Ultrasound assisted continuous process for making polymer blends and copolymers
AssigneeThe University of Akron
InventorsAvraam Isayev, Chang Kook Hong
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Abstract
This invention relates to a process for making polymer blends and copolymers by ultrasonic treatment during or after mixing the polymers. In the process of the present invention, an unexpected phenomenon occurs. The process brings about enhancement of the mechanical properties when compared with identical blends not subjected to ultrasonic treatment. The ultrasonic treatment of the blends is believed to enhance intermolecular interaction and improve adhesion between dissimilar polymers and make chemical bonds between polymers that otherwise are incompatible or immiscible with each other.
Claims18
A process for the production of polymer blends and copolymers comprising the steps of:
- feeding to a pressurized treatment zone a polymer mixture consisting essentially of at least two polymers;
- and
- ultrasonically treating the polymer mixture in the treatment zone with an ultrasonic wave to provide in situ chemical interaction between said at least two polymers.
A process for the production of polymer blends and copolymers comprising the steps of:
- pelletizing at least two polymers;
- mixing said at least two polymers after said step of pelletizing to form a polymer mixture;
- feeding to a pressurized treatment zone the polymer mixture;
- and
- ultrasonically treating the polymer mixture in the treatment zone with an ultrasonic wave to provide in situ chemical interaction between the at least two polymers.
A process for the production of polymer blends and copolymers comprising the steps of:
- feeding to a pressurized treatment zone a polymer mixture of at least two polymers;
- and
- ultrasonically treating the polymer mixture in the treatment zone with an ultrasonic wave to provide in situ chemical interaction between said at least two polymers wherein said step of feeding includes mixing the at least two polymers with distributive and/or dispersive mixing devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.