Abstract
Effects of particulate size and frictional characteristics were examined on the melting behavior of PP(polypropylene) in a twin screw extruder. Powder and pellet types of PP were used and each component was blended with PE(polyethylene) wax and clay, respectively. It was observed that small size particulates, 1.e. powder systems exhibit accelerated melting behavior; and it was also found that the abrasive auditive acts as an effective agent for fast melting of PP powder. Retardation of melting due to the reduced friction was observed in both types of PP, contrary to the result found in a batch mixer. The tendency observed in variation of torque and exit temperature was explained in terms of frictional effect and length of compacted region formed during evolution of melting.