Die design assisted by CFD for extrusion foam of starch-based mixtures

Daniele Tammaro*, Gaetano D'Avino, Gerald Schennink, Jan Wietze Huisman, Nynke Zandstra, Mark Geerts, Fresia Alvarado Chacon, Pier Luca Maffettone

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Polymer foams with complex cross-sectional shapes are used in a multitude of different applications (including transportation, construction, packaging, food, extraction and separation) thanks to their low mass allowing efficient energy transport, optimal acoustic absorption, catalytic, impact, and cushioning properties. Dimensional accuracy of the final foamed product, obtained through a die, is one of the biggest challenges for the engineering of a stable foam extrusion process. Nowadays, the design of dies is considered an art and, usually, it involves several experimental runs, wherein a die with an approximate shape is manufactured and iteratively modified based on the quality of the extrudate. This method is time and money consuming. Herein, the design is tackled using Computational Fluids Dynamics (CFD) reducing the trial-and-error process. We present the modelling of the rheological behavior of starch-based mixtures and the results of the CFD simulations on the slit die geometry.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 36th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society, PPS 2021
EditorsAbdellah Ajji, Frej Mighri, Hani E. Naguib
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9780735445062
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 May 2023
Event36th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society, PPS 2021 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: 26 Sept 202129 Sept 2021

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Number1
Volume2607
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference/symposium

Conference/symposium36th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society, PPS 2021
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period26/09/2129/09/21

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