Research Focus: Rheology and Special Material

The rheological characteristics of polymer melts are important material features, without their knowledge a suitable design of plasticizing units and dies is not possible. The observation of rheological phenomena is, among other things, one research focus within the field “Rheology and Special Material” at the KTP. An example is the wall slippage of polymer melts and its consequences for processing. Another field of research is the rheology of special materials like highly-filled melts or the rheology of natural polymers (for instance amylum).

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(Figure 1): Structure of an extrusion rheometer to determine the flow curve and wall-slippage characteristics of rubber mixtures.
In addition to using petroleum-based polymers, using renewable resources can be a reasonable alternative. This is why the KTP develops the innovative technology for direct processing of amylaceous materials as, for example, semonila and whole grain.

Here, primarily foamed products are the aim of the development. In the focus of the research is the basic knowledge about extruders and their optimization, the determination of process relevant material parameters and much more. Within the scope of interdisciplinary research activities the simulation of the extrusion of amylum polymers in the food industry is also a current topic.

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Foci:

  • Wall-slippage of polymers
  • Online rheology
  • Rheology of special material (e.g. polymer magnets)
  • Highly-filled melts
  • Renewable resources (amylaceous materials)
  • New processing technologies
  • Determining material parameters