MACHINERY | ALTERNATIVE COMPOUNDERS
showcasing the versatility and flexibility of its Farrel Continuous Mixer (FCM). It says the FCM’s low process temperature, short residence time, and efficient rotor shear make it an ideal system for processing temperature-sensitive or prior-heat-histo- ry applications, and it has been successfully used to process polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and polybutylene succinate (PBS) as well as recycled PVC and film scrap. Representing the company at NPE, Dr Peng Ye also presented promis- ing results from trials to develop bio-based com- postable compounds by mixing low-cost wood pulp and bioresins using the FCM with a hot feed extruder mounted on a unitised frame. The FCM features a single port for feed materi-
als, a hinged clam shell opening chamber, a replaceable tool steel liner, multiple zones of temperature control, three-piece rotor construc- tion, adjustable discharge opening, no thrust bearings, atmospheric venting, and rotor cooling. The level of adaptability it provides means the resulting compound features a fibre level up to 60% and demonstrates high dispersion quality and low processing temperatures. In one trial, injection- moulded disposable knives were produced with a compound made up of 40% fibre. In another, thermoformed products and extruded sheets were produced at industrial scale with a version of the compound featuring 0.5% to 10% fibre. Dr Ye explained how the material’s Heat Deflec-
tion Temperature (HDT) improved notably with the addition of cellulose fibre, and while the initial moisture content of the fibre was 3% to 4%, the compounding process decreased this level to as little as 0.1% in the final compound. “The com- pound is produced through a continuous economi-
In tests on bio-based compounds, Farrel Pomini says the material’s Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) improved dramatically when cellulose fibre was added in the Farrel Continuous Mixer Source: Farrel Pomini
cally viable process,” he said. “The addition of cellulose fibre into biodegradable resin can reduce cost, enhance compostability, improve mechanical properties, increase heat resistance, and lower carbon footprint.”
IMAGE: LUCA HOFFMANNBECK/SKZ
Left to right: SKZ Technical Centre Manager Kersten Kurda, Group Manager Compounding and Extrusion Hatice Malatyali, and Division Manager Johannes Rudloff, receive the CPM RingExtruder RE from Michael Erdmann and Joerg Mayer-Lutz of Extricom Extrusion
66 COMPOUNDING WORLD | October 2024
Innovation is key Since CPM launched the RingExtruder RE last year, the market has continued to evolve, prompting compounders to constantly seek out new ways in which to harness its power. “We see significant opportunities for our RingExtruder RE in various applications,” said Daron Fraim, Senior Process Engineer at CPM Process Solutions. “The RingEx- truder RE stands out for its exceptional mixing capabilities and low shear, allowing for an efficient process that spreads material across a large surface area. This makes it especially well-suited for handling recycled PET. With its ability to effectively remove volatile compounds and moisture, the RingExtruder RE is setting a new standard in extrusion technology.” Currently, the primary applications for the RingExtruder RE include challenging degassing processes and handling heat and shear-sensitive materials. The machine’s unique 12-apex design, compared to the traditional single apex of twin extruders, allows for more intensive mixing, better temperature control, and longer residence times. This makes it ideal for reactive extrusion processes and other demanding sectors like masterbatch production. One of the key trends driving demand for the RingExtruder RE is the growing focus on recycling, sustainability, and material reuse. As bio-based polymers, which require gentler processing due to their heat-sensitive nature, become more prevalent, the RingExtruder RE’s softer compounding ap- proach is seen by many as a perfect match for this
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