Producing materials on a kilogram scale is essential for the successful development of scientific and technological projects in the field of polymers. In addition to allowing larger-scale production of (nano)materials, the Nanocomposites Processing Laboratory enables the processing and rheological and mechanical characterization of polymeric materials. Its physical infrastructure, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, is unique and attractive, meeting various scientific and technological demands in the fields of thermoplastic polymers and nanocomposites in general. This laboratory features the following processing equipment: twin-screw extruders (both pilot-scale and mini extruders), mini injection molding machines, torque rheometers, hot presses, homogenizers, ball mills, and knife mills.

Description: The APV twin-screw extruder has double interpenetrating co-rotating screws, thus being ideal for formulating polymer blends and composites. This extruder has a doser, a filament matrix, a water-cooling bath, and a pelletizer. It is therefore an ideal extruder for formulating polymeric material for future injection or film formation by hot pressing.

Technical features: interpenetrating twin-screw extruder with a screw diameter of 30 mm and aspect ratio L/D = 13, with four heating zones and a processing capacity of 25 kg/h.

Description: The mini-injection molding machine is used in the process of modulating the formulated polymeric material into injected parts. In this operation, the pelletized polymer is melted in a single-piston screw and injected into a mold of interest. The injected material is cooled and extracted by extractor pins from the mold, which is a completely cyclical process. The equipment is coupled with “bow tie” type molds, which should be of interest for future characterizations of mechanical properties, such as traction and bending.

Technical features: Maximum injection capacity of 16g and clamping force of 5.5 kN.

Description: This equipment is widely used for the formulation of new materials, as well as for the analysis of process parameters such as viscosity, melting temperature, and thermal stability of the material. In addition, it helps with process modeling activities, such as compounding polymers with additives to reduce flammability and simulating master processes using just 50 g of material to optimize extrusion or mixing in terms of temperature.

Technical features: RheoDrive 16, 16 kW, and 3 x 230 V/N/PE 500 rpm speed; Torque 400 Nm.

Description: It is used for grinding samples with a high hardness content such as bones, glass, limestone, tablets, seeds, and products with low-fat content.

Technical features: Internal volume of 235 ml, grinding with 5/4’ stainless steel grinding ball (AISI 304). Intermittent beat grinding system. Grinding capacity from 20 to 40 g with 617 strokes per minute.

Description: Mini interpenetrating double-screw co-rotating extruder suitable for processing thermoplastic composites reinforced with natural or glass fibers, mineral fillers, and polymer blends. This extruder has two feeders, a co-extrusion and degassing system, and a matrix for forming planar films or filaments for granulation. It also has a cooling bath and granulator, as well as planar film pullers.

Technical features: Model DR.16:40.AX, set of Ø 16 mm L/D 40 sectioned threads, 40/400 thread RPM, 06 zones with heating control, 05 in the cylinder and 01 in the head. Equipment production capacity from 0.5 kg to 7.2 kg/h.

Description: This equipment is widely used to form sheets, films, or molds of interest, mostly of polymeric composition. The heating system allows thermoplastic and elastomeric material to be molded.

Technical features: Brand MH-P8HR PN, with the electric drive of the hydraulic system, pressing area of 200×200 mm, maximum power of 2700 W, and maximum temperature of 250°C.

Description: Masterbach, composites, blends, and WPC. It disperses and incorporates high levels of fillers, pigments, and other materials into various types of polymers (grains, powder, or flakes) quickly and safely through high rotation.

Technical features: Model MH-100-H, by MH Equipment with a capacity of 100 mL, a load weight from 50 to 150g with variable rotation, a controllable temperature reading system, a power of 8.5 kW, and a depth of 810 mm.

Description: Knife mills are widely used for dry milling or simultaneous washing of natural fibers or polymeric material such as rubber, foam, Styrofoam, and fabric, allowing the material to be used for reprocessing, sale, or landfill without the risk of product detour.

Technical features: Brand Rone – Model N.200. The system has 200mm long blades, a 150mm rotor diameter, a 210 x 180mm feed nozzle, and a processing capacity from 30 to 100 kg/h.