Plasticizing of natural and synthetic polymers and compounds

The transport and melting of polymer material and polymer fiber composites along the screw of a single screw plasticizing unit is a complex combination of very different processes. A variety of different models is applied to simulate and predict the relevant physical properties of the material from solids conveying to plasticating and melt conveying. In order to improve stability, quality as well as efficiency in plastics processing it is in-dispensable to further the knowledge on these processes and refine the existing models. Therefore, the aims of this project are: - to test and evaluate simulation programs - to find new physical approaches in order to improve their accuracy as well as their validity - to extend them for features which allow to develop new screw geometries beyond conventional design - to develop a new simulation tool including analytical as well as numerical methods.