Abstract
Polymer processing involves three thermo-mechanical stages: Plastication of solid polymer granules or powder to an homogeneous fluid which is shaped under pressure in moulds or dies and finally cooled and eventually drawn to obtain the final plastic part. Physical properties of polymers (high viscosity, non-linear rheology, low thermal diffusivity) as well as the complex shape of most plastic parts make modelling a challenge. Several examples (film blowing extrusion dies, injection moulding, blow moulding) are presented and discussed.
Highlights
Polymer processing involves three thermo-mechanical stages: Plastication of solid polymer granules or powder to an homogeneous fluid which is shaped under pressure in moulds or dies and cooled and eventually drawn to obtain the final plastic part
Numerical modeling of polymer processing has become an important tool in relation to the cost effective design and operation of polymer processes
The empirical development of new polymer grades has been motivated largely by searching for new or improved properties and it was assumed that the forming processes used to produce end products could be adapted through laboratory based adjustments made by simple trial and error
Summary
Numerical modeling of polymer processing has become an important tool in relation to the cost effective design and operation of polymer processes. The empirical development of new polymer grades has been motivated largely by searching for new or improved properties and it was assumed that the forming processes used to produce end products could be adapted through laboratory based adjustments made by simple trial and error. This worked effectively for a number of early cases; sometimes it was discovered that new polymers with predicted "exceptional" properties were very difficult to process, either because the required pressure or torque could not be obtained with existing machines, or because the process exhibited flow or drawing instabilities at production rates inconsistent with their economic viability. Numerical modeling, used initially in the field of injection mold design, has become an important design aid tool in different sectors of the plastics industry, but it only makes sense to do this if the modeling is based on sound physical principles and the applied numerical techniques can capture the relevant process physics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
