Research on the Rope Coiling Effect of Polyolefin Elastomer Strands

ABSTRACT In response to the issue of low devolatilization efficiency in the falling‐strand devolatilizer caused by the intertwining of polyolefin elastomer (POE) strips due to the rope coiling effect, a visualized falling‐strand devolatilizer is designed. The rope coiling effect of POE strands under various viscosities and die structures is studied via a high‐speed camera. The results indicate that the strands formed through the circular die exhibit conical pendulum characteristics, resulting in a hollow cylindrical coil, while the strands formed through the slit die show pendulum characteristics, leading to a rectangular coil with battlements. The coils formed by high‐viscosity strands affect the swing of their ends. The research findings can provide theoretical guidance for the optimization and scaled‐up design of the falling‐strand devolatilizer.