Abstract: A continuous granulation system for obtaining conditioned granules is disclosed. The system comprises a processor configured to produce a continuous flow of granules at an outlet of the processor. The system also comprises a collection chamber positioned downstream from the processor and configured to collect the granules from the outlet. Further, the system comprises an air displacement device coupled to the collection chamber and configured to create a unidirectional flow of air at the outlet in a direction of the granules exiting the processor and away from the outlet. The unidirectional flow of air conditions the granules obtained in the collection chamber. A continuous granulation method and a continuous granule collection system for obtaining the conditioned granules is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a thermoplastic polyurethane that comprises reacting an isocyanate composition at least comprising 4,4?-diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane (H12MDI) with a polyol composition (PZ) in the presence of a catalyst composition at least comprising a bismuth-containing compound selected from bismuth (tricarboxylate) catalysts, where the carboxyl radicals independently of one another have 6 to 12 carbon atoms, to give a melt and producing pellets from the resulting melt. The present invention further relates to a thermoplastic polyurethane obtained or obtainable by the method of the invention, and also to the use for producing films, profiles, cable sheathing, and sheathing of LED strips.

Abstract: A system for processing material, for example recycled material, comprises a compacting device (101) for compacting the material and a treatment device (102) for agglomerating, pelletizing, or nozzle-extruding the compacted material. The compacting device comprises a compacting chamber (103) and a compacting element (104) that is moveable in the compacting chamber to reduce the volume of the compacting chamber so as to compact the material to be delivered to the treatment device. As the material is compacted prior to being agglomerated, pelletized, or nozzle-extruded, supply of the material to the treatment device can be more reliable especially when the material is chopped waste plastic or other fluffy material including much air. Furthermore, efficiency of the agglomeration, pelletizing, or nozzle-extruding is improved because the compacting increases density of the material prior to the agglomeration, pelletizing, or nozzle-extruding process.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for a granulator has a nozzle body with an inlet side as well as an outlet side, a nozzle plate with nozzle holes arranged on the outlet side for forming melt strands, and flow channels formed in the nozzle body and connected to the inlet side and the outlet side in a fluid-conducting manner for supplying a melt flow to a nozzle plate. An annular connection channel connects a plurality of flow channels in a fluid-conducting manner. A method for separating a melt flow into melt strands is also described.

Abstract: A particle for solid freeform fabrication having a columnar form has end surfaces and a side surface, wherein one of the end surfaces partially covers the side surface.

Abstract: The polyamide pellet of the present invention includes a polyamide including diamine units and dicarboxylic acid units, 50% by mole or more of the diamine units being derived from m-xylylenediamine, wherein a spherulite density of a skin portion of the pellet is 40,000 to 250,000/mm2.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes a rotatable cutting head carrying outwardly extending cutter blades, as well as a rotatable drive hub and interconnected spring housing. The drive hub has a bearing housing, whereas spring housing includes coil spring. The spring housing is operably coupled with the cutting head, in a manner such that the spring exerts an unrestrained force against the cutting head and blades so that there is unrestrained movement of these components toward the outlet face of an extruder die plate. Consequently, there is a substantially constant self-adjusting force exerted on the cutter and blades against the plate, which promotes cleaner cutting of extrudate, even in the event that there is a degree of misalignment between the cutting edges and the outer surface of die plate. This arrangement lengthens the service life of the blades and the die plate.

Abstract: Insulated shipping container with rabbet-joint side panels and the procedure for making the same. The insulated shipping container consists of an outer box and six insulated panels. The outer box is made of corrugated fiberboard. The insulated panels are made of expanded polystyrene foam with a thickness of at least 2 inches. The panels are cut with a hotwire machine and the rabbet-joint design locks the side panels in place, which gives the insulated container superb structural and thermal integrity. The box is assembled with a specific H-shape taping and the six panels are inserted to form the insulated container. The invention is the first to meet the packaging requirements of postal carriers and their insurance underwriters. The cost-effective manufacturing process allows for multiple container sizes without additional setup expense, which lowers the cost of shipping affected by dimensional weight versus actual rate shipping rates by the carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supported catalyst that comprises an oxide substrate that is for the most part calcined aluminum and an active phase that comprises nickel, with the nickel content being between 5 and 65% by weight of said element in relation to the total mass of the catalyst, with said active phase not comprising a metal from group VIB, the nickel particles having a diameter that is less than or equal to 20 nm, said catalyst having a median mesopore diameter of between 8 nm and 25 nm, a median macropore diameter of greater than 200 nm, a mesopore volume that is measured by mercury porosimetry that is greater than or equal to 0.30 mL/g, and a total pore volume that is measured by mercury porosimetry that is greater than or equal to 0.34 mL/g. The invention also relates to the method for preparation of said catalyst and its use in a hydrogenation method.

Abstract: In resin composition pellets containing a desiccant, an object of the present invention is to be able to avoid bridging phenomena and stabilize the feed rate, which is to say, to improve feed stability. Provided is a resin composition pellet containing a thermoplastic resin and a desiccant and having an elliptic cylindrical shape, wherein the ratio of the short diameter b to the long diameter a of the ellipsoidal face S of the pellet P (short diameter b/long diameter a) is 0.5 to 0.9.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to fiber reinforced polyvinyl chloride compositions which comprise fibrous materials, at least one polyvinyl chloride resins and at least one high Tg copolyester. Processes for producing the novel fiber reinforced polyvinyl chloride compositions as well as articles made using these compositions.

Abstract: A process for producing expanded pellets from a thermoplastic elastomer having an elongation at break of more than 100% measured to DIN EN ISO 527-2, comprising: (a) pressing a polymer melt comprising a blowing agent through a perforated disk (18) controlled to a temperature between 150° C. and 280° C. and into a pelletizing chamber (26), (b) using a cutting device (20) to comminute the polymer melt pressed through the perforated disk (18) into individual expanding pellets, (c) discharging the pellets from the pelletizing chamber (26) using a liquid stream (36), wherein the blowing agent comprises CO2 and/or N2 and the amount of blowing agent in the polymer melt is from 0.5 to 2.5 wt %, the pelletizing chamber (26) is traversed by a stream of liquid at a temperature between 5° C. and 90° C. and the pressure of 0.1 bar to 20 bar above ambient pressure such that the pellets are expanded in the pressurized liquid by the blowing agent, producing expanded pellets having an uninterrupted skin.

Abstract: The invention concerns a catalyst comprising a calcined oxide matrix which is mainly alumina and an active phase comprising nickel, said active phase being at least partially co-mixed within said calcined oxide matrix which is mainly alumina, the nickel content being in the range 5% to 65% by weight of said element with respect to the total mass of catalyst, said active phase not comprising metal from group VIB, the nickel particles having a diameter of less than 15 nm, said catalyst having a median mesopore diameter in the range 8 nm to 25 nm, a median macropore diameter of more than 300 nm, a mesopore volume, measured by mercury porosimetry, of 0.30 mL/g or more and a total pore volume, measured by mercury porosimetry, of 0.34 mL/g or more. The invention also concerns the process for the preparation of said catalyst, and its use in a hydrogenation process.

Abstract: A granulated phosphate composition that provides sufficient nutritional value as well as enhanced bioavailability of organic phosphorous present in a main feed ingredient. The granulated phosphate composition includes a phosphate source, such as monocalcium phosphate, mono-dicalcium phosphate, or dicalcium phosphate, and one or more feed enzymes such as phytase. When the phosphate composition is compounded and pelleted with a main feed ingredient into a feed pellet, and consumed by a non-ruminant, the phytase component of the phosphate composition liberates otherwise unavailable phosphorous present in the main feed ingredient.

Abstract: Palatable food products are provided with low bulk density of about 4-12 lb/ft3 and comprise an expanded matrix of intercommunicated pores defined by a skeletal structure of gelatinized starch. The products produce an audible crunch sound when crushed by applied force and include low calorie, energy-dense characteristics of about 2-6 Kcal/g. The total weight of the product comprises about 20-60% starch, about 30% or less flowable fat, about 2-12% water, and a coating of flavorants and/or aromants. The product can optionally comprise health promoting ingredients. The products are manufactured by extruding batched ingredients including starch and water under processing conditions to promote starch gelatinization to form a substantially homogenous dough that, after extrusion, expands into a porous matrix. The porous matrix can undergo vacuum infusion to fill the matrix with flowable fat, dry palatant, and wet palatant. After infusion, the porous matrix can be dust coated with dry palatant.

Abstract: In the manufacturing method and manufacturing arrangement according to the invention for a silicone composition the mixer mixing the different subcomponents of the silicone composition are removed for the duration of downtime and cooled to a temperature, in which the chemical reaction between the different subcomponents of the silicone composition stops. In the manufacturing method of the invention the mixer is reconnected to the manufacturing apparatus arrangement after downtime without cleaning it from the silicone composition subcomponents remaining in the mixer.

Abstract: A production method for animal excretion treatment material and a production device therefor, having a step in which a raw material is pulverized and a pulverized material is obtained and a step in which the pulverized material is granulized. In the step in which the pulverized material is obtained, the raw material is pulverized by a pulverizer and the pulverized material is obtained. The pulverizer has: an insertion port for the raw material; a pulverization chamber for the raw material; a pulverization mechanism provided inside the pulverization chamber; a mesh screen through which passes the raw material pulverized by the pulverization mechanism and having a plurality of openings; and a discharge port connected to the openings in the mesh screen.

Abstract: An improved, high-capacity die assembly (10) for a food or feed extruder (12) is provided and is particularly useful for the production of high quality aquatic feeds. The die assembly (10) includes a mount (20), which is secured to the discharge end of an extruder barrel (14), with a plurality of tubular die components (22, 24) coupled with the mount (20). Each component (22, 24) includes wall structure (38) defining an outwardly diverging tubular chamber (40) with a die plate assembly (50) coupled to the outer end of the wall structure (38). A flow diverter element (54) is located within each chamber (40) and has a large diameter end adjacent the assembly (50) and a smaller diameter end closer to the chamber inlet. The assembly (50) has a plurality of openings (52) outboard of the element (54).

Abstract: A method including providing a ceramic log (300) with a first end and an opposing second end; providing one or more cutting devices (100) comprised of a dual bladed cutting member (200); and removing material by cutting at least the first end with the dual bladed cutting member (200), wherein a first blade (210) of the dual bladed cutting member (200) provides a finished surface and a second blade (220) removes a percentage of scrap above the finished surface. An apparatus (100) for cutting a ceramic log (300).

Abstract: Method for analyzing blending mixer performance is provided, which includes providing an apparatus for blending solid particles with a liquid composition, a rotating slinger, and at least one accelerometer positioned adjacent a rotating component for producing a signal that is proportional to an acceleration of the rotating slinger over a frequency range. A recorder for receiving and storing over a time interval the signal is in communication with the accelerometer. The recorded signals are converted to numeric values indicative of a vibrational amplitude of the rotating slinger over the frequency range, and harmonics from the numerical values are identified and used to determine the condition of the rotating slinger.

Abstract: A cutter hub pin drive mechanism and a quick disconnect hub for a pelletizer and a pelletizer having a cutter hub pin drive mechanism are provided. The pelletizer has a cutter hub that includes a cutter hub holder which is engaged with the pelletizer shaft through a plurality of drive pins. The drive pins ride in drive pin channels formed by grooves cut into an inner surface of the cutter hub holder and aligned grooves formed in the outer surface of the forward end of the pelletizer shaft. By machining of grooves into the cutter hub holder and shaft to form channels that receive the drive pins, more precise engagement between the pelletizer shaft, cutter hub holder and drive pins is obtained, resulting in improved torque transmission from the shaft to the cutter hub. Also provided is a seal around the pelletizer shaft to prevent the egress of fines into the drive pin area which might otherwise interfere with the unobstructed movement of the cutter hub holder necessary to adjust blade position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers and other high temperature crystallizing polymeric materials to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line to the dryer near the pelletizer exit. Air is injected into the slurry line at a velocity of at least about 200 m3/hour. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases the speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the PET polymer pellets leave the dryer at a temperature sufficient to self-initiate crystallization within the pellets.

Abstract: A cutter hub position control device for consistent blade adjustment in an underfluid pelletizer is provided in connection with a motion rod attached to the pelletizer cutter hub and extending through a hollow shaft of the pelletizer motor. The cutter hub position control device can be collinear, transaxial or in a plane parallel to the axis of the motion rod to which it is attached. Adjustment of the cutter hub position control device is automated through use of feedback control mechanisms.

Abstract: A pelletizing device comprising a die with a first surface, called operative surface, and a second surface that is essentially parallel to the first surface, the die between the first and the second surface comprising multiple through going openings for the forming of pellets, at least two rollers rotatable around a shaft, wherein the rollers and the die are moveable with respect to each other, each of the rollers comprising an operative pressing surface for pressing material to be pelletized through the radial openings of the die, wherein a width of the operative pressing surface on each of the rollers is smaller than a width of the operative surface of the die. The invention also relates to rollers for the device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the treatment of plastic material comprising a) providing a liquid; b) contacting the plastic material with the liquid; c) keeping the plastic material in the liquid at Tb?25° C. to Tb of the liquid, wherein Tb is the boiling point of the liquid at the applied pressure; and d) removing the plastic material from the liquid. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the use of a liquid for the treatment of plastic material and to a plant for treating plastic material with a liquid.

Abstract: A neutral poly(ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate) copolymer is employed as a carrier in the manufacture of pharmaceutical formulations containing an active ingredient. The formulations are preferably made by melt extrusion, and can have rubbery characteristics and can exhibit tamper resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing and treating plastic pellets. According to said method, a melt of the plastic material is granulated to give pellets, the pellets are cooled in a cooling fluid, the pellets are separated from the cooling fluid and the pellets are crystallized. The device according to the invention is characterized by comprising a control unit which monitors the crystallization step and controls the method in such a manner that, in case of a disturbance of crystallization, the pellets are supplied to an intermediate storage alter separation of the pellets from the cooling fluid and, as soon as the disturbance is removed, the pellets temporarily stored in the intermediate storage are supplied to crystallization and are crystallized.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a sheet for a solar cell encapsulant which has stability against yellowing after a crosslinking process and thus good appearance with improved productivity in the sheet manufacture process, specifically to a method for manufacturing a sheet for a solar cell encapsulant characterized by melt-mixing a resin composition with an organic peroxide, a co-crosslinking agent and a silane coupling agent at the degradation temperature of the organic peroxide or less, wherein the resin composition is obtained by melt-mixing EVA resin with an antioxidant, an UV absorber and a light stabilizer at 80-220° C., and forming a sheet from the obtained melt-mixed resin composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a near infrared shielding fiber. The method includes the steps of preparing and compounding a composition, then pelletizing the compounded composition to obtain the near-infrared shielding masterbatch, and melt spinning the near-infrared shielding masterbatch into the near-infrared shielding fiber. The composition includes at least one metallic ionic compound powder in an amount of about 1-25 wt %, a cross-linking agent in an amount of about 0.1-2 wt %, a thermoplastic polymer in an amount of about 67-98.7 wt %, a cross-linking initiator in an amount of about 0.1-1 wt %, and a dispersing agent in an amount of about 0.1-2 wt %.

Abstract: In a process for producing a biopolymer nanoparticles, biopolymer feedstock and a plasticizer are fed to a feed zone of an extruder and the biopolymer feedstock is processed using shear forces. A crosslinking agent is added to the extruder downstream of the feed zone. The process has a production rate of at least 1.0 metric tons per hour. The feedstock and the plasticizer are preferably added separately to the feed zone. The extruder may have single flight elements in the feed zone. The temperatures in the intermediate section of the extruder are preferably kept above 100 C. The screw configuration may include two or more steam seal sections. Shear forces in a first section of the extruder may be greater than shear forces in an adjacent downstream section of the first section. In a post reaction section, water may be added to improve die performance.

Abstract: A device and method for producing pellets from a melt material. The device comprises a perforated plate with nozzles from which a melt material emerges. The device further comprises a cutting chamber in a housing adjoining the perforated plate and enclosing at least a part of a cutter arrangement. A gaseous coolant, cooled through adiabatic expansion by means of a throttling device, flows through the cutting chamber such that pellets of the melt material are solidified. The gaseous coolant is introduced into the cutting chamber from an inlet apparatus and the gaseous coolant and the pellets located therein are conveyed to an outlet of the cutting chamber.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing granulates or continuous strips intended for feeding an extrusion machine, formed of a gel comprising at least, as majority elastomer, a styrene thermoplastic elastomer and more than 200 phr of an extender oil, each element of the granulate having a given surface area. The granulate element is sized so that the compactness, of a granulate element, is less than a value decreasing from 1500 m?1 to 375 m?1 and deposited on the surface of said granulates is an anti-tack agent having a value increasing from 2 cm3 to 8 cm3 per m2 of granulate surface area, when the mean size of the particles of said anti-tack agent increases from a value of 1 ?m to 100 ?m.

Abstract: An apparatus for granulating hot cut, in particular thermoplastic resin material, the material strands melted by an extruder being knocked off into granule pellets in a granulating housing by rotating knives disposed on a shaft driven by way of a motor, the granule pellets being picked up by a cooling medium flowing in the granulating housing, cooled and discharged out of the granulating housing, characterized in that a flow opening establishing a continuous fluid connection between the inside of the granulating housing and the outside environment is designed between the shaft and the region of the granulating housing in which the shaft penetrates the granulating housing.

Abstract: An underwater cutting and pelletizing apparatus includes: a cutting device that cuts, with a cutter in a water chamber, molten resin, extruded from a die, into pellets; a separation device that separates, from carrier water, pellets sent from the water chamber of the cutting device to downstream with carrier water; a tank that is disposed below the separation device and stores carrier water discharged from the separation device; and a circulation path formed so as to circulate carrier water between the tank and the water chamber, wherein a hydroelectric power generator is provided on a return side of the circulation path formed on a downstream side of the water chamber, and generates electricity from the energy of the carrier water flowing downward in this path. According to such a configuration, the underwater cutting and pelletizing apparatus is made so as to achieve energy savings by recovering and reusing potential energy accompanying carrier water pumped up to a higher location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pellet mill (20) for preparing pellets from a pelletizable material supplied to the pellet mill (20), comprising a frame (22), a main axle (28) rotatably mounted in said frame (22) and having a first end (30) and an opposite second end (32), an annular die (42) being supported by said second end (32) and having an inner surface (44) for receiving a portion of said pelletizable material (106) supplied to said pellet mill (20), an outer surface (46), and a plurality of radial channels (48) extending from said inner surface (44) to said outer surface (46) for preparing pellets from said portion of said pelletizable material (106), a roller holder (54) supported by said frame (22), a number of roller axles (64), each of said number of roller axles being moveably mounted in said roller holder (54), said roller axles may move in said roller holder (54) in the event of an overload to prevent damage to the pellet mill, a number of rollers (80), each of said number of rollers being rot

Abstract: A cutter head holder for blades of an underwater granulator for granulating pellets from a plastic melt that emerges from a perforated plate into a process chamber of a housing of an underwater granulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to produce a polymeric sheet comprising the steps of providing an acid-based polymer, providing a neutralizing agent, the neutralizing agent being selected from the group consisting of an organic metallic compound, a metallic salt of a fatty acid, and an ionomer, or a mixture thereof, providing a processing oil, mixing said acid-based polymer, said neutralizing agent, said processing oil, to obtain a polymeric composition, and processing said polymeric composition to form a polymeric sheet. The polymeric sheet may be used as a component, or as a substrate, of a surface covering. The polymeric sheet may also be used to form polymeric particles which are component of so-called “homogenous”, or substrate-free, surface covering.

Abstract: A process for the anti-sticking treatment of polymer pellets comprising: a) pelletizing the polymer in the presence of cooling water; b) drying the polymer pellets by means of a centrifugal drier, wherein in step b) an aqueous composition comprising an anti-sticking agents is metered inside said centrifugal drier.

Abstract: An apparatus and process to maintain control of the temperature of low-melting compounds, high melt flow polymers, and thermally sensitive materials for the pelletization of such materials. The addition of a cooling extruder, and a second melt cooler if desired, in advance of the die plate provides for regulation of the thermal, shear, and rheological characteristics of narrow melting-range materials and polymeric mixtures, formulations, dispersions or solutions. The apparatus and process can then be highly regulated to produce consistent, uniform pellets of low moisture content for these otherwise difficult materials to pelletize.

Abstract: The present invention relates to increasing the molecular weight during a thermal treatment of polyester in combination with a latent heat granulation. With the newly-developed method, an SSP (Solid State Postcondensation) can be directly combined with an underwater granulation. The method differs from a conventional solid state postcondensation by an increase in the molecular weight being possible without additional heat input and hence only by using the residual heat and the crystallization heat present. A characterizing element is improved water separation and dehumidification during the granulation. Only in this way is an increase in viscosity possible even with a small granulate of an average particle weight less than 20 mg.

Abstract: A method for producing non-expandable pellets can include introducing a vinyl aromatic polymer to a pelletizer (L). The pelletizer (L) can have a die plate having a holes of large diameter. During the start-up of the production of the non-expandable pellets, pellets can be produced in the pelletizer (L). When the polymer flow rate is in the operating range of the pelletizer (S), the introduction of the vinyl aromatic polymer can be switched from the pelletizer (L) to the pelletizer (S). The pelletizer (S) can be operated at conditions effective to produce the non-expandable pellets. The pelletizer (S) can have a die plate having holes of small diameter. The non-expandable pellets can be recovered from the pelletizer (S), and the pellets can be recovered from the pelletizer (L).

Abstract: A method of beneficiating fly ash to produce particulate material for use as a filler/extender in plastics manufacturing. The method includes removal of extraneous surface deposits from surfaces of the particulate material.

Abstract: Described herein are extrusion processes to produce hollow pellets. Also disclosed are pelletizer devices that can be used to produce the hollow pellets. The processes and devices make use of an extrusion die having a die orifice and an insert that is placed in the die orifice to produce the hollow pellets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for pelletizing polymer melts comprising blowing agent in a pelletizing chamber through which a liquid flows, its pressure being above the ambient pressure. In a first step, the polymer melt is injected into the pelletizing chamber, in a second step the polymer melt is cut via a cutting apparatus into individual pellets and, in a third step, the pellets produced in the pelletizing process are discharged with the liquid from the pelletizing chamber and are then isolated from the liquid.

Abstract: An ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) composition preparation process is provided, which comprises the steps of: feeding an EVOH alcohol solution into a tower type apparatus, the EVOH alcohol solution comprising 100 parts by weight of an EVOH and not less than 300 parts by weight of an alcohol having a carbon number of not greater than 4; bringing the EVOH alcohol solution into contact with water, and feeding out a part of the alcohol together with water from the apparatus to provide an EVOH water/alcohol mixture solution comprising 100 parts by weight of the EVOH, 10 to 200 parts by weight of the alcohol and 50 to 200 parts by weight of water; bringing the EVOH water/alcohol mixture solution into contact with water in an agitator container with stirring, and feeding out a part or all of the alcohol together with water from the container to provide an EVOH composition comprising 100 parts by weight of the EVOH, less than 10 parts by weight of the alcohol and 20 to 100 parts by weight of water.

Abstract: Novel polymer compositions of specified formula are converted into pellets of this invention by process technology provided by this invention. By forming a binder free melt of a polymer of such polymer compositions, and converting the melt into pellets as described here-in, pellets can be formed produce during production, handling, and use, no more than acceptably small amounts of “fines” or air-entrainable dusts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a semicrystalline polymer, said method comprising the following steps: producing a polymer melt from a crystallizable polymer; shaping particles and solidifying the polymer melt, the step of shaping the particles being carried out before or after solidification; cooling the particles; treating the particles to reduce their tendency to agglomerate; crystallizing the particles. The invention is characterized in that the treatment is carried out by shaking at a temperature T1 which is below the glass transition temperature of the polymer plus 10° C., i.e. T1<Tg+10° C.

Abstract: Provided is a process for making thermoplastic polymer pellets. The process has the following steps: (a) melting a thermoplastic polymer to form a polymer melt; (b) extruding the melt through a die to form a substantially continuous molten polymer extrudate wherein the die has a contact surface bearing a polymer coating having a surface energy of less than 25 mN/m at 20° C.; (c) cooling the extrudate to form a cooled extrudate; and (d) pelletizing the cooled extrudate to form a plurality of polymer pellets. Provided is also a polymer pellet shipping system and a stable thermoplastic polymer pellet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the pelletization of waxes, wax-like and other materials having a sharp melt point include a vessel for forming the wax into a hot molten material. A heat exchanger then cools the molten wax to a temperature just above its melt temperature. The cooled liquid wax is fed to an extruder which further reduces the temperature and mixes the liquid wax into a thoroughly mixed extrudable solid wax. The solid wax is then extruded through die orifices of a die plate into a cutting chamber, and a rotary cutter cooperating with the die face of the die plate cuts the extruded solid wax strands into pellets. The die plate, cutting chamber and rotary cutter can have the same structure as an underwater pelletizer, but operating without water or liquid as a dry face pelletizer. The thus formed wax pellets drop out of the cutting chamber by gravity through an opening in the bottom thereof.

Abstract: Compression molding methods of manufacturing a shaped article are provided. The methods include compression molding thermoplastic resin-based material to provide a molded article, where thermoplastic resin-based material comprises a plurality of controlled geometry pellets. The pellets include at least one generally flat face having a cross-sectional shape with a rectangular envelope having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5. The controlled geometry pellets may include a plurality of reinforcing particulates dispersed throughout the thermoplastic resin. The reinforcing particulates typically have a largest dimension which is no more than about 90% of the largest pellet dimension.