Abstract
Plastics compounders need to understand the relationship between process variables and output color and know the optimal process conditions to achieve consistency in output. Such a relationship and optimal processing conditions are investigated for a polycarbonate resin-based plastic grade using a Box-Behnken design of response surface. This study analyzes and discusses the results of designed experiments and highlights individual and combined influences on output color of three process parameters: temperature, screw speed, and feed rate. Experimental results verify the fitness of the statistical model employed. This study suggests five sets of processing conditions ensuring consistency in output color of the plastic grade.