A strategy for the preparation of closed‐cell and crosslinked polypropylene foam by supercritical CO2 foaming. Issue 6 (6th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Chenguang; Xing, Zhe; Zhao, Quan; Wang, Mouhua; Wu, Guozhong
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 135:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-10-06
• Subjects: applications -- crosslinking -- foams -- irradiation -- morphology; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.45809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We report the preparation of a closed‐cell polypropylene (PP) foam material by supercritical carbon dioxide foaming with the assistance of γ‐ray radiation crosslinking. Styrene–ethylene–butadiene–styrene (SEBS) copolymer was added to PP to enhance radiation crosslinking and nucleation. Radiation effects on the foaming of the PP/SEBS blend with different ratios were investigated. A significant improvement in the foaming of the crosslinked PP/SEBS blend was achieved as compared to pristine PP. The cell density of the crosslinked PP/SEBS foam greatly increased at a dose of 10 kGy and a high closed‐cell ratio was obtained. The tensile strength of the crosslinked PP/SEBS foams (10 kGy) was improved from 14 to 20.7 MPa compared to pristine PP foam (0 kGy). In addition, the crosslinked PP/SEBS blend exhibited a wider foaming temperature window (10 °C) as compared to the non‐crosslinked ones (4 °C). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018, 135, 45809. Abstract :