![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Thermocouple grids have been shown to provide a unique insight into melt temperature fields and their time dependent behaviour in extruders. These systems have been extended from single axis designs to larger arrays for more detailed temperature measurements. Nine junction (3 × 3) arrays have provided a map of the temperature profile across the melt, and the technique has been used to assess the effect of extrusion conditions such as polymer type, screw geometry and melt pressure. The data are proving invaluable for extruder screw design and to inform more accurate computer modelling of polymer melt flows. Single axis grids have also been applied to twin screw compounding extrusion, and the results showed a significant amount of shear heating with the hottest points being along the centre line of the two screws.