Polymer nanocomposite foams

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposite foams, polymer foams with nanoparticles, are an intriguing class of materials with unique structure and properties. The shape, size and surface chemistry of nanoparticles can be tailored to control the foam structure, and therefore, foam properties. Nanoparticles also add functionality to polymer foams. In this paper, we briefly review the recent developments in polymer nanocomposites and nanocomposite foams. This is followed by an extensive discussion regarding the role of nanoparticles in foam morphology and properties. Finally, the current and future trends of polymer nanocomposite foams are summarized. Both challenges and opportunities in this field are discussed. LimengChen received a B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China and a Ph.D. degree in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is currently a R&D Engineer at Cabot Corporation. Deniz Rende is currently working as a post-doctoral researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA. She received her Ph.D. degree from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Bogazici University, Turkey. Her current research focuses on supercritical uid assisted processing of polymer nanocomposites and foams.

How much do nanoparticle fillers improve the modulus and strength of polymer foams?

“…A recent review article also commented on the efficacy of nanofillers at improving foam properties. 7 In the light of these results, the question ''Do nanofillers improve modulus and strength of foams?'' seems to be answered with an unequivocal ''Yes'' in many cases.…”

Effects of graphene nanoplatelets on the morphology of polycarbonate–graphene composite foams prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide two-step foaming

“…The use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) dissolved into a given polymer has become one of the most common strategies used to prepare graphene-filled polymer foams [2][3][4]6]. Carbon dioxide acts as polymer plasticizer, decreasing its glass transition temperature and facilitating expansion due to decreased polymer viscosity [7], in some cases even leading to cell coalescence and as a result to a decrease in cell density [8]. Thus, foaming processing conditions play an essential role in the final morphological/microstructural characteristics of the resulting foams.…”

Characterization of Polyurethane Foam Added with Synthesized Acetic and Oleic-Modified TiO2 Nanocrystals

“…Cell size distribution also has a significant influence on mechanical properties. Cell size, size distribution and cell density depend on cell nucleation and cell growth mechanisms, all of which contribute to the final bulk density of the product [1,2].…”

“…Researchers have studied the effect of the addition of nano filler during reactive polyurethane foaming to enhance thermal, mechanical and physical properties [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. The two types of TiO 2 used in this work have been used to improve the physical properties of other materials such as bricks [9][10].…”