Modeling the reactive modification of HDPE in a nonintermeshing twin screw extruder

Abstract The chemical modification of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in a counter‐rotating nonintermeshing twin screw extruder is modeled using a simultaneous random scission and cross‐linking integro‐differential equation. The roles of mixing and kinetics in the free‐radical reaction are investigated. The modification experiments use a masterbatch feed of HDPE with various concentrations of 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐( t ‐butylperoxy)‐3‐hexyne. The …