Optimization for starve fed single screw extrusion of polymeric materials – Experimental studies

Abstract

Optimization studies have been performed on the starve fed single screw extrusion of polymeric materials. Experimental optimization of the selected process parameters, screw rotation speed and screw metering section length has been performed from the point of view maximum extrusion output and minimum current intensity of the extruder motor. It has been stated that experimental optimization is extremely expensive and time consuming. Optimization based on the process simulation and using evolutionary techniques (genetic algorithms) has been initially proposed. Extrusion simulation software GSEM has been used to this aim, and the optimization program GASEO has been developed to optimize the process. The results of optimization have been presented in the second part of the paper.