Effect of Processing Parameters on the Cellular Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Microcellular Foams

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Wong ◽  
Hani E. Naguib ◽  
Chul B. Park
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Saturation Pressure ◽  
Batch Process ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Microcellular Foams ◽  
Closed Cell ◽  
Foaming Temperature ◽  
Thermoplastic Polyolefin

In this study, the effects of processing parameters on the cellular morphologies and mechanical properties of TPO70 (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) microcellular foams are investigated. Microcellular closed cell TPO70 foams were prepared using a two-stage batch process method. The microstructure of these foamed samples was controlled by carefully altering the processing parameters such as saturation pressure, foaming temperature and foaming time. The foam morphologies were characterized in terms of the cell density, foam density and average cell size. Elastic modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the foamed TPO70 samples were measured for different cell morphologies. The findings show that the mechanical properties were significantly affected by the foaming parameters which varied with the cell morphologies. The experimental results can be used to predict the microstructure and mechanical properties of microcellular polymeric TPO70 foams prepared with different processing parameters.

Effect of Processing Parameters on Cellular Structures and Mechanical Properties of PMMA Microcellular Foams

2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 177-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Fu ◽  
Choonghee Jo ◽  
Hani E. Naguib
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Saturation Pressure ◽  
Viscoelastic Model ◽  
Batch Process ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Elastic Behavior ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Microcellular Foams

In this study, the effect of processing parameters on the cellular morphologies and mechanical properties of PMMA microcellular foams is investigated. Microcellular closed cell Poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) foams were prepared using a two stage batch process method. The foam structure was controlled by altering the processing parameters such as foaming temperature, foaming time and saturation pressure. The foam morphologies were characterized in terms of the average cell size, cell density and foam density. Elastic modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break were studied as functions of the different foaming parameters. The mechanical properties were found to be greatly affected by the foaming parameters and vary with changing the cell morphologies. The experimental results were compared with existing analytical models to validate them and to predict the mechanical properties of microcellular polymeric PMMA foams prepared with different processing parameters. A constitutive equation for the nonlinear elastic behavior of polymeric microcellular foams was developed based on the Maxwell viscoelastic model. The results of this work can help designers optimize the foam processing parameters and achieve desired foam morphology and mechanical properties.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Foaming Window for Thermoplastic Polyurethane with Different Hard Segment Contents

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 3143
Author(s):  
Mercedes Santiago-Calvo ◽  
Haneen Naji ◽  
Victoria Bernardo ◽  
Judith Martín-de León ◽  
Alberto Saiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Size ◽  
Saturation Pressure ◽  
Final Conclusion ◽  
Nucleation Density ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Saturation Time ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Foaming Temperature

A series of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) with different amounts of hard segments (HS) (40, 50 and 60 wt.%) are synthesized by a pre-polymer method. These synthesized TPUs are characterized by Shore hardness, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and rheology. Then, these materials are foamed by a one-step gas dissolution foaming process and the processing window that allows producing homogeneous foams is analyzed. The effect of foaming temperature from 140 to 180 °C on the cellular structure and on density is evaluated, fixing a saturation pressure of 20 MPa and a saturation time of 1 h. Among the TPUs studied, only that with 50 wt.% HS allows obtaining a stable foam, whose better features are reached after foaming at 170 °C. Finally, the foaming of TPU with 50 wt.% HS is optimized by varying the saturation pressure from 10 to 25 MPa at 170 °C. The optimum saturation and foaming conditions are 25 MPa and 170 °C for 1 h, which gives foams with the lowest relative density of 0.74, the smallest average cell size of 4 μm, and the higher cell nucleation density of 8.0 × 109 nuclei/cm3. As a final conclusion of this investigation, the TPU with 50 wt.% HS is the only one that can be foamed under the saturation and foaming conditions used in this study. TPU foams containing 50 wt.% HS with a cell size below 15 microns and porosity of 1.4–18.6% can be obtained using foaming temperatures from 140 to 180 °C, saturation pressure of 20 MPa, and saturation time of 1 h. Varying the saturation pressure from 10 to 25 MPa and fixing the foaming temperature of 170 °C and saturation pressure of 1 h results in TPU foams with a cell size of below 37 microns and porosity of 1.7–21.2%.

The effect of organofluorine additives on the morphology, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams

2021 ◽  
pp. 0021955X2098715
Author(s):  
Cosimo Brondi ◽  
Ernesto Di Maio ◽  
Luigi Bertucelli ◽  
Vanni Parenti ◽  
Thomas Mosciatti
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Cell Size ◽  
Flexural Properties ◽  
Anisotropy Ratio ◽  
Cell Content ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Thermal Insulating ◽  
Liquid Type

This study investigates the effect of liquid-type organofluorine additives (OFAs) on the morphology, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane (PU) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams. Foams were characterized in terms of their morphology (density, average cell size, anisotropy ratio, open cell content), thermal conductivity and compressive as well as flexural properties. Based on the results, we observed that OFAs efficiently reduced the average cell size of both PU and PIR foams, leading to improved thermal insulating and mechanical properties.

Effect of Nanoclay on the Physical-Mechanical and Thermal Properties and Microstructure of Extruded Noncross-Linked LDPE Nanocomposite Foams

2011 ◽  
Vol 471-472 ◽  
pp. 751-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Zandi ◽  
M. Rezaei ◽  
A. Kasiri
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Cell Size ◽  
Flame Retardancy ◽  
Image Analyzer ◽  
Mechanical And Thermal Properties ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Cell Size Distribution ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Nanocomposite Foams

Novel noncross-linked low density polyethylene (LDPE) foams were produced by extrusion process. In this study the effects of Organophilic Montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay (DK1) on thermal conductivity, flame retardancy, morphological and mechanical properties of LDPE foams have been investigated. Nanoclay dispersion in LDPE foam structure was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), microstructure was observed by an optical microscope and analyzed by Bel View image analyzer, thermal conductivity was studied by a simple transient method, mechanical properties was investigated using a tensile-compression Zwick-Roell machine as well as the flame retardancy of the samples was examined by flammability test. The optimum nanoclay content was determined by comparison of the properties in nanocomposite and neat LDPE foams. Due to the presence of nanoclay in the foam and decreasing the cell nucleation energy around the nanoclay, the average cell size was decreased as well as the cell density and microstructure uniformity was increased. In XRD patterns of LDPE nanocomposite foams, OMMT (DK1) characteristic peak was not observed as evidence of nanoclay intercalation-exfoliation in the polymer matrix, which led to the production of foams with homogenous microstructure. Furthermore, this nanocomposites showed lower thermal conductivity compared to neat LDPE foam, which can be attributed to the cell size reduction as well as narrow cell size distribution in nanocomposite foams. Compression test results demonstrated that LDPE nanocomposite foams with proper clay contents have improved mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, compressive strength). Furthermore due to the presence of DK1 nanoclay, LDPE foam showed a good char formation as an evidence of their flame retardancy.

Effect of Foaming Temperature Control on Cell Size and Cell Density of Microcellular Plastics

2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidetaka Kawashima ◽  
Minoru Shimbo
Keyword(s):  
Cell Size ◽  
Cell Density ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Blowing Agent ◽  
Microcellular Plastics ◽  
Temperature Method ◽  
Foamed Plastics ◽  
Maximum Cell ◽  
Foaming Temperature

In this study, noticing foaming temperature as a factor, which induces thermodynamic instability for cell nucleation of Microcellular plastics, the effect of control method of foaming temperature on cell size and cell density - that is number per unit volume of foamed plastics - were investigated. Generally, foaming by using batch process is carried out as follows. First, blowing agent is soaked into plastics until saturation under high pressure and soaking temperature. After plastics were saturated with blowing agent, pressure is released rapidly and then temperature is raised to foaming temperature and cells are nucleated and grown. Finally, rapid cooling controls cell growth. In this case, two methods can be considered for the control of foaming temperature. One is the elevated temperature method in which temperature is raised to foaming temperature and cells are grown after decompression in the foaming process. The other is the constant temperature method in which the temperature is already kept at foaming temperature before decompression. That is, it is the method of performing soaking and foaming at the same temperature. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resins were foamed under foaming conditions which the same foaming magnification is produced by both methods and cell size and cell density of foamed PMMA were investigated. As results, in case of production of the foamed plastics having the same foam magnification, it turned out that cell density of foamed plastics becomes large and average cell size becomes small but the maximum cell size becomes large by the elevated temperature method. On the other hand, although the maximum cell size becomes small, average cell size becomes large by the constant temperature method.

scholarly journals Thermal and mechanical performance of rigid polyurethane foam added with commercial nanoparticles

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 184798041668411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Lorusso ◽  
Viviana Vergaro ◽  
Francesca Conciauro ◽  
Giuseppe Ciccarella ◽  
Paolo Maria Congedo
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Polyurethane Foams ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Rigid Polyurethane Foams ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Automotive Production ◽  
Clay Nanotubes

This study investigates the effects of commercial nanoparticles on thermal and mechanical performance of rigid polyurethane foams. Two different types of nanoparticles are considered as fillers, spherical titania and rod-shaped halloysite clay nanotubes. The aim of this study was to produce rigid polyurethane foams modified with titania nanocrystals and nanohalloysite in order to obtain polyurethanes with improved properties. The laboratory scale-up will be suitable for the production in many branches of industry, such as construction and automotive production. In particular, these foams, added with commercial nanoparticles, characterized by better thermal and mechanical properties, are mainly used in construction for thermal insulation of buildings. The fillers were dispersed in the components, bringing rates up to 10%. In these investigations, the improvement of the thermal properties occurs by adding nanoparticles in the range 4–8% of titania and halloysite. The mechanical properties instead have been observed an improvement starting from 6% of nanoparticles addition. All data are in agreement with scanning electron microscope observations that shown a decrease in the average cell size and an increase in the cell density by adding nanoparticles in foams.

scholarly journals Preparation of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Perforated Membrane via CO2 Foaming and Its Particle Separation Performance

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengbiao Ge ◽  
Wentao Zhai ◽  
Chul B. Park
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Thermoplastic Polyurethane ◽  
Saturation Pressure ◽  
Base Material ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Porous Membrane ◽  
Channel Structure ◽  
Separation Performance ◽  
Membrane Thickness ◽  
Operating Pressure

The way in which a perforated structure is formed has attracted much interest in the porous membrane research community. This novel structure gives materials an excellent antifouling property as well as a low operating pressure and other benefits. Unfortunately, the current membrane fabrication methods usually involve multi-step processes and the use of organic solvents or additives. Our study is the first to offer a way to prepare perforated membrane by using a physical foaming technique with CO2 as the blowing agent. We selected thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the base material because it is a biocompatible elastomer with excellent tensility, high abrasion resistance, and good elastic resilience. Various processing parameters, which included the saturation pressure, the foaming temperature, and the membrane thickness, were applied to adjust the TPU membrane’s perforated morphology. We proposed a possible formation mechanism of the perforated membrane. The as-prepared TPU membrane had good mechanical properties with a tensile strength of about 5 MPa and an elongation at break above 100%. Such mechanical properties make this novel membrane usable as a self-standing filter device. In addition, its straight-through channel structure can separate particles and meet different separation requirements.

Preparation and characterization of microcellular injection molded foams from high-performance blends based on PPS-modified PPBESK

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 480-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Wen ◽  
Tao Liu ◽  
Bin Xiang ◽  
Yajie Lei ◽  
Shikai Luo
Keyword(s):  
Injection Molding ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Polyphenylene Sulfide ◽  
Mechanical And Thermal Properties ◽  
Melt Mixing ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Molding Method ◽  
Microcellular Foams ◽  
Microcellular Injection Molding

Obtaining foams of poly-containing biphenyl moieties (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone; PPBESK) by applying the microcellular injection molding method is very difficult because of the high melt viscosity of the materials used. To overcome this limitation, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) was used to improve the rheological properties of PPBESK. PPBESK/PPS blends of different proportions were prepared using the melt mixing method. The rheological behavior, phase behavior, interfacial tension, and mechanical properties of the blends were then investigated. The results clearly indicate that PPS can improve the melt processability of PPBESK. However, due to the strong adhesion between the PPS and PPBESK phases, the introduction of PPS did not cause any loss of the mechanical and thermal properties of PPBESK. Accordingly, microcellular foams from modified PPBESK were prepared by microcellular injection molding with supercritical nitrogen as foaming agent. A closed cell microcellular morphology with an average cell size of 17.7 um and cell density of 109 cells cm−3 was obtained.

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