What does material development mean?

The development of plastics materials refers to the development and improvement of plastics. The aim is to improve a wide range of properties in order to meet various requirements. This allows plastics properties such as strength, elasticity, resistance to heat or chemicals, conductivity, and many others to be specifically influenced. Material development aims to create plastics with optimized properties that meet specific application requirements while also being environmentally friendly.

 

Plastics processing and material development are of great importance for a number of reasons:

  1. Adaptability: Material development enables the creation of plastics that meet the specific requirements of various tasks. This opens up new applications and improves existing products.

  2. Cost savings: Die Aufbereitung von Kunststoffen und die Verwendung von z.B. recycelten Materialien können zu Kosteneinsparungen führen, da der Bedarf an neuen Rohstoffen reduziert wird. Darüber hinaus können optimierte Kunststoffe durch verbesserte Eigenschaften die Effizienz von Produktionsprozessen steigern und so zu Kosteneinsparungen beitragen.

  3. Sustainability: The processing of recycled plastics contributes to the creation of a closed material cycle and reduces dependence on non-renewable raw materials. Recycling plastics saves energy and reduces environmental impact.

Overall, plastics recycling and material development are important steps toward promoting a sustainable and resource-efficient industry. They help to reduce plastic waste, conserve natural resources, improve the performance of plastics, and meet the requirements of various industries.

Co-rotating twin-screw extruders

Co-rotating twin-screw extruders are often used for the processing or compounding of plastics:

Unlike conventional single-screw extruders, co-rotating twin-screw extruders have two screws that are arranged parallel to each other and rotate in the same direction.

These machines offer a number of advantages for the compounding of plastics:

  1. Better homogenization: The use of two screws ensures that the plastic material is mixed and homogenized more effectively due to shear flows. This results in a more even distribution of additives such as color pigments, additives, or fillers.

  2. Greater flexibility: Twin-screw extruders can be used for a wide range of plastic materials, including thermoplastics, elastomers, polymer blends, and even shear-sensitive materials. By adjusting the screw speed, screw design, and process parameters, the extrusion can be adapted to the specific requirements of the plastic being used.

  3. Flexible process: The screws and cylinders of co-rotating twin-screw extruders can be constructed in a modular fashion. This allows the process section and the process for the respective process task to be customized. The advantage of this is that it is possible to respond to specific requirements and needs. For example, higher mixing efficiency or areas that facilitate additional lateral feeding can be incorporated as required.Thanks to their clever design, twin-screw extruders are a valuable resource for plastics processing and contribute to the further development of innovative compounds for the pipe industry.