Simulation of single screw extrusion of wood plastic composites based on the on-line pressure measurements

Simulation and experimental tests of single screw extrusion of wood plastic composite (WPC) based on the polypropylene (PP) matrix were carried out. The rheological properties of the composite were determined on the basis of measurements of the pressure and material flow rate during extrusion. Recently developed computer model for simulating the single screw extrusion of wood plastic composites was applied which has been modified by extending its computing capabilities to calculations based on the power law rule. This computer model allows two-variant modeling the material melting depending on the wood flour content. The results of simulation were verified experimentally, and it was found that the results of simulations and measurements were in a good agreement. Smaller discrepancies were observed in the case of the use of one-dimensional model of melting.