Effect of screw configuration of twin⁃screw extruder on uniformity of carbon⁃fiber⁃reinforced polyamide 6

doi:10.19491/j.issn.1001-9278.2025.06.004

Abstract

Abstract:

Four distinct screw configurations were evaluated for fabricating polyamide 6 （PA6）/carbon fiber （CF） composites. The impact of screw design on material uniformity was systematically assessed by characterizing residence time distribution， fiber length retention， and dispersion homogeneity. The results indicated that the slotted screw elements not only extended material residence time significantly but also induced divergent flow paths and elongational mixing， enhancing fiber dispersion. The 30° kneading block generated peak shear stress， effectively refining carbon fiber length through intensified mechanical action. The slotted⁃thread configuration improved composite uniformity by 52 % compared to the baseline design， demonstrating superior fiber alignment and matrix⁃fiber integration. This study underscores the critical role of screw geometry in tailoring shear intensity and flow dynamics to achieve high⁃performance PA6/CF composites.

Key words: twin?screw extruder, screw combination, carbon fiber, polyamide 6, slotted thread, uniformity, fiber retention length

CLC Number:

TQ320.66⁺3

HE Lang, LIU Jianglin, YANG Dongdong, LIANG Jianguo, ZHAO Runtian, WANG Zhihui, LI Xiaodong, CHEN Zhanchun. Effect of screw configuration of twin⁃screw extruder on uniformity of carbon⁃fiber⁃reinforced polyamide 6[J]. China Plastics, 2025, 39(6): 14-18.

Figures/Tables 8

Fig.1. Screw combination

Fig.2. Residence time

Fig.3. Overall distribution

Fig.4. Detailed distribution of fibers

组别	S0	S1	S2	S3	S4	$σ$
a组	602	729	645	762	690	63.99
b组	658	784	774	808	752	56.23
c组	684	737	714	732	761	33.63
d组	783	751	775	813	828	30.69

组别	S0	S1	S2	S3	S4	$σ$
a组	602	729	645	762	690	63.99
b组	658	784	774	808	752	56.23
c组	684	737	714	732	761	33.63
d组	783	751	775	813	828	30.69

Tab.1. Carbon fiber distribution

Fig.5. Fiber retention length of the PA 6/CF composites

Fig.6. Retention length statistics

Fig.7. Number⁃average length

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