DISPERSIVE MIXING IN INTERNAL MIXERS - A THEORETICAL-MODEL BASED ON AGGLOMERATE RUPTURE

The mixing of solid additives into a matrix of rubber or plastics is an energy intensive process. Such a mixing operation generally involved rupture of agglomerates formed by the solid phase, separation of closely packed particles after rupture, and distribution of the separated particles throughout the polymeric matrix. Dispersive or intensive mixing refers primarily to the first two steps, whereas, the third step is by and large an extensive mixing process. The subject is discussed under headings - dispersion mechanisms; theoretical model; agglomeratic structure and cohesive force prediction; hydrodynamic forces in shear flow; fraction of broken particles dealing are pass through the high-shear agglomerak size distribution; comparison of theoretical model with experiments; preliminary simulation studies.