Measurements of residence time distribution for the peroxide degradation of polypropylene in a single‐screw plasticating extruder

Abstract Measurements of the residence time distribution (RTD) in a single‐screw plasticating extruder were carried out during experimental studies of the peroxide‐initiated controlled chemical degradation of polypropylene (PP). A radioactive tracer method was employed, and the effect of screw speed, temperature, and reaction on the RTD was examined. An increase of the peroxide concentration resulted in a broader distribution whereas an …