Effect of Screw Configuration on Filler Dispersion in Intermeshing Co-rotating Twin Screw Extruder

Abstract

To optimize the properties of compounds, effective mixing is of importance to achieve adequate distribution and dispersion of filler particles. A variety of mixing elements have been used for twin-screw extruders in order to improve the mixing efficiency. In this study, the effects of 10 screw configurations on the filler dispersion were investigated for the calcium carbonate filled polystyrene processed in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The state of filler dispersion was characterized by optical microscopy equipped with a photodiode. The experimental results indicated that the type and position of mixing elements primarily affected the degree of filler dispersion.