Development of Phase Morphology of a Polyethylene-Polyamide 6-Blend in a Modular Co-rotating Twin Screw Extruder

Abstract

Abstract A basic study of blending two different polymers (polyethylene and polyamide 6) in a modular co-rotating twin screw extruder is presented. The development of phase morphology was observed along the axis of the modular screw. Five different modular screw designs are considered. We first look at a machine containing all right-handed screw elements. We then consider a machine with all right-handed elements plus a single left-handed screw element. The study then turns to machines with combined screw and kneading disc elements. The kneading discs play a key role in both melting polymers and in enhancing dispersive mixing. Increasing the number of kneading disc blocks gives enhanced dispersion.