Abstract: The flow fields of wave-like and regular twin-screw element in an intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruder were simulated. Based on the simulation results, the weighted average shear stress, distribution of the maximum shear stress, distribution of the maximum stretching stress were compared for the two elements. The mixing performance of the two elements was also studied through the experiments. Numerical results were in agreement with experimental results. It was shown that the wave-like twin-screw element had a stronger dispersion mixing capability.

Key words: intermeshing co-rotating twin screw extruder, wave two-screw element, mixing performance, numerical simulation