Numerical investigation of the effect of screw geometry on the mixing of a viscous polymer melt

Abstract

Abstract In polymer extrusion processing, mixing enhancement is an important consideration when an extruder screw is being designed. There are a variety of mixing elements used in the extrusion industry, with little consensus about what differentiates a good mixing section from a poor one. However, good mixing is important for homogenizing the material structure and temperature profile in the flow channel. This article presents a numerical analysis of the role of screw geometry in mixing in a cooling extruder. Four geometries, typical of those used by the extrusion industry, are assessed by the study of the polymer melt flow and heat transfer in the screw channels. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010