved that the dispersion state was much improved in case of the large twist. The dispersion obtained from RT-45 was equal to or superior to that of kneading disc (KD).Also, we tried to estimate shear flow energy, extension flow energy and total energy by the inside visualization of a batch mixer, and to simulate the mixing flow. It was predicted that the proportion of extension energy became higher as total energy was the largest using large twist angle of RT. In other words, it was suggested that the filler is distributed well in PE when used with the large twist angle of RT in the batch mixer.