Mastering the structure of PLA foams made with extrusion assisted by supercritical CO2. Issue 28 (16th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chauvet, Margot; Sauceau, Martial; Baillon, Fabien; Fages, Jacques
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 134:Issue 28(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-03-16
• Subjects: biopolymers and renewable polymers -- crystallization -- extrusion -- foams; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.45067
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this study, the outcome of operating conditions of extrusion assisted by supercritical CO2 for the manufacture of poly(lactic acid) foams was investigated. It was found that the temperature before and inside the die was the most prominent parameter to tune the foam properties. Foam porosity as high as 96% could be obtained (for die temperature between 109 and 112 °C), representing a total expansion exceeding 30. In this temperature range, low crystallinity (≈6%) was induced giving foams with high radial expansion i.e., large diameters and open porosity. At 112 °C, the CO2 was able to greatly expand the foams, providing 73% of its potential blowing effect. On the other hand, a low die temperature (below a die temperature of 107 °C) induces a significantly higher level of crystallinity resulting in foams with closed‐porosity and a large longitudinal expansion due to higher strength of the polymer melt. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017, 134, 45067. Abstract :