Rheology in Polymer Processing

Frontmatter

1. Rheology

Abstract

If external forces act on a material medium (body), they induce forces in that medium that affect each cross-section of the body. The surface density of these forces is called the stress.

Krzysztof Wilczyński

2. Rheometry

Abstract

Rheometry is the science concerning the measurement of rheological properties of materials, and thus on the measurements of stress and strain. These are made using rheometers.

Krzysztof Wilczyński

3. Polymer Processing

Abstract

In the polymer processing industry, the following steps of processing can be distinguished:

• pre-processing or compounding in which chemically pure polymers are prepared for processing, i. e. such as mixing, pelletizing, drying, etc.,
• polymer processing in which products are formed, e. g. extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming, compression molding, calendering,
• post-processing or complementary processing, i. e. finishing treatment of manufactured products, e. g. dyeing, metallizing, printing, etc.

Krzysztof Wilczyński

4. Process Modeling

Abstract

A model of the process is its simplified physical or mathematical representation. A physical model is a model where a simplified representation of the process is constructed. Physical models are used to understand the physics of the process, as well as to validate mathematical models of this. A mathematical model describes the process with equations. Mathematical models are developed using material and balance equations, along with assumptions that simplify the process. Usually, the more complex the mathematical model, the more accurately it describes the process.

Krzysztof Wilczyński

5. Modeling of Extrusion

Abstract

Extrusion is the most important technology in the polymer processing industry since more than half of all polymers are extruded. Moreover, extrusion is fundamental for compounding, i. e. mixing, pelletizing, filling, reinforcing, etc.

Krzysztof Wilczyński

6. Computer Modeling for Polymer Processing

Abstract

Software for computer modeling of polymer processing can be divided into two groups: generally oriented systems (i. e. general purpose) and systems oriented on a specific processing technique (e. g. extrusion or injection molding). The operation of these systems is based on solving equations of continuum mechanics (mass, momentum, and energy) for specific material models under specific flow conditions.

Krzysztof Wilczyński

Backmatter