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The development of a high output processing method for the extrusion of solid thermoplastic sheet and profile

Objective

Extrusion and co-extrusion of sheet and profile are important industrial processes within the EU. There are approximately 1100 distinct extruder operations in Western Europe extruding some 10 million Tonnes of thermoplastic. However, due to the inherently viscous nature of polymers, output rates are limited at normal processing temperatures. If the processing temperature is increased, degradation of material can occur resulting in loss of mechanical properties, flow instabilities and discolouration. These i ssues have environmental and cost issues that have resulted in the loss of production capacity to lower wage economies outside of the EU. A technology developed by two of the of the consortium partners has shown that plastics extrusion equipment can be mo dified to allow for compressed C02 to be used as a processing aid for the production of solid extrudate with reduced melt viscosities, thus allowing processing at faster output rates, reduced temperatures or reduced energy. The project aims to develop the necessary technologies to allow for industrial scale, commercially viable extrusion and co-extrusion of solid sheet and profile either by retro-fitting the equipment to current machinery or by fitting to new extruders. The main objectives of the project are to: - Develop a prototype extruder that will allow full industrial, commercial development of the process. - Develop the process on an industrial scale for SMEs with different production requirements. - Demonstrate the technical and commercial viabilit y of the process on full industrial scale. - Carry out dissemination and training activities that allow for maximum exploitation of the technology. If these objectives are achieved then the SME grouping and IAG members will obtain a technological edge lea ding to increased competitiveness. In-line with the objectives of the EU and Framework 6, the product and process developed will contribute towards sustainable manufacturing.

Fields of science

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Call for proposal

FP6-2003-SME-2
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Funding Scheme

Collective - SMEs-Collective research projects

Coordinator

RAPRA TECHNOLOGY LTD.
EU contribution
No data
Address
Shawbury
SHREWSBURY
United Kingdom

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Total cost
No data

Participants (13)

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Last update: 13 November 2008

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/516225

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