This completely revised bestseller strives to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It thoroughly examines all aspects of polymer extrusion technology without invoking complex mathematics, demonstrating how extrusion theory can be applied to actual extrusion problems such as screw design, die design, and troubleshooting.

Because screw design is an area where misconceptions can still be found, a major chapter is devoted to the logical, step-by-step analysis of the screw design and optimization process. Extensive changes and additions to this fourth edition of Polymer Extrusion make it a must-have. The text remains an excellent basis for an intensive short course on extrusion, or for a one-semester course on the topic; it is also a very useful reference for the practicing engineer.

From the Preface: “...The major aim of this book is to bridge the gap between theory and practice. At this point in time, the extrusion theory is reasonably well developed; however, application of the theory into practice leaves much to be desired. The emphasis of this book is on demonstrating how the extrusion theory can be applied to actual extrusion problems such as screw design, die design, troubleshooting, etc. Screw design, in particular, is an area where misconceptions still abound. A major chapter is devoted to a logical, step-by-step analysis of the screw design and optimization process...”

Target Audience: Practicing polymer process engineers and chemists; also helpful for plant managers, quality personnel, researchers and technologists, and upper-level undergraduate or graduate students of polymer extrusion.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Extrusion Machinery:

Different Types of Extruders

Extruder Hardware

Instrumentation and Control

Process Analysis:

Fundamental Principles

Important Polymer Properties

Functional Process Analysis

Practical Applications:

Extruder Screw Design

Die Design

Twin Screw Extruders

Troubleshooting Extruders

Modeling and Simulation of the Extrusion Process

Index