1
|
Kumar A, Patham B, Mohanty S, Nayak SK. Polyolefinic nanocomposite foams: Review of microstructure-property relationships, applications, and processing considerations. J CELL PLAST 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0021955x20979752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we survey the state of the art on polymeric foams incorporating nano-scale fillers. Particular focus of the review is on foams from polyolefinic nanocomposite formulations incorporating a wide variety of fillers. The nano-scale additives can influence the foam structure and properties in two ways: Firstly, they can act as composite reinforcement to enhance the mechanical properties and functionality of the matrix polymer; and secondly, they can act as foaming-processing aids through modification of the rheological, thermal and crystallization properties of the matrix as well as serving as heterogeneous nucleation sites. Through a combination of these influences, and using advanced processing techniques it is possible to achieve nanocomposite foams that have higher cell density, and more uniform cell size or controlled cell-size distribution. Such controlled foam morphologies, in turn, can yield better specific mechanical properties resulting in more effective light-weighting solutions. Further, the nano-scale additives can impart additional desired functionality resulting in multi-functional foams. In this article, we provide an overview of the mechanical, thermal and a few other relevant functional properties – such as piezoelectric sensitivity, acoustics, and filtration efficiency – of foams prepared using nanocomposite formulations, along with the processing considerations for achieving high quality foams using such materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anish Kumar
- Department of Plastics Technology, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Chennai, India
| | - Bhaskar Patham
- SABIC Technology Centre, Global Application Technology, Bangalore, India
| | - Smita Mohanty
- Laboratory for Advanced Research in Polymeric Materials, LARPM-CIPET, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Nayak
- Department of Plastics Technology, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Effect of temperature on thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of polypropylene foams prepared by single step and two step batch foaming process. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-019-1699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
3
|
Escudero J, Lopez-Gil A, Laguna-Gutierrez E, Rodriguez-Perez M. Low Density Non-crosslinked Closed/Open Cell Polypropylene Foams with High Mechanical Properties. CELLULAR POLYMERS 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/026248931603500301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Low density polypropylene based foams with different cellular structures have been produced by the improved compression molding route using a high melt strength polypropylene as polymer matrix. In addition, different types of nanoparticles have been introduced in the formulation (multi-wall carbon nanotubes, organomodified nanoclays and natural nanoclays) to modify the structure and properties. The results have showed a clear correlation between the open cell content of the foams and the mechanical properties in compression. In the unfilled polypropylene high specific mechanical properties are only achievable with low values of open cell content. In comparison, for an equal value of the interconnectivity between cells, the samples containing nanoclays present much higher specific properties. This result is attributed to the reinforcement of these nanoparticles in the solid matrix, due to an improved exfoliation during the foaming process and the presence of a bimodal cellular structure. The produced foams have interesting properties with stiffness similar to those of commercial polymer foams used for the core of sandwich panels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Escudero
- Cellular Materials Laboratory, (CellMat). Condensed Matter Physics Department, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belhtén 7, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - A. Lopez-Gil
- CellMat Technologies S.L. CTTA, Paseo de Belén 9A, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - E. Laguna-Gutierrez
- Cellular Materials Laboratory, (CellMat). Condensed Matter Physics Department, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belhtén 7, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - M.A. Rodriguez-Perez
- Cellular Materials Laboratory, (CellMat). Condensed Matter Physics Department, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belhtén 7, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lobos J, Velankar S. How much do nanoparticle fillers improve the modulus and strength of polymer foams? J CELL PLAST 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/0021955x14546015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Nanofiller reinforcing agents can significantly improve the strength and modulus of polymer foams. But these improvements are often accompanied by changes in foam density (or equivalently the expansion ratio or void volume). The efficacy of nanofillers as reinforcing agents can only be judged once the density differences are accounted for. We review the literature and show that representing the data on Ashby charts of modulus against foam density is an effective way of evaluating whether nanofillers have a significant reinforcing effect or not. The literature suggests that strength and improvements due to nanofiller – after accounting for foam density changes – are typically modest for thermoplastic foams. However, major improvements are possible for reactively generated foams, especially flexible polyurethane foams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lobos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Sachin Velankar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| |
Collapse
|