Evaluation of PP/Wood Flour Composite Processing Using Computer Simulation

Abstract

Aiming the development of novel composites reinforced with natural fibers from vegetable origin, it is important the understanding and control of processing parameters in twin-screw extruders. The temperature profile and the screw components, as well as the extrusion speed, compromise the distribution and dispersion of the fibers in the matrix and consequently in their rheological behavior, which reflects in the mechanical, chemical and morphological properties of the composites and products obtained from them. One new tool, used to understand processing parameters in composites, is computer simulation. In this study, we used the WinTXS Software to evaluate the influence of process parameters in the polypropylene matrix composite reinforced with 30 vol% wood flour. Parameters such as shear rate, temperature, melt viscosity, and viscous dissipation were evaluated. It was observed that increasing screw speed, the temperature increased, which results from the viscous dissipation. Under these conditions, the shear rate and melt viscosity were reduced.