A continuous method of producing polyamide foams by an extrusion foaming process is disclosed. The polyamide foam includes a polyamide resin compounded with a composite chain extender including an epoxy chain extender and a maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) wax. The produced polyamide foams have improved properties, including a smooth surface, low density, and small cell size.

This application is directed to polymer blends of polyethylene naphthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate, for use in fibers, such as carpet fibers, and other applications. This application is also directed to methods of producing such polymer blends and fibers.

A formulation for a photopolymer composite material for a 3D printing system includes an acrylate oligomer, an inorganic hydrate, a reinforcing filler, and an ultraviolet (UV) initiator. In the formulation the acrylate oligomer may be found in the range between about 20.0-60.0 w % of the formulation. The inorganic hydrate may be found in the range between about 20.0-50.0 w % of the formulation. The reinforcing filler may be found in the range between about 5.0-60.0 w % of the formulation, and the UV initiator may be found in the range between about 0.001-0.5 w % of the formulation. A method of generating a formulation of a photopolymer composite material for use in a 3D printing system includes using an acrylate oligomer, an inorganic hydrate, a reinforcing filler, and an ultraviolet (UV) initiator.

Continuous compounding systems include a feeding section and a compounding section. Method for compounding or mixing solid matter and liquid matter include providing a continuous compounding system, adding matter to the continuous compounding system, and mixing or compounding the matter.

A process for producing a polypropylene composition using a compounding extruder includes a) a melting section having a first elongated cylindrical tube with a first inlet port to receive a propylene-based polymer and additives containing an elastomer of ethylene and α-olefin comonomer having 4 to 8 carbon atoms and a first outlet port to discharge a first melt composition containing a melt of the propylene-based polymer and the additives and a first screw arranged in the first elongated cylindrical tube, convey the propylene-based polymer and the additives to the first outlet port, and a mixing section including a second elongated cylindrical tube having a second inlet port to receive the first melt composition, and a second outlet port to discharge a second melt composition containing the first melt composition and the optional further component and a second screw arranged in the second elongated cylindrical tube to convey the first melt composition to the second outlet, wherein the first screw and the second screw areoperable at different screw speeds. The process includes: A) feeding the propylene-based polymer and the additives to the first inlet and discharging the first melt composition from the first outlet, wherein the first screw is operated at a first screw speed and B) feeding the first melt composition from the first outlet to the second inlet, and discharging the second melt composition from the second outlet, wherein the second screw is operated at a second screw speed smaller than the first screw speed.

An extruder screw conveying raw materials while kneading them includes a screw main body, conveyance portions, barrier portions, and paths. The conveyance portions convey the raw materials in an axial direction. The paths each include an entrance and an exit. The raw materials, the conveyance of which is limited by the barrier portions, flow in from the entrance. The raw materials flowing in from the entrance flow through the paths in the same direction as a conveyance direction of the conveyance portions. The exit is opened in the outer circumferential surface of the screw main body at a position outside the conveyance portions in which the entrance is opened.

An extruder screw conveying raw materials while kneading them includes a screw main body, conveyance portions, barrier portions, and paths. The conveyance portions convey the raw materials in an axial direction. The paths each include an entrance and an exit. The raw materials, the conveyance of which is limited by the barrier portions, flow in from the entrance. The raw materials flowing in from the entrance flow through the paths in an opposite direction to a conveyance direction. The exit is opened in the outer circumferential surface of the screw main body at a position outside the conveyance portions in which the entrance is opened.

Method for manufacturing a composite material, comprising the following steps: a) plasticizing a binder in an extruder, wherein the binder comprises a polymer; b) providing a mixture of a cellulosic material and a hydrophobic agent dissolved and/or dispersed in a liquid carrier; c) mechanically shearing and drying the mixture in an extruder whereby liquid is at least partly extracted from the mixture or is not present in liquid form anymore; and d) blending the dried mixture with the plasticized binder.

A formulation for a photopolymer composite material for a 3D printing system includes an acrylate oligomer, an inorganic hydrate, a reinforcing filler, and an ultraviolet (UV) initiator. In the formulation the acrylate oligomer may be found in the range between about 20.0-60.0 w % of the formulation. The inorganic hydrate may be found in the range between about 20.0-50.0 w % of the formulation. The reinforcing filler may be found in the range between about 5.0-60.0 w % of the formulation, and the UV initiator may be found in the range between about 0.001-0.5 w % of the formulation. A method of generating a formulation of a photopolymer composite material for use in a 3D printing system includes using an acrylate oligomer, an inorganic hydrate, a reinforcing filler, and an ultraviolet (UV) initiator.

A production line (100) has an internal mixer (MI); at least one hot mixing line (102) disposed downstream of the internal mixer and including at least one twin-screw mixing machine (B.sub.Xc) that performs a process of mixing the rubber mixture exiting the internal mixer; at least one cold mixing line (104) disposed downstream of the hot mixing line and including at least one twin-screw mixing machine (B.sub.XF) that performs a process of mixing the rubber mixture exiting the hot mixing line; a batch-off installation (BO) disposed downstream of the cold mixing line that performs an anti-sticking and cooling process of the rubber mixture exiting the cold mixing line; and an end-of-line installation (FL) disposed downstream of the batch-off installation that performs one or more end-of-line processes of the rubber mixture.