Principles of polymer processing modelling

Abstract : Polymer processing involves three thermo-mechanical stages: Plastication of solid polymer granules or powder to an homogeneous fluid which is shaped under pressure in moulds or dies and finally cooled and eventually drawn to obtain the final plastic part. Physical properties of polymers (high viscosity, non-linear rheology, low thermal diffusivity) as well as the complex shape of most plastic parts make modelling a challenge. Several examples (film blowing extrusion dies, injection moulding, blow moulding) are presented and discussed.