"From hardware and materials through processing and properties, a broad coverage of blown film extrusion is presented. A primary objective of this book is to ensure a useful balance of theory and practice. The reader will find the answers to why they encounter certain effects in the blown film process so that they are better able to troubleshoot and improve their operations. At the same time, current practices and equipment are emphasized to keep readers up-to-date with the most productive and efficient technology. The companion computer-based learning tool, The Blown Film Extrusion Simulator, is provided to enhance the reader's understanding. This software was developed specifically to teach blown film extrusion equipment operation and processing principles, and is available for download. Throughout this book, exercises using the simulator are described to complement the methods and principles explained. New in this third edition is a chapter on polymer rheology, with an overview of the rheology of polymer melts and its effect on extruding blown film. Additionally, improvements and corrections have been made throughout the book. Contents: Materials for Blown Film Polymer Rheology Extrusion Overview Hardware for Blown Film Processing Coextrusion Film Properties Troubleshooting"--

The second edition of Extrusion is designed to aid operators, engineers, and managers in extrusion processing in quickly answering practical day-to-day questions. The first part of the book provides the fundamental principles, for operators and engineers, of polymeric materials extrusion processing in single and twin screw extruders. The next section covers advanced topics including troubleshooting, auxiliary equipment, and coextrusion for operators, engineers, and managers. The final part provides applications case studies in key areas for engineers such as compounding, blown film, extrusion blow molding, coating, foam, and reprocessing. This practical guide to extrusion brings together both equipment and materials processing aspects. It covers basic and advanced topics, for reference and training, in thermoplastics processing in the extruder. Detailed reference data are provided on such important operating conditions as temperatures, start-up procedures, shear rates, pressure drops, and safety. - A practical guide to the selection, design and optimization of extrusion processes and equipment - Designed to improve production efficiency and product quality - Focuses on practical fault analysis and troubleshooting techniques

Why is it important to get to equilibrium and how long does it take? Are there problems running polypropylene profiles on a single screw extruder? Does the job involve compounding color concentrates on a corotating twin screw extruder? This unique reference work is designed to aid operators, engineers, and managers in quickly answering such practical day-to-day questions in extrusion processing. This comprehensive volume is divided into 7 Parts. It contains detailed reference data on such important operating conditions as temperatures, start-up procedures, shear rates, pressure drops, and safety. This reference is a practical guide to extrusion bringing together both the equipment and materials processing aspects. It provides basic and advanced topics about the thermoplastics processing in the extruder, for reference and training. Parts 1 û 3, emphasize the fundamentals, for operators and engineers, of polymeric materials extrusion processing in single and twin screw extruders. Parts 4 û 7 treat advanced topics including troubleshooting, auxiliary equipment, and coextrusion for operators, engineers, and managers. Extensive applications in Part 7 cover such contemporary areas as compounding, blown film, extrusion blow molding, coating, foam, and reprocessing. Each chapter includes review topics.

A revised version of this book is now available.The polyethylene industry has been in the midst of major restructuring and rationalization. This has lead to joint ventures and alliances to combine technologies and exploit opportunities to maximize improvements in process productivity, catalyst innovations, and enhancements in extrusion technology and converting. This comprehensive study of the polyethylene film extrusion process describes this technology in detail. In depth descriptions of the manufacturing processes for polyethylene homopolymers and copolymers, including metallocenes, are reviewed. All aspects of machine design with particular emphasis on screws and dies including coextrusion are discussed comprehensively. With computer modeling, the interactions between equipment and polymer are quantified. All aspects of equipment design and polymer features that control melt fracture, interfacial instabilities, gauge control, output and temperature, and cooling of blown and cast film processes are presented quantitatively. This methodology will highlight solutions in troubleshooting for optimum design and operation and the best available polymer and formulation choices. All polyethylene film applications in packaging, agriculture, lamination, and construction, consumer, industrial, and health care are reviewed and discussed in depth.

This handbook provides a framework for understanding how to characterize plastic manufacturing processes for use in troubleshooting problems. The 21 chapters are authored by well-known and experienced engineers who have specialized knowledge about the processes covered in this practical guide. From the Preface: “In every chapter, the process is described and the most common problems are discussed along with the root causes and potential technical solutions. Numerous case studies are provided that illustrate the troubleshooting process. Mark A. Spalding, The Dow Chemical Company