Extrusion of Polymers: Theory and Practice primarily addresses single-screw extrusion technology, with an emphasis on screw design. Due consideration is also given to the relevant polymer fundamentals. The presentation begins on a physical level providing an in-depth tutorial for conceptual understanding, followed by an analytical level with mathematical models. Practical applications of the mathematical models are illustrated by examples. A brief discussion of twin-screw extrusion is also presented.

From the Preface: “...A process engineer must have a good knowledge of the material being processed as well as the engineering aspects of the process in order to fully understand the process and the product. This is especially true for polymers because the properties of a polymer product strongly depend on its processing history. Fundamentals of polymer physics and melt rheology are presented for those who lack previous training. This book starts at a basic level emphasizing conceptual understanding and progresses to an advanced level for ambitious readers...”

Target Audience: Practicing professionals interested in the theory of extrusion and how theory applies to actual processes, as well as students of extrusion.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Physical Description of Single-Screw Extrusion

Fundamentals of Polymers

Theories of Single-Screw Extrusion

Screw Design, High Performance Screws, and Scale-Up

Gear Pump, Static Mixer, and Dynamic Mixer

Physical Description of Twin-Screw Extruders

Appendices

Index