Abstract: The invention relates to vitreous aroma particles and the preparation thereof, as well as to the use thereof in foods, consumer articles and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The methods and apparatuses for granulating thermoplastic material emerging from nozzles in a perforated plate are provided. The apparatus can have a motor-driven cutter arrangement having at least one blade located opposite the perforated plate. The at least one blade can pass over the nozzles in the perforated plate and cuts pellets of the emerging thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A process for efficiently producing a water-dispersible particulate agricultural-chemical composition having improved disintegrability/dispersibility in water, the composition having a particular size in the range of 50-1,000 ?m. The process is characterized by comprising the following steps (a) to (e): (a) a step of kneading an agricultural-chemical active ingredient, a surfactant, and water; (b) a step of extruding the resultant mixture through a screen having pores 600-2,000 ?m in diameter to form granules; (c) a step of drying the granules; (d) a step of rotating two toothed rolls with irregularities on the surface arranged in parallel to each other, and leading the dried granules to pass between the toothed rolls thereby pulverizing the granules; and (e) a step of sieving the pulverized granules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact modifier and a device and a method for the production thereof, as well as to a method for preparing a thermoset material, or a thermoset material precursor, from the impact modifier. The impact modifier comprises at least one copolymer selected from A-B-A, A-B, and A-B-C block copolymers in which: each block is linked to the other by means of a covalent bond or an intermediate molecule that is connected to one of the blocks by a covalent bond and to the other block by another covalent bond; A is a PMMA homopolymer or a copolymer of methyl methacrylate, A preferably being compatible with the resin; C is either (i) a PMMA homopolymer or a copolymer of methyl methacrylate, or (ii) a polymer based on monomers or a mixture of vinyl monomers, and blocks A and C are identical; and B is incompatible or partially compatible with the thermoset resin and incompatible with block A and optional block C.

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 provides a dosage form, particularly a tamper resistant dosage form, comprising; non-stretched melt extruded particulates comprising a drug selected from an opioid agonist, a tranquilizer, a CNS depressant, a CNS stimulant or a sedative hypnotic; and a matrix; wherein said melt extruded particulates are present as a discontinuous phase in said matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin pellets, comprising pultruding a plurality of reinforced fiber bundles in a molten thermoplastic resin while twisting the plurality reinforced fiber bundles to form a strand in which the reinforced fibers are coated with the thermoplastic resin, and cutting the strand to a predetermined length to form pellets, wherein the strand is pultruded under the conditions that the melt viscosity of the thermoplastic resin is adjusted such that the melt flow rate is 500 to 1500 g/10 min, and the twisting angle ? of the reinforced fiber bundles with respect to the pultruding direction of the strand is set as follows: 0°<??50°.

Abstract: Thermoplastic particle foams which have cells having a mean cell size in the range from 20 to 500 ?m and in which the cell membranes have a nanocellular or fibrous structure having pore or fiber diameters below 1500 nm, and also processes for producing them.

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: A process for the production of polyolefin pellets by cuffing a raw material which contains a molten polyolefin resin and which is extruded from an extrusion orifice (121) of a die (12) into predetermined lengths with an underwater cutter (14) which is set in close vicinity to the die face of the die (12) and which rotates in water, satisfying the following requirements (A) to (C): (A) the average linear velocity (u) of the raw material passing through the extrusion orifice (121) as defined by the equation (Eq-1) is 50 to 650 mm/sec, (B) the fictitious aspect ratio (r) as defined by the equation (Eq-2) is 1.6 or below, and (C) the r/u value is 0.002 or above wherein Q is extrusion rate (mm3/sec) of the raw material per extrusion orifice; R is radius (mm) of the extrusion orifice; and t is cutting time (sec) defined as an inverse number of the product of the number of revolution of the under-water cutter and the number of blades of the cutter.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of granules based on thermoplastic polymers includes at least one expandable agent and, optionally, other polymers or additives, among which inorganic pigments insoluble in the polymeric matrix, wherein a first main stream is prepared, in the molten state, and a second stream in the molten state, which englobes the additives and which is added to the first stream. The mixture is extruded through a die which is cooled by means of water jets from nozzles positioned behind the cutting blades.

Abstract: Pearls based on expanded polymers are produced by extruding an expandable composition containing a thermoplastic polymer and an expanding agent, and thereafter cooling and chopping the expanded material thus obtained.

Abstract: An underwater pelletizing method for pelletizing brittle hydrocarbon resins with low melt viscosity. A feed material comprising the hydrocarbon resin is formed into a melt, extruded through a die into a water bath below the Tg of the hydrocarbon resin to form a plurality of extrudates and cut adjacent the die surface to form a slurry of resin pellets. A graft monomer and/or other reactants, such as a hydrosilylation agent, may be introduced into the resin melt to chemically modify the hydrocarbon resin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a near infrared shielding masterbatch. The method includes the steps of preparing and compounding a composition, and then pelletizing the compounded composition. 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 0.1-5 wt %, a thermoplastic polymer in an amount of about 67-98.7 wt %, an initiator in an amount of about 0.1-1 wt %, and a dispersing agent in an amount of about 0.1-2 wt %.

Abstract: A pelletizing machine for forming pellets from extruded material includes an extruder having at least one exit port and a body defining a cutting chamber through which high-temperature liquid flows, flooding the cutting chamber. The exit port of the extruder opens into the cutting chamber, which includes a cutting section defining a flow path for liquid through the cutting section. A cutter in the cutting section of the cutting chamber is mounted for rotation about an axis generally perpendicular to the first direction and disposed for cutting the extruded material exiting the exit port into the pellets. The axis of rotation of the cutter is parallel to or coincident with the flow path of the cutting section. A method for forming pellets of thermoplastic material with a foaming agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: The particle size distribution of a first fly ash is compared to an ideal particle size distribution that was empirically developed to provide a resin melt with a lower viscosity as more fly ash is added. A second fly ash material is similarly compared to the ideal curve and then is blended or optimized to provide an optimum filler for use with a suitable resin or similar material. Additional fly ash materials may be similarly compared and blended. Additional additives may be added for, among other things, foaming and coloration.

Abstract: A method for removing residual styrene monomers from co-extrudates comprising polystyrene and water-insoluble, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, which comprises subjecting an aqueous suspension of the particulate solid co-extrudate to a heat treatment at temperatures of 60 to 99° C., the weight ratio of solid co-extrudate to water in the suspension being 1:1.5 to 1:20, and the concentration of the suspension being kept constant during the treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to biodegradable starch-based pellets which foamable by irradiation, which are particularly suitable for the manufacture of foam articles, characterised in that they have a porous structure with a low porous external skin. This invention also relates to foam articles obtained from these.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing pellets from a melt, having a perforated plate with melt nozzles located therein from which nozzles the melt emerges. The perforated plate is located opposite a cutter arrangement with a cutter head with at least one blade, and a cutter shaft driven by a motor so that the at least one blade passes over the melt nozzles in the perforated plate in a rotating manner and in doing so severs pellets of the melt material emerging there. The cutter shaft is at least axially displaceable relative to a process chamber housing by means of at least one adjustable bearing. The position of the at least one blade can be determined and adjusted using a position sensing and adjusting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate of from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. 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 polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: A method for supplying molten polymer and expanding agent flows to a mixing area, by dispersing the expanding agent in a polymer melt by a rapid dividing mixing in a first static mixer, holding and intensively dividingly mixing the thus obtained mixture in a second static mixer, cooling the mixture, during mixing, in a third static mixer to an intermediate temperature, cooling the mixture to a granulation temperature, extruding polymer threads and subsequently quenching and granulating them. During processing, a weight ratio between the polymer melt flow Gp and the expanding agent flow GBA ranges from 13.0 to 19.0, a temperature in the first static mixer for rapid dividing mixing is calculated according to formula (I), in the second and third static mixed according to formulas (II) and (III), respectively, wherein GBA max. is the quantity of a maximum possible expanding agent flow, GBBct.

Abstract: An apparatus and process 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 invention relates to a method for thermally treating polyester pellets to obtain partial crystallization, whereby the polyester melt is supplied to an underwater granulating system and granulated; the thus obtained granulate are fed from the underwater granulating system into a water-solids separator. The dried granulate is then fed into a treatment device at a granulate temperature higher than 100 degrees C., without external energy or heat being supplied. The intrinsic heat of the granulate is used as the heat treatment leading to partial crystallization. The crystallization device is embodied as an at least lightly inclined reactor, into which granulate is fed at a temperature higher than 100 degrees C. The granulate passes through the reactor from the loading point to the discharge point under its own weight and exits the reactor with a temperature higher than 130 degrees C.

Abstract: Extrusion dies may be cleaned, especially of so-called die drips, by passing a wire over the die orifices in the vicinity of the exit face of the extrusion die. The operation of the extrusion operation is not affected by the passing of the wire through the stream(s) of the extrudate, and so the extrusion operation need not be shut down for the cleaning process. The process is especially useful for cleaning dies through which polymers are extruded.

Abstract: Use of a phosphorus compound of the formula (I) as flame retardant, where the definitions of the symbols in the formula (I) are as follows: A is one of the following groups: Y is —P(?X2)SR3R4, H, a straight-chain or branched C1-C12-alkyl group, C5-C6-cycloalkyl, C6-C12-aryl, or benzyl, where the four last-mentioned groups are unsubstituted or have substitution by one or more radicals from the group of C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-alkenyl; R1, R2, R3, and R4 are identical or different and are hydrogen, OH, C1-C16-alkyl, C1-C16-alkenyl, C1-C16-alkoxy, C1-C16-alkenoxy, C3-C10-cycloalkyl, C3-C10-cycloalkoxy, C6-C10-aryl, C6-C10-aryloxy, C6-C10-aryl-C1-C16-alkyl, C6-C10-aryl-C1-C16-alkoxy, SR9 COR10, COOR11, CONR12R13 or two radicals R1, R2, R3, or R4 form, together with the phosphorus atom to which they are bonded, or the P—O-A-O—P group, a ring system; R5, R6, R7, and R8 are identical or different and are H, C1-C16-alkyl, C1-C16-alkenyl, C1-C16-alkoxy, C1-C16-alkenoxy; R9, R10, R11, R12, R13 are identical or

Abstract: A device for the production of a polymer granulate, including a means for continuously producing a polymer strand from a polymer melt and a cutting means for cutting the resultant polymer strand, with the cutting means arranged relative to the means for producing the polymer strand in a distance-variable manner. Also, a method for the production of a polymer granulate, including continuously producing a polymer strand from a polymer melt and of cutting the resultant polymer strand into a polymer granulate, where the period between the production of the polymer strand and the cutting step is variably adjustable by varying the distance of a cutting means relative to a means for producing the polymer strand.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for making embolization particles for occluding fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The method comprises positioning an elongated body of biocompatible material relative to a cutting device. The elongated body is defined by extrusion of a body cross-section along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body is cut with a cutting device at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis to form the embolization particles such that each of the embolization particles has a particle cross-section that corresponds to the body cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for compounding a polyolefin composition comprising providing feed components including one or more high molecular weight olefin polymer components and one or more low molecular weight polyolefin components. The high and low molecular weight components are then compounded together to create a molten homogeneous polyolefin mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of granulate grains from a plastic melt, having a nozzle plate with at least one nozzle opening from which a strand of the plastic melt is discharged into a processing chamber, and a cutting tool having at least one cutting blade that may be moved against the nozzle plate by means of a feed device, wherein the plastic strand discharged from the nozzle opening of the nozzle plate can be fragmented into granulate grains by the cutting blade moving relative to the nozzle opening. The nozzle plate has a diamond coating at least on the surface thereof facing the cutting tool, with the hardness of the diamond coating being greater than the hardness of the cutting blade, and with the average roughness of the diamond coating being greater than the average roughness of the cutting blade by at least a factor of two.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to synthetic organic fiber pellets, methods for making such pellets, and methods of using such pellets for making fiber reinforced polypropylene composite resins. The synthetic organic fiber pellets include at least 80 wt % of a synthetic organic fiber chosen from polyalkylene terephthalates, polyalkylene naphthalates, polyamides, polyolefins, polyacrylonitrile, and combinations thereof, and from 2 to 20 wt % of one or more waxes. The synthetic organic fiber pellets are produced using a pelleting press process.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a rubber-plastic alloy for a warm mix asphalt mixture and a method for manufacturing the same. The warm mix rubber-plastic alloy is consisted of 5%-30% plastic, 70%-95% crumb rubber, and cracked wax and rubber oil, the summed amount of which comprises 10%-50% of the summed amount of the plastic and the crumb rubber. The manufacturing method comprises extruding the plastic, the crumb rubber, the cracked wax, and the rubber oil at suitable ratio via a single screw extruder, and pelleting via a water-cooled die-face cutter. The use comprises mixing the rubber-plastic alloy with a hot mineral material in an asphalt mixture mixer, and then liquid asphalt matrix is pumped into the mixer via an asphalt pump to provide a warm mix rubber-plastic modified asphalt mixture having excellent performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the pelletization of plastics and/or polymers, in which a melt coming from a melt generator is supplied via a diverter valve having different operating positions to a plurality of pelletizing heads through which the melt is pelletized. The plurality of pelletizing heads have different throughput capacities and are used sequentially for the start-up of the pelletizing process, with the melt first being supplied to a first pelletizing head having a smaller throughput capacity and then the melt volume flow being increased and the diverter valve being switched over such that the melt is diverted by the diverter valve to a second pelletizing head having a larger throughput capacity.

Abstract: A process for producing polystyrene foam particles having a bulk density in the range from 40 to 400 g/l by extrusion of a polystyrene melt comprising carbon dioxide and/or water as blowing agent through a nozzle and underwater pelletization, wherein the underwater pelletization is carried out at a pressure in the range 1-30 bar.

Abstract: A continuous process wherein polymers or polymeric materials can be subjected to multiple sequential processing systems of differing temperatures and process conditions to synergistically enhance the pelletization and crystallization of those polymers and polymeric formulations, dispersions, and solutions. The multiple sequential processing systems include the processes and equipment for mixing/extrusion, pelletization, multiple transportation processes, crystallization, multiple drying processes, and optional post-processing manipulations of pellets formed. Multiple serial and/or parallel crystallization processing systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable lining structure includes a sheet-like waterproof and breathable foaming cushion layer made of a composition of a predetermined amount of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and a predetermined amount of foaming agent such as azodicarbonamide (ADCA), and a fabric lining layer integrally adhered to one side of the cushion layer to form the lining structure. The cushion layer is made by a process including the steps of: (a) palletizing raw materials including the low density polyethylene and the foaming agent such as Azodicarbonamide (ADCA); (b) extruding the palletized raw material to make a solid sheet; (c) cross-linking the solid sheet by an E-beam to form an irradiated matrix; (d) foaming the irradiated matrix into the sheet-like foaming cushion layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the direct production of polyester granulate from a highly viscous polyester melt with a polymerization degree of 132 to 165, as well as the granulates formed thereform. In the method, the highly viscous polyester melt is subjected to a pre-drying and drying/degassing after a hot cutting method. Hot cutting is implemented at water temperatures of 70° C. to 95° C. and with a liquid to solid ratio of 8 to 12:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a powdery pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical excipient and a pharmaceutical component, the method comprising the step of extruding a mixture of the pharmaceutical excipient and the pharmaceutical component in an extruder at a temperature profile allowing a liquid melt of the mixture to congeal in the extruder and to exit the extruder in form of a powder.

Abstract: Compositions for forming molded articles, particularly, shells for automotive applications are made up of melt blends of aliphatic thermoplastic urethane elastomer and an olefin-containing block copolymer crosslinked to a gel content of from 5 to 95%. These compositions may be blended to form a powder, pellets, microspheres or minibeads which may then be cast to form air bag door and instrument panel cover skins which may meet automotive deployment and weathering requirements.

Abstract: Flexible pipe (fP) suitable for transporting hydrocarbons, said flexible pipe comprising at least one polymer layer (L) composed of a polymer composition (C) comprising at least one poly(aryl ether ketone) (P1), and at least one per(halo)fluoropolymer (P2). The poly(aryl ether ketone) (P1) and the per(halo)fluoropolymer (P2) are advantageously homogeneously distributed in the polymer composition (C). The polymer composition (C) is profitably prepared by a method comprising tumble blending the per(halo)fluoropolymer (P2) on one hand, and the poly(aryl ether ketone) (P1) or part of the poly(aryl ether ketone) (P1) on the other hand.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, the process comprising the following steps: a) a tubular stream of molten plastic is extruded; b) this stream is taken up by means of a tensioning device; c) a transverse cut is made in this stream so as to create a parison having one free edge that is not taken up by the tensioning device; d) the parison is moved relative to the tensioning device so that the free edge of the parison is also taken up by the tensioning device; and e) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison over its entire length. Equipment suitable for implementing this process.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing an elastomeric composition includes metering at least one elastomer, at least one filler, and at least one minor ingredient; feeding the at least one elastomer, the at least one filler, and the at least one minor ingredient into at least one extruder; mixing and dispersing the at least one filler and the at least one minor ingredient into the at least one elastomer using the at least one extruder; obtaining a subdivided product from a resulting elastomeric composition discharged from the at least one extruder; accumulating an amount of the subdivided product; and stirring the accumulated amount of the subdivided product. An apparatus for continuously producing an elastomeric composition includes at least one extruder, at least one first metering device, at least one second metering device, at least one device for obtaining a subdivided product, and at least one accumulating and stirring device.

Abstract: A press-molding machine is taught that may include an extrusion apparatus (10), a transfer apparatus (30), and a molding apparatus (40). The extrusion apparatus (10) may extrude a melted resin into a sheet shape. The transfer apparatus (30) may receive and transfer a sheet material that is extruded from the extrusion apparatus and cut in a predetermined length. The molding apparatus (40) may press and mold the sheet material transferred from the transfer apparatus. The extrusion apparatus (10), the transfer apparatus (30), and the molding apparatus (40), are allowed to be independently arranged and constructed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for pelletizing polymer melts, at above ambient pressure, in a pelletizing chamber into which a cutting apparatus has been inserted. In a first step, the pelletizing chamber is flooded with a gas which is inert toward the polymer melt and whose pressure is that at which the pelletizing process is carried out. The polymer melt is then injected into the pelletizing chamber. Finally, the gas is displaced from the pelletizing chamber via a liquid as soon as the polymer melt begins to flow through the cutting apparatus, this melt being cut into pellets.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing panel units may include applying a cover tape to a surface of a panel in such a way as to substantially extend along a periphery of the panel. An extrusion molding die may be moved relative to the panel in such a way that the extrusion molding die moves along the periphery of the panel while at least partially contacting the cover tape applied to the panel. At the same time, a molten molding material may be extruded from the extrusion molding die, thereby integrally forming a molded article on the periphery of the panel. The cover tape may be then removed from the surface of the panel in order to produce a panel unit having the molded article disposed along the periphery of the panel.

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: Process for the production of granules of expandable thermoplastic polymers by means of extrusion, which comprises: i) melting the polymer in a single- or multi-screw extruder (2); ii) incorporating an expanding agent in the polymer in the molten state; iii) granulating the polymer thus obtained in a device comprising a die (111), containing a series of ducts (115) made of a material having a high thermal conductivity (114), a cutting chamber (118) containing a set of hydraulic nozzles and a cutting system equipped with a set of knives (215) with a cutting edge which is radial with respect to the surface of the die; iv) annealing the granules thus obtained; v) cooling the annealed granules to room temperature.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyolefin pellets by cuffing a raw material which contains a molten polyolefin resin and which is extruded from an extrusion orifice (121) of a die (12) into predetermined lengths with an underwater cutter (14) which is set in close vicinity to the die face of the die (12) and which rotates in water, satisfying the following requirements (A) to (C): (A) the average linear velocity (u) of the raw material passing through the extrusion orifice (121) as defined by the equation (Eq-1) is 50 to 650 mm/sec, (B) the fictitious aspect ratio (r) a L as defined by the equation (Eq-2) is 1.6 or below, and (C) the r/u value is 0.002 or above wherein Q is extrusion rate (mm3/sec) of the raw material per extrusion orifice; R is radius (mm) of the extrusion orifice; and t is cutting time (sec) defined as an inverse number of the product of the number of revolution of the under-water cutter and the number of blades of the cutter.

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: Reflective pellets (16) are formed by extrusion of reflective micro beads (26) in a thermoplastic (20), removal of the surface layer of the pellets so as to expose the reflective beads at the surface of the pellets and applying the reflective pellets to the base line (14) of the striping applied to a paved road.

Abstract: In the extrusion of feed-stuff pellets and relevant consumer products, the extruded products are subject to expansion as a result of the boiling of their water content when the products, after being exposed to high extrusion pressure and a correspondingly high temperature, are discharged to the atmosphere through the extrusion nozzles. Such an expansion is directly aimed at, but it is desirable to be able to control it, which is difficult by adjustment of the ordinary process parameters. With the invention it has been found that the expansion which arises can be controlled in a highly constant manner, i.e. by carrying out the extrusion into a closed chamber in which an over-pressure of a few bar is established in relation to the atmospheric pressure, and which can be regulated. The extrusion products can be continuously discharged from this chamber, or they can be discharged intermittently in portions.