Optimization of Process Parameters for Generation of Nanocellular Polymer Foams
Pages 48-56
Subhendu Bhattacharya, Rahul Gupta and Sati N. Bhattacharya

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5995.2013.02.01.6

Published: 31 March 2013

Abstract: High melt strength polypropylene nanocomposites, PPNC/Cloisite 20A (clay) with exfoliated and intercalated morphologies were prepared and subsequently foamed in a batch setup under different foaming conditions. The foaming parameters were varied to relate the foam cell structure to these parameters and determine the efficiency of clay in producing fine cell foams. A Box Benkhen design approach was used initially to determine the effect of processing parameters on foam cell morphology and also to perform optimization studies. The optimization process helped in identifying the range of operating conditions needed to minimize foam cell sizes. Saturation pressure and temperature and foaming time and temperature are the four processing variables used in these studies. Nanocellular foam cells were effectively generated for the first time in Polypropylene nanocomposites.