Polymer Compound Extrusion for Technical Rubber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current processes for producing polymeric compounds from secondary raw materials like out-of-use tires, EPDM rubbers, and butyl blisters lack precise control over temperature, speed, torque, and pressure, which affects the mechanical characteristics of the final products, limiting their usability in technical rubber items.

Innovation Solution

A controlled extrusion process using a co-rotating twin screw extruder with specific temperature, speed, torque, and pressure settings to produce polymeric compounds from shredded secondary raw materials, optimizing their mechanical characteristics for use in technical rubber items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional extrusion processes are used without precise control parameters, then the production cost is reduced and process simplicity is maintained, but the mechanical characteristics of the final polymeric compounds deteriorate, limiting their usability in technical rubber items

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical characteristicsVSAvoidprocess control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific ranges for extrusion temperature (60-100°C), screw revolution number (190-300), and torque (120-890 Nm) to optimize the mechanical characteristics of polymeric compounds from secondary raw materials. These controlled parameter variations enable precise control over the extrusion process while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If higher concentrations of recycled polymeric compounds are used in basic mixtures, then environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the mechanical properties and chemical-physical stability of the final products deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical-physical stabilityVSAvoidconcentration of usable polymeric compound
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes to control extrusion temperature (60-100°C) and processing conditions, enabling the production of polymeric compounds with stable chemical-physical properties even at high concentrations (up to 50% or more) in basic mixtures for technical rubber items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If extrusion temperature is increased to improve processing efficiency, then productivity is improved, but pyrolysis occurs causing chemical degradation and loss of mechanical properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidpyrolysis and chemical degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by limiting the extrusion head temperature to a specific range (60-100°C) and controlling the melting temperature within 124-153°C, preventing pyrolysis and chemical degradation while maintaining adequate processing efficiency for producing technical rubber items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The process enhances the mechanical properties of polymeric compounds, allowing their use up to 50% in basic mixtures for producing technical rubber items, ensuring chemical and physical stability without pyrolysis, and meeting performance and environmental standards.

Implementation Method 1

extruding with the following parameters: extruder head temperature included between 60 and 100 °C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy input: Heating

Implementation Method 2

number of screw revolutions included between 190 and 300, wherein the extruder pressure is obtained by using as extruder a co-rotating twin screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical energy input: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3296077B1Process for making polymeric compounds for mixtures aimed to produce technical rubber items
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 AGR SRL
  • EP3296077B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3296077B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3296077B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A process is described for making polymeric compounds for mixtures aimed to produce technical rubber items, wherein such polymeric compounds are obtained starting from secondary raw materials chosen from the group comprising PFU (out of use tire), EPDM and butyl rubbers.