同向旋转双螺杆挤出机中的聚合物共混胶(上)

鉴于聚合物组合的形态结构可使聚合物共混胶的性能测定达到准确无误的程度，为此，挤出机设计需要采用模型，以能计算熔体输送段中挤出机螺杆长度上的估算形态发展，由于观测到的最明显的形态变化出现于熔融段，本文就着重描述了挤出机这一段中的共混胶熔融过程中形态的形成和发展。文中对PP和PA6共混胶的熔融流变性、界面张力、熔融形态进行了描述，并对熔融过程中开始时的固体含量、固体温度平均熔体温度及熔体温度的发展熔融过程的模拟、熔融度、粘度比、单位挤出量恒定时的速度影响、挤出机规格影响、螺杆顶部的熔融度、挤出量恒定时螺杆速度的影响、恒速下挤出量的影响、粘度比的影响、微滴分散与聚结等作了较为详尽的计算与讨论，从而为研究熔融过程、形态发展以及为理论模型和形态发展对比提供了数据基础。     

同向旋转双螺杆挤出机中的聚合物共混胶(下)

鉴于聚合物组合的形态结构可使聚合物共混胶的性能测定达到准确无误的程度，为此，挤出机设计需要采用模型，以能计算熔体输送段中挤出机螺杆长度上的估算形态发展。由于观测到的最明显的形态变化出现于熔融段，本文就着重描述了挤出机这一段中的共混胶熔融过程中形态的形成和发展。文中对PP和PA6共混胶的熔融流变性、界面张力、熔融形态进行了描述，并对熔融过程中开始时的固体含量、固体温度平均熔体温度及溶体温度的发展熔融过程的模拟、熔融度、粘度比、单位挤出恒定时的速度影响、挤出机规格影响、螺杆顶部的熔融度、挤出量恒定时螺杆速度的影响、恒速下挤出量的影响、粘度比的影响、微滴分散与聚结等作了较为详尽的计算与讨论。从而为研究熔融过程、形态发展以及为理论模型和形态发展对比提供了数据基础。     

Melt-mixing by novel pitched-tip kneading disks in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder

Melt-mixing in twin-screw extruders is a key process in the development of polymer composites. Quantifying the mixing performance of kneading elements based on their internal physical processes is a challenging problem. We discuss melt-mixing by novel kneading elements called “pitched-tip kneading disk (ptKD)”. The disk-stagger angle and tip angle are the main geometric parameters of the ptKDs. We investigated four typical arrangements of the ptKDs, which are forward and backward disk-staggers combined with forward and backward tips. Numerical simulations under a certain feed rate and screw revolution speed were performed, and the mixing process was investigated using Lagrangian statistics. It was found that the four types had different mixing characteristics, and their mixing processes were explained by the coupling effect of drag flow with the disk staggering and pitched-tip and pressure flows, which are controlled by operational conditions. The use of a pitched-tip effectively controls the balance of the pressurization and mixing ability.     

Solid transportation in the feeding zone of intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruders

A mathematical model was proposed for the characteristics of solid transportation in the feeding zone of an intermeshing co-rotating twin screw extruder. The model was based on the observations made from a “transparent” extruder. The analysis considered optimal solid conveyed with maximum throughput rate, i.e., when the upper and lower intermeshing zones, and the two sides of the screws were all partially filled with solid resin to an extent that a slight increase in the solid filling would immediately cause blocking of the solid transportation. Because of these starve-fed characteristics, the conventional approach for analysing solid feeding used in single-screw extruders was inadequate for twin-screw extruders. This paper also suggests a solution for the mathematical expressions describing the stress and velocity fields in the solid feeding zone of a twin-screw extruder. Finally, the predicted values are compared with our experimental findings.     

Mechanisms of mixing in single and co-rotating twin screw extruders

Previous experimental studies have revealed that the mixing efficiencies of widely used continuous processors such as the single and twin screw extruders depend on the types of screw elements, which are utilized. It is generally recognized that the basic single screw extruder and the fully-fighted sections of the fully-intermeshing co-rotating twin screw extruders are not efficient mixers, in contrast to the specialized mixing elements such as the kneading discs used in co-rotating twin screw extruders. However, no simulation techniques were available to characterize quantitatively and rigorously the mixing efficiencies of continuous processors. In this study, we have solved the three-dimensional equations of conservation of mass and momentum, and utilized various tools of dynamics to analyze the mixing occurring in single and co-rotating twin screw extruders. It is shown that simulation methods can indeed capture the relative differences in the mixing mechanisms of continuous processors like the single and twin screw extruders. The ability to distinguish quantitatively between the distributive mixing capabilities of various continuous processors should facilitate numerical testing of new continuous mixer designs, optimization of operating conditions and geometries of existing mixers and the material-specific design of new mixers.     

串联式磨盘螺杆挤出机磨盘混炼段分布混合性能的研究

采用计算流体力学软件POLYFLOW 对串联式磨盘螺杆挤出机的磨盘研磨混炼段进行三维等温流动的数值模拟,并从统计学和动力学角度,采用分离尺度和时间平均混合效率,对磨盘区域的分布混合性能进行分析,研究磨盘构型和磨盘间隙对分布混合性能的影响.结果表明,臼目形磨盘的分布混合性能较好;磨盘间隙增大在一定程度上有利于提高分布混合性能.     

Computational study of chaotic mixing in co-rotating two-tipped kneading paddles: Two-dimensional approach

This study attempts to investigate the kinematics of the mixing occurring in the lenticular kneading disc section of the co-rotating twin screw extruder, employing the tools of dynamics. The Eulerian velocity field distributions, generated by a two-dimensional isothermal and creeping flow of Newtonian fluid under the periodic co-rotation of the kneading discs, were obtained by Finite Element Method. A simple and novel particle tracking technique based on the FEM solution of the velocity field was employed to follow individual particles, and to produce the Poincare section mapping. Furthermore, fingerprints of chaotic motion were revealed essentially through the Lyapunov exponents, which were positive. The results suggest that the dynamics in the two-dimensional kneading disc section of the twin screw extruder can be characterized as capable of imparting chaotic motion. The tools developed in this study should facilitate a better understanding of the mixing capabilities of the twin screw extrusion process.     

Polymer blend mixing and dispersion in the kneading section of a twin-screw extruder

This paper examines the mechanisms by which a polymer is dispersed in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. An experimental investigation of the morphological evolution has been carried out on a 45-mm co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Polyethylene/polystyrene (PE/PS) blends in the low concentration range (i.e., 5–15 wt% of PE) were used as a model system. The following general trends were observed. First, the minor phase right after melting is predominantly in a fibrillar form. Secondly, droplet and fiber diameter at this early stage of compounding are already in the micron or sub-micron range. Even though a wide variety of mixing section configurations were used, the fibers created in the early compounding stages were relatively stable throughout extrusion. Morphological evolution after melting must therefore be discussed in terms of variation in the fiber fraction (i.e., fiber to droplet transition) rather than in a change in particle diameter. A control volume model for the flow in kneading blocks is used to interpret the morphological results and to predict the deformation and breakup of dispersed phase fibers under shear and in absence of coalescence. Theoretical results indicate that fiber breakup under shear is not likely in the kneading block under the normal processing conditions, which is confirmed by morphological observations made at the mixing section exit. The influence of several geometrical parameters on mixing and pumping in kneading blocks is also discussed with the use of flow model results.     

An experimental study of distributive mixing in fully intermeshing,co-rotating twin screw extruders

Co-rotating twin screw extruders are widely used for various mixing and reactive extrusion tasks in polymer processing operations. In this study, the prevailing mixing mechanisms of various screw elements employed in co-rotating twin screw extrusion process, including regular flighted, and reverse and forward kneading disc elements, were experimentally investigated. A direct goodness of mixing technique based on pigmented thermoplastic elastomers and computerized image analysis was used. The results were elucidated in conjunction with mixing indices suitable for image analysis and the continuous mixing process. Significant differences in the distributive mixing characteristics of various screw elements were revealed.     

Modeling melt conveying and power consumption of co-rotating twin-screw extruder kneading blocks: Part B. Prediction models

Intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruders are very versatile because their screw configurations can be tailored both to the application and to the properties of the materials used. Finding the best screw configuration is one of the main purposes of twin-screw extrusion modeling, and requires models that accurately predict conveying and power consumption. The better the process can be predicted, the better the requirements of the final product can be met. We present novel prediction models of the conveying and power-consumption behaviors of intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruder kneading blocks for Newtonian fluids. These are based on numerical simulations and therefore consider the complex three dimensional (3D) geometry of this element type without the need for common simplifications. Our models are thus capable of including all leakage flows and gap influences, which are usually ignored, for example, by the flat-plate model. Since our models are derived by symbolic regression based on genetic programming, they consist of algebraic functions and are low-threshold. They can be used to calculate various process parameters for individual kneading blocks or entire screw configurations, as illustrated by a use case.     

Residence time distribution in twin-screw extruders

Twin screw extruders are finding increased usage in reacting and devolatilizing applications. Using self-wiping profiles, the twin screws fulfill the requirement that there be no “dead” or “unmixed” zones. Agitator design must be chosen with care so that a reasonable balance can be obtained between forwarding rate, surface-generation rate, vapor passageway, power, and axial mixing. Techniques have been developed for measuring residence time distributions and characterizing axial flow behavior. The method also permits direct determination of the holdup in starved barrel applications. Data on residence time distribution are presented for 4-in. diameter twin screw equipment with a variety of rotor configurations.     

The effects of kneading block design and operating conditions on distributive mixing in twin screw extruders

A mixing limited interfacial reaction between polymer tracers was used to directly measure the distributive mixing performance of a co‐rotating twin screw extruder during melt‐melt blending of polypropylene. The reaction between the polymer tracers, which are low molecular weight succinic anhydride and primary amine terminally functionalized polymer chains, was followed using Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Experiments were completed to determine the effects of flow rate, screw speed, and kneading block design on the distributive mixing performance and the residence time distribution (RTD). The only RTD variable that was significantly affected by the experimental factors was the average residence time. Distributive mixing with neutral and reverse kneading blocks was controlled by the average residence time, the fully filled volume, and the shear rate. Conversely, the mixing performance of a forward kneading block did not follow the same trends.     

Bubble growth controlled devolatilization in twin-screw extruders

An experimental study of polymer soluticn devolatilization in a counterrotating twin-screw extruder has been undertaken. In an effort to ultimately predict mass transfer rates in such a process, this work analyzes the experimental results to determine the controlling mechanisms in the separation of volatile components from the polymer. The devolatilization process at hand encompasses the heavily foaming and nonfoaming regimes. Historically, the literature has centered primarily around the highly concentrated, bubble-free diffusion-controlled devolatilization regime. The analysis presented in this paper centers on the performance of the heavily foaming stages of the process. Recent and previously reported (1) data on the polystyrene/ethylbenzene (PS/EB) system, as well as newly collected data on the poly(methyl methacrylate)/methyl methacrylate (PMMA/MMA) system, are analyzed. In the foaming stages of the process, two regimes have been found. These regimes are differentiated by the availability of volume into which the foam can grow. Deformation and mixing effects appear to be secondary. Furthermore, temperature changes across the range of realistic operating conditions appear to affect mainly the thermodynamic driving force. It is only at extremely high temperatures that these effects are truly controlling.     

Power consumption of partially filled twin-screw extruders

Twin-screw extruders are used very effectively, when partially filled, for mixing and surface renewal of high-viscosity fluids. The rate of energy input, often sufficiently high to be a major design consideration, determines the drive power, the heat input to the fluid, and the cooling requirements. Operating limitations may be fixed by thermal degradation of the material being processed. A simple model for the rate of energy dissipation in twin-screw extruders predicts that the power input is proportional to the square of the screw speed. Measurements were made of shaft torque and screw speed for polyisobutylene passing through a large twin-screw extruder having co-rotating shafts. The experimental procedure avoids the problems of changes in holdup and temperature that accompany changes in screw speed under steady state conditions. The power input was found to be proportional to the screw speed raised to the exponent 1.90. This result was attributed to slightly pseudoplastic behavior of the fluid in the radial clearances.     

Residence time distribution in non-intermeshing counter-rotating twin-screw extruders

This paper deals with the residence time distribution (RTD) in a non-intermeshing counter rotating twin screw extruder. The RTDs were measured in three vent zones of the extruder sparately, and in the adjacent zones combined, using a soluble dye as the tracer. Assuming that the RTDs in the adjacent zones are independent of each other, the overall RTD was also calculated using a previously developed statistical theory. The theory has also confirmed the consistency of the present measurements. A predictive RTD model for the non-intermeshing twin screw extruder, based on the flow analysis of the individual screw zones and their statistical superposition, was also developed. The predictions are in good agreement with experiment.     

Numerical simulation and experimental validation of mixing performance of kneading discs in a twin screw extruder

This work aims at simulation by particle tracking the local residence time distributions (RTDs) of a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder using computational fluid dynamics. Simulated results follow reasonably well the trend of experimental results obtained by an in‐line measuring instrument for different screw configurations and feed rates. To analyze the distributive mixing performance and overall efficiency of different types of kneading discs (KDs), mixing parameters such as area stretch ratio, instantaneous efficiency, and time‐average efficiency are calculated. Among KDs with stagger angles 45°, 60°, and 90°, the 90/10/64 with disc gaps is most efficient in terms of distributive mixing. The effects of the disc width and disc gap on the local RTD and distributive mixing are also discussed. This provides a numerical tool for assessing point‐by‐point information on the local RTD, flow, and mixing along the screw extruder. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

用同向双螺杆挤出机制备液体脱硫橡胶

采用双螺杆挤出机将废胶粉进行连续脱硫以制备溶胶含量较高的脱硫橡胶,脱硫橡胶可呈流体状态。影响脱硫效果的工艺因素主要有螺杆转速、机筒温度、废胶粉的粒径以及添加剂的用量。对脱硫橡胶进行了溶胶含量、门尼黏度、凝胶渗透色谱及差示扫描量热等的测试分析,结果表明,提高螺杆转速会降低橡胶的溶胶含量,升高机筒温度可以有效提高橡胶的溶胶含量,胶粉粒径越大制得的脱硫橡胶的溶胶含量越低,增加脱硫剂的用量可以提高橡胶的溶胶含量。通过温度、螺杆转速和添加剂用量的选择可以得到脱硫程度不同的脱硫橡胶。     

Mixing efficiency in a pin mixing section for single‐screw extruders

Non‐Newtonian, non‐isothermal, 3D finite‐element simulation of mixing performance in a pin mixing section with different axial gaps in the pins has been carried out according to their realistic configurations. The quantitative evaluation of mixing ability was based on the theory of kinematics of fluid mixing. To learn and to compare the local mixing performance in a standard screw and a pin mixing section, the local mixing efficiency distribution proposed by Ottino was calculated. Also, the RTDs of these mixers were calculated in an attemt to measure mixing. The integration of the two, namely, the integrating local mixing efficiency along a number of particle pathlines from entrance to exit, together with statistical treatment, which was referred as integral mixing efficiency, then gives a quantitative judgment of the total mixing ability of a continuous mixer. The calculated results showed a nonlinear dependence of the mixing ability of a pin mixing section on the axial gap of the pins. Finally, the calculation results were compared with the experimental ones obtained in our previous study.     

In-situ reactive blending of polyethylene and polypropylene in co-rotating and counter-rotating extruders

Blends of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) were prepared in different twin-screw extruders. Two additives, a peroxide initiator and a polymerizable monomer, were added to the polymeric feed components. A large influence on the physical properties, such as toughness and impact strength, and on the morphology was observed. Reactive extrusion substantially improves mechanical properties: a three-fold increase of elongation at break and doubling of the impact strength. Variation of extruder settings also had a large influence on the product; the final properties were improved when the shear rate was raised, but sufficient residence time is necessary in reactive compatibilization. Scanning electron micrographs of the fracture surfaces of blends indicate a refinement of the surface structure.