METHODS FOR MAKING FIBER REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES USING PRE-CUT FIBER

摘要

The present disclosure is directed to methods for making fiber reinforced polypropylene composite pellets. One form of the method includes feeding into a compounding extruder a polypropylene based polymer, a pre-cut organic fiber, and an inorganic filler; and extruding, cooling and pelletizing the resultant mixture of components; wherein the pre-cut organic fiber is fed from a feeder including a hopper, one or more augers, one or more metering augers, and a means for controlling the speed of the augers. In another form, the feeder includes a feeder hopper, two or more metering rollers, one or more separating rollers, and a means for controlling the speed of the rollers. In yet another form, a circle feeder may be used to feed the pre-cut fiber. Articles molded from the fiber reinforced polypropylene composite pellets find application as automotive parts, household appliance parts, or boat hulls.