This updated overview of the film extrusion process covers a remarkably broad range of information. There is in-depth coverage of machinery, testing, and polymer properties — the book can be used to learn the basics of applied extrusion theory, as well as provide troubleshooting guidelines and solutions to many common problems encountered in the fabrication of thermoplastic films. The chapters on film polymers and additives discuss the use of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylons, polyester, EVA, EMA, ionomers, tie layers and adhesives, EVOH, polystyrene, PVDC, acrylonitrile copolymers, concentrates and additives, and more. The chapter on surface treatment is readable and informative. Highly recommended.

From the Preface: “...[This book] is the result of four years of intensive team effort to update the 1992 [edition]...This comprehensive publication on the technology and science of thermoplastic film extrusion should be an excellent stand-alone training resource for any professional entering into this industry...The sources of the material covered in Film Extrusion Manual was selected from a combination of sources such as authors of papers presented at the annual conferences, short courses, and subject matter experts across the industry. We hope that we have included some of the answers you are looking for, and that you find new ideals of how you can improve your company...”

Target Audience: Any reader interested in the industrial processing of polymer films, from neophyte to expert level, will benefit from the expansive treatment of the field this book offers.

Table of Contents:

Safety in Film Extrusion

Film Extrusion Introduction

Film Applications

Material Handling Systems

The Film Extruder

Instrumentation and Process Control

Screw Design

Gears, Pumps, Filtration, Static Mixers and Adapters

Troubleshooting the Extruder

Blown Film Dies

Stack Die Technology for Tubular Film Coextrusion

Blown Film Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Blown Film Cooling Systems

Film Stabilization, Forming and Collapsing Systems

Cast Film Die and Feedblock Design

Cast Film Process

Sheeting

Coextrusion

Gel Troubleshooting

Surface Treatment

Winding

Film Test Methods

Quality Systems and Techniques

Resins

Polymer Rheology

Tie Layers Adhesives

Low-Density Polyethylene

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene

Ultra Low-Density Polyethylene

High Molecular Weight: High-Density Polyethylene

Metallocene Linear Low-Density Polyethylene

Polybutylene

Polypropylene

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

Ethylene Methyl Acrylate — EMA

Acid Copolymers

Ionomer

Nylon Resins

EVOH

Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC)

Acrylonitrile Copolymers

Polyester

Polystyrene

Polymer Processing Additives (PPA)

Additives for Film Products

Slip Agents

Appendix 1: Film Extrusion Patent Survey

Apendix 2: Glossary of Film Terms