Gas Atomization of Polymers

Jon M. McAvoy and Joshua U. Otaigbe

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Iowa State University,

Ames, IA, USA

Annual Technical Conference - Society of Plastics Engineers

Abstract

A polymer gas atomization process was developed for mass-producing high quality spherical polymer powders. The process involves the use of high pressure (7.59 MPa max.) N and a specifically designed nozzle to atomize a molten stream of polymer into fine droplets that cool to form spherical powders. Powders with particle size 5-200 m m are efficiently produced by manipulating process control variables in a contamination-free environment with short cycle times. The process replaces conventional grinding processes and it has been used to atomize low-mol. wt. polyethylene-based waxes that cannot be ground.