In‐process rheological monitoring of extrusion‐based polymer processes

Abstract

Since rheology is very sensitive to the structure and macromolecular conformation of polymer systems, rheological measurements performed in-situ during extrusion are attractive for monitoring the process. After introducing the concepts of in-process monitoring during extrusion operations, the benefits of rheology for assessing filler dispersion in polymer composites, morphology development in polymer blends, or extent of chemical reaction in reactive extrusion, are briefly reviewed. Then, in-process rheological tools are reviewed. For each device, the information conveyed is detailed.