In-process rheological monitoring of extrusion-based polymer processes

Since rheology is very sensitive to the structure and macromolecular conformation of polymer systems, rheological measurements performedin situduring extrusion are attractive for monitoring the process. After introducing the concepts of in-process monitoring during extrusion operations, the benefits of rheology for assessing filler dispersion in polymer composites, morphology development in polymer blends or the extent of chemical reaction in reactive extrusion are briefly reviewed. Then, in-process rheological tools are reviewed. For each device, the information conveyed is detailed. (c) 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry

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This paper discusses the attractiveness of in-situ rheological measurements during extrusion for monitoring the process, and briefly reviews the benefits of rheology for evaluating filler dispersion in polymer composites, morphology development in polymer blends, and the extent of chemical reaction in reactive extrusion. In addition, in-process rheological tools are reviewed in detail for the conveyed information for each device.