Reactive extrusion, a way to solvent free processing and new materials

Extruders are traditionally used in industry to melt, mix and shape polymeric materials. Due to their ability to process high viscous materials they can be used as a novel type of reactor. It is possible to use extruders as solvent free polymerisation or modification reactors. In situ compatibilisation during mixing of incompatible polymers is another interesting application of these machines. A third area, where extruders can be used as reactors is in the gelatinisation and modification of starches to use them as a base chemical from renewable resources. In this way it is also possible to produce copolymers between starches and synthetic polymers that can be used for packaging, disposables and controlled release.