Plastics production comprises the main process steps "synthesis
(reaction)", "preparation/compounding" at the raw material manufacturer
and compounder, and "processing" (shaping into semi-finished or finished
products).
In this handbook, the central middle step, preparation and compounding,
is discussed.
The preparation tasks include the removal of components, the
incorporation of additives, and the change of particle size. Compounding
is the incorporation of additives into a polymer or plastic.
The process engineering fundamentals and the specific equipment and
machines used are described. The specialist authors impart their
knowledge from the fields of research, polymer production, and
equipment/machine production with applications in plastics technology.