Characterization of distributive mixing in fully-intermeshing co-rotating twin screw extruders

The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the dynamics of the distributive mixing processes prevailing in various elements employed in the co-rotating twin screw extrusion process. It is shown that complete reorientation of the interfacial area can be induced through either reverse regular flighted elements or kneading discs in co-rotating twin screw extrusion. Although all are capable of complete reorientation of the interfacial area repetitively, there are significant differences in basic mixing abilities of different kneading disc configurations, as shown in Figure 4. The interfacial area appears to grow faster with the 30° reverse in comparison to 30° forward.