Modeling filler dispersion along a twin-screw extruder

International audienceParticle size distribution strongly affects physical and mechanical properties of filled polymers. A new model has been developed to predict agglomerate size distribution in a twin-screw extruder (TSE). The model considers the break-up and erosion processes and it uses agglomerate size population balance in its mathematical formulation. The model parameters were evaluated in simple field flow. This paper shows the validation of the model along the extruder using different screw configurations of a short twin screw extruder Flow parameters along of the TSE necessaries to apply the new dispersion model have been calculated with (C)Ludovic sofiware. Calcium carbonate filled polypropylene system was used as model compound. The agglomerate size distribution was evaluated from micrographs of polished samples at different locations along the extruder obtained by reflected light microscopy in conjunction with-semiautomatic image analysis