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%.

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.

Generation of Porous Microcellular 85/15 poly (DL-Lactide-co-Glycolide) Foams Using Supercritical CO2 for Biomedical Applications

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lakhwant Singh ◽  
Vipin Kumar ◽  
Buddy D. Ratner
Keyword(s):  
Relative Density ◽  
Cell Size ◽  
Supercritical Co2 ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Saturation Pressure ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Blowing Agent ◽  
Quench Method

Abstract Porous 85/15 poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) or PLGA foams were produced by the pressure quench method using supercritical CO2 as the blowing agent. The effects of saturation pressure and temperature on average cell size and relative density of the resulting foams were studied. Porous PLGA foams were generated with relative densities ranging from 0.107 to 0.232. Foams showed evidence of interconnected cells with porosities as high as 89%. The cell size ranged from 30 to 70 microns.

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.

Morphological Analysis of Foamed HDPE/LLDPE Blends by X-ray Micro-Tomography: Effect of Blending, Mixing Intensity and Foaming Temperature

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 221-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyman Shahi ◽  
Amir Hossein Behravesh ◽  
Sheikh Rasel ◽  
Ghaus Rizvi ◽  
Remon Pop-Iliev
Keyword(s):  
Cell Size ◽  
Void Fraction ◽  
Cellular Structure ◽  
3D Analysis ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Cell Size Distribution ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Foaming Temperature

Non-invasive x-ray micro-computed tomography was employed for thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis of the cellular structure of foams made of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and their blends. Special emphasis was given to the differences between the results of 3D and 2D analyses, to evaluate the possible errors while studying the morphology using conventional 2D techniques (e.g. SEM). Blends with the weight compositions of 90%LLDPE/10%HDPE and 75%LLDPE/25%HDPE were produced at different rotor speeds of 10, 60 and 120 rpm and batch foaming was examined over a wide range of temperature. The void fraction values from 2D and 3D analysis were found to agree well with those obtained with the Archimedes method. Results showed more uniform cell size distribution for blends mixed at the lower spectrum of screw rotational speed. Among the blends with higher void fraction values and relatively uniform cellular structure, higher average cell size (3–30%) and cell population density (1.25–2.5 times) were noticed in 3D analysis compared with 2D data. The micro-CT images at different cross sections revealed anisotropic cell growth and more elongated cells along the thickness of the specimen. It was also observed that, with increase in foaming temperature, cell shrink prevailed over cell coalescence in the samples with lower viscosity (prepared at low rpm of 10), while for those with higher viscosity (prepared at an rpm of 60) cell coalescence was more dominant.

Key Parameters Influencing Microcellular Polystyrene Cell Morphology Blowing with Supercritical CO2

2012 ◽  
Vol 501 ◽  
pp. 237-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Yun Gao ◽  
Nan Qiao Zhou ◽  
Ti Kun Shan ◽  
Zhen Xiang Xin
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Cell Size ◽  
Cell Density ◽  
Cell Morphology ◽  
Saturation Pressure ◽  
Processing Temperature ◽  
Polymer Foam ◽  
Cell Size Distribution ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Foaming Temperature

Polystyrene microcellular foams blowing with supercritical CO2 were prepared with a novel polymer foam processing simulator. Key parameters influencing Polystyrene cell morphology were investigated. The effect of processing temperature and saturation pressure on cell morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope and the average cell diameter and cell size distribution was calculated. The results show that the cell density decrease and cell size increase with the increase of foaming temperature. The cell density increase and cell size decrease with the increase of saturation pressure. And the cell size distribution shows a narrow distribution at lower foaming temperature and higher saturation pressure.

Characterization of microstructures of SAN foam core using micro-computed tomography

2021 ◽  
pp. 026248932110068
Author(s):  
Youming Chen ◽  
Raj Das ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Mark Battley
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Cell Size ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Strain Localization ◽  
Cell Wall Thickness ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
3D Images ◽  
Compressive Tests

In this study, the microstructure of a SAN foam was imaged using a micro-CT scanner. Through image processing and analysis, variations in density, cell wall thickness and cell size in the foam were quantitatively explored. It is found that cells in the foam are not elongated in the thickness (or rise) direction of foam sheets, but rather equiaxed. Cell walls in the foam are significantly straight. Density, cell size and cell wall thickness all vary along the thickness direction of foam sheets. The low density in the vicinity of one face of foam sheets leads to low compressive stiffness and strength, resulting in the strain localization observed in our previous compressive tests. For M80, large open cells on the top face of foam sheets are likely to buckle in compressive tests, therefore being another potential contributor to the strain localization as well. The average cell wall thickness measured from 2D slice images is around 1.4 times that measured from 3D images, and the average cell size measured from 2D slice images is about 13.8% smaller than that measured from 3D images. The dispersions of cell wall thickness measured from 2D slice images are 1.16–1.20 times those measured from 3D images. The dispersions of cell size measured from 2D slice images are 1.12–1.36 times those measured from 3D images.

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.

Growth and Cell-Size Distribution of Marine Planktonic Algae in Batch and Dialysis Cultures

1973 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Prakash ◽  
Liv Skoglund ◽  
Britt Rystad ◽  
Arne Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Cell Size ◽  
Growth Cycle ◽  
Exponential Growth Phase ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Cell Size Distribution ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Planktonic Algae ◽  
Maximum Cell ◽  
Dialysis Culture

An extended exponential growth phase and a higher maximum population characterized growth of planktonic algae in a dialysis system compared with that in a batch system. Algal cells grown in a dialysis culture had higher chlorophyll content and a larger average cell size than those grown in a batch culture. In both types of culture, changes in cell-size distribution were related to the phases of the growth cycle with maximum cell-size during the stationary phase. Various interactions of the component reactions of photosynthesis leading to changes in growth pattern and cell-size distribution are discussed.

Shear Induced Low- and High-Angle Boundary Characterization Using Kikuchi Bands in Transmission Electron Microscopy

2008 ◽  
Vol 584-586 ◽  
pp. 293-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcello Cabibbo
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cell Size ◽  
Grain Structure ◽  
Structure Evolution ◽  
High Angle ◽  
Boundary Misorientation ◽  
Average Cell Size ◽  
Average Cell ◽  
Transmission Electron

Microstructure evolution with equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) using route Bc, that is a 90° axial rotation of the billet between passes, up to 8 passes, was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The study has been focused on the induced development of boundary misorientation and spacing toward microstructure refinement. Cell (low-angle) and grain (high-angle) misorientation and spacing were determined from about 250 boundaries per pass of ECAP, systematically using whether Kikuchi patterns or Moiré fringes, these latter where possible. The average cell size and misorientation saturate within the first two passes. Misorientation and spacing of high-angle boundaries decrease with the number of passes. After 8 passes, mean cell size is ≈ 1.3 µm and the fraction of high-angle boundaries is ≈ 0.7. Differences in rate of grain structure evolution per pass are linked to differences in ability of dislocations introduced in new passes to recombine with the existing ones. As ECAP strain rises, the misorientation distribution develops strong deviations from the MacKenzie distribution for statistical grain orientation. This is interpreted as a result of the tendency to form equiaxed grains in a textured grain structure.

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document