This is a mini-tutorial on compounding — the process of converting resins through polymerization processes into a product ready to be formed into a finished plastic part, profile, sheet, or film. Compounding includes reactive processing or modification of base polymers, the formation of polymer alloys, isolating polymers after polymerization processes, mixing of additives, stabilizers and colorants with the polymers, the production of masterbatches, and the like. Understanding Compounding offers a firm footing in this important sector of plastics processing.

From the Preface: “...Compounding...normally involves mixing additives, stabilizers, and colorants with the resins. The production of color concentrates is also considered compounding. While the focus of compounding is on polymers, the same methods are used in the preparation of some foods, gun propellants, wood products, and high-solids content materials. This book is divided into six major sections. They cover a general overview of the compounding process, major compounding equipment, and major unit operations within a compounding process.”

Target Audience: Operators, managers, sales personnel, technicians, and other employees or students interested in a basic but broad overview of compounding.

Table of Contents:

What Is Compounding?

Pre-Compounding Operations

Compounder Types

Unit Operations

Post-Compounding Operations

Evaluation of Compounders

References

Index