Twin-screw extrusion fully intermeshing

Different polymer blends like PE (polyethylene)/PS (polystyrene) [10-11] and PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate)/PS [12-13] have been produced using supercritical C02-assisted extrusion. Fully intermeshing twin-screw extruders have been used in these studies. A decreased shear thinning behavior on dissolution of supercritical CO2 into blends was observed. The obtained reduction in viscosity ratio resulted in a finer dispersion of the minor phase, which is desirable to create a good polymer blend. The effect of supercritical CO2 on the dispersion of the minor phase for a PMMA/PS blend can be seen clearly in Fig. 12.5. 

---