pps proceeding
Symposium: S12 - Process modeling and simulations Oral Presentation
Influence of process parameters on the rheological and thermodynamical behavior of ultra-high molecular weight compounds
Unger Thomas (1)*, Klocke Lars (1), Herrington Kevin (2), Miethlinger Jürgen (3)
(1) Leistritz Extrusionstechnik GmbH - Nuremberg - Germany, (2) Braskem America Inc., Pittsburgh Innovation & Technology Center - Pittsburgh - USA, (3) Institute of Polymer Extrusion and Compounding, Johannes Kepler University Linz - Linz - Austria
Compared with many other polymers ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is difficult to handle
on standard extruders. Because of this UHMWPE, on co-rotating twin screw extruders, has traditionally been limited to
being used as a filler to improve the properties of other polymers. We present an investigation of various UHMWPE/
polypropylene blends with up to 80% UHMWPE in the formulation. The raw materials were compounded on a
ZSE27MAXX co-rotating twin screw extruder with an underwater pelletizer. To characterize the rheological behavior of the
compounds an elongation rheometer was implemented in the extrusion line. The dependencies of the shear and elongation
viscosities on the screw speed of the extruder, content of UHMWPE, additives in the formulation, and nitrogen are shown.
Keywords: UHMWPE-Compounds, Elongational rheometer, Twin screw extrusion