SHEAR PROCESSING THERMOPLASTICS IN THE PRESENCE OF ULTRASONIC VIBRATION

摘要

Various processing advantages are gained when ultrasonic vibration is applied to a thermoplastic processing apparatus such as an extruder or an injection molding device. Such advantages include improved flow rate, reduced processing pressure, and consequently reduced processing temperature to mold or extrude the melted thermoplastic. The ultrasonic vibration is desirably applied to the die of the processing apparatus and in a direction longitudinal to the flow of the thermoplastic. Suitable thermoplastics include polystyrene and polyolefins.