Homogeneity of multilayers produced with a static mixer

• Published in: Polymer engineering and science Vol. 41; no. 1; pp. 32 - 42
• Main Authors: Van Der Hoeven, J. C., Wimberger-Friedl, R., Meijer, H. E. H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.01.2001; Wiley Subscription Services; Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fluids; Machinery and processing; Management; Moulding compound preparation. Mixing; Plastics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; Technology of polymers; United States; Finite element method; Three dimensional model; Rheological model; Mixing; Static mixer; Theoretical study; Homogeneity; Multiple layer; Polymer; Numerical simulation; Flow velocity; Layer thickness
• ISSN: 0032-3888; 1548-2634
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.10706

A multiflux static mixer can be used to produce multilayered structures. The flow is repeatedly cut, stretched and stacked by mixing elements in the channel of such a device. In the standard design, however, the obtained layer thicknesses are inhomogeneous. The causes for the multiflux static mixer's deviation from ideal behavior are identified by 3D numeical simulations as unequal pressure drops in the separating flows. Changes in the arrangements of the elements are proposed and their effects are verified by simulations and experiments. A significant improvement of the layer homogeneity is achieved by introducing additional elements with separatings walls at the inlets and at the outlets of the mixing elements.