Molecular scale-driven upgrading of extrusion technology for sustainable polymer processing and recycling

Abstract

Our polymer material and processing industry heavily relies on single- and twin-screw extrusion technology. To facilitate a circular economy technological upgrades, bridging experimental characterization techniques and the predictive power of modeling and software tools are although indispensable. The current work highlights engineering challenges and solution strategies to make (reactive) extrusion technology more sustainable and reliable. Molecular scale-driven case studies are included dealing with (i) energy and residence time optimization, (ii) the enlargement of the pool of polymers to be processed or synthesized (e.g. biopolymers and more well-defined compatibilizers), and (iii) polymer recycling applications, both chemical and mechanical. These case studies consider linear, branched, as well as cross-linked polymers.