CONTINUOUS COMPOUNDING OF EPDM FORMULATIONS ON CO-ROTATING, INTERMESHING TWIN SCREW EXTRUDERS

摘要

A 58 mm twin screw trial was run to evaluate machine design, shear and heat transfer effects in a generic EPDM formulation. The effects of product rate, screw speed, screw design, barrel temperature, and screw cooling were evaluated on product temperature, Mooney viscosity, and cure time. Scale up is evaluated in terms of heat transfer (cooling), volumetric and torque limits. Operation at high specific rate, low barrel temperatures, and the use of screw cooling provide improvements for rate. Commercially viable throughput rates were achieved in the trial.