Mixing, demixing, melting and aeration: thermomechanical extrusion for current and future materials

Thermomechanical extrusion developed by the plastics industry is now a production method of choice by much of the food industry and is used for the production of foods, feeds (companion and livestock animals plus fish), conversion for bioenergy and ingredient manufacture. Companies have a wealth of know-how for their products, but this tacit knowledge is severely challenged when dealing with different biomaterials. By investing in the science behind the complex processes (both from the perspective of the manufacturing procedures and the biomaterials) occurring during extrusion processing it may be possible to develop the knowledge and skills to support businesses to move forward and thus drive growth. The companies supporting the project act as consultants to many manufacturers (equipment and final products) and therefore it is in the interest of everybody involved that resultant scientific understanding is readily disseminated and used to support different businesses.