Particulate Science and Technology, Vol.17, No.1, 29-41, 1999
Pulverization of low density polyethylene under high shear and compression
The objective of this study is to obtain fundamental understanding of noncryogenic pulverization and agglomeration of Low Density Polyethylene at high normal forces and temperature not significantly different from ambient temperature. Based on the strain energy storage theory, a criterion of pulverization was obtained and computational analysis of deformation using Mooney-type equation for stored energy was performed. The numerical results indicated that combination of compressive and shear deformation on disc of Low-Density Polyethylene stores larger amount of energy onto the sample than shear and compression alone. The experimental work was conducted using the Bridgman Anvil, in which disk-shaped samples were subjected to simultaneous twisting and axial load, at different operating conditions. The experimental data led to an identification of optimum operating conditions in which fine particles are produced with a minimum amount of agglomerates. Using experimental data from the Bridgman Anvil, criteria for pulverization were also evaluated.