LOW SHEAR PELLETIZATION METHOD AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

摘要

A method of pelletizing material is disclosed which includes the steps of placing a material into an extruder having an screw, a discharge end, and a die having at least one opening at its discharge end. The screw is actuated to move the material toward the discharge end and through the at least one opening in the die while being heated as it travels toward the discharge end. In this manner, the material is at least partially melted while the temperature of the material is prevented from reaching a compounding temperature. The material is cut into pellets after it passes through the at least one opening in the die. An extruder for carrying out the above method and a resulting product are also disclosed.