MULTI-SCREW EXTRUDER AND METHOD FOR TREATING AND/OR PROCESSING ELASTOMERS WITH ADDED FILLER

摘要

The invention relates to a multi-screw extruder comprising at least two shafts for treating and/or processing an elastomer with added filler, especially rubber, with at least one plasticiser and/or additives. The extruder has the following in succession in the direction in which the product is transported: a feed area (2) in which the elastomer and the plasticiser and/or the additives are added; a masticating/plasticising area (4) comprising at least one kneading element (8, 10), in which the elastomer, together with the plasticiser and/or the additives, is transformed into a flowable, coherent mixture; and a dispersing area (6) comprising at least one other kneading element (8, 10), in which the filler in the elastomer is reduced and distributed. A gap with a width Z of approximately 1/100 to approximately 1/10 of the kneading element diameter D exists between the flight (8a, 8b, 10a, 10b) of the kneading elements (8, 10) and the inner wall (9) of the extruder housing. The width of the gap and the rotation speed range of the shafts bearing the kneading elements are measured in such a way that shearing rates of approximately 10/s to approximately 3000/s, especially of between 30/s and 1000/s are achieved.