Extrusion foaming of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)/ clay nanocomposites using supercritical CO2

in Macromolecular Materials and Engineering (2010), 295(10), 915-

Supercritical CO2 has been used as a blowing agent to foam poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)-based materials in a single screw extruder specially adapted to allow fluid injection. The cellular morphology ... [more ▼]

Supercritical CO2 has been used as a blowing agent to foam poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)-based materials in a single screw extruder specially adapted to allow fluid injection. The cellular morphology depends on foaming temperature, more regular cells being obtained with decreasing extrusion temperature. In a second step, a natural and an organomodified nanoclay have been added for the purpose of imparting some flame resistance to the foamed material. The filler efficiency in reducing sample combustion rate appeared to be dependent on its delamination level inside the matrix and better results were obtained when the organomodified clay was first delaminated in the polymer in an efficient twin screw extruder using water assistance, prior to foaming in the single screw extruder. [less ▲]

Batch foaming of SAN/clay nanocomposites with scCO2: A very tunable way of controlling the cellular morphology

in Polymer (2010), 51(15), 3520-3531

This paper aims at elucidating some important parameters affecting the cellular morphology of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN)/clay nanocomposite foams prepared with the supercritical CO2 technology ... [more ▼]

This paper aims at elucidating some important parameters affecting the cellular morphology of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN)/clay nanocomposite foams prepared with the supercritical CO2 technology. Prior to foaming experiments, the SAN/CO2 system has first been studied. The effect of nanoclay on CO2 sorption/desorption rate into/from SAN is assessed with a gravimetric method. Ideal saturation conditions are then deduced in view of the foaming process. Nanocomposites foaming has first been performed with the one-step foaming process, also called depressurization foaming. Foams with different cellular morphology have been obtained depending on nanoclay dispersion level and foaming conditions. While foaming at low temperature (40 °C) leads to foams with the highest cell density (1012–1014 cells/cm3), the foam expansion is restricted (d0.7–0.8 g/cm3). This drawback has been overcome with the use of the two-step foaming process, also called solid-state foaming, where foam expansion occurs during sample dipping in a hot oil bath (d0.1–0.5 g/cm3). Different foaming parameters have been varied, and some schemes have been drawn to summarize the characteristics of the foams prepared – cell size, cell density, foam density – depending on both the foaming conditions and nanoclay addition. This result thus illustrates the huge flexibility of the supercritical CO2 batch foaming process for tuning the foam cellular morphology. [less ▲]

Locating carbon nanotubes (CNTS) at the suface of polymer microspheres using poly(vinyl alcohol) grafted CNTS as dispersion co-stabilizers

Poster (2010, May 25)

Preparation of fire-resistant poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) foams using supercritical CO2 technology

in Journal of Materials Chemistry (2010), 20

This work deals with the preparation and characterization of fire-resistant poly(styrene coacrylonitrile) (SAN) foams containing (organo)clays and/or melamine polyphosphate (MPP) as fire retardants using ... [more ▼]

This work deals with the preparation and characterization of fire-resistant poly(styrene coacrylonitrile) (SAN) foams containing (organo)clays and/or melamine polyphosphate (MPP) as fire retardants using supercritical CO2 as the foaming agent. The additives dispersion was first characterized with X-ray and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Their presence clearly affected the cellular morphology, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat evolved (THE) were determined with a cone calorimetry test, performed on each foamed sample as a function of the foam density. Incorporation of clay (3 and 5 wt%) in the exfoliated state into the SAN foam clearly led to a significant decrease of PHRR, while intercalated and aggregated clay had a lower effect. Similar results were obtained with 10 and 20 wt% of MPP. The best results were obtained when exfoliated clay and MPP were combined, with a PHRR drop as large as 75%, thanks to the synergistic action of both additives. The magnitude of PHRR drop, related to the fire resistance, was found to be in direct relationship with the cohesiveness of the protective carbonaceous layer formed at the sample surface during combustion. Clay and MPP, when added together, are thus believed to favour the formation of a highly cohesive protective layer able to act as an efficient shield against the flame, despite the fact that the sample is originally composed of ~90% of voids. [less ▲]

Polymer foaming with supercritical CO2 and nanoclays: a very effective means to fine tune the desired cellular morphology

Scientific conference (2009, September 28)

Transport properties of organic vapours in silicone/clay nanocomposites

in Polymer (2009), 50(15), 3626-3637

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/clay nanocomposites have been synthesized using a novel ω-ammonium functionalized oligo-PDMS surfactant (PDMS–N+(CH3)3) and processed in membrane form. In order to relate the ... [more ▼]

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/clay nanocomposites have been synthesized using a novel ω-ammonium functionalized oligo-PDMS surfactant (PDMS–N+(CH3)3) and processed in membrane form. In order to relate the clay morphological structure to the degree of dispersion and physical properties of the membrane, the clay ion-exchanged by PDMS–N+(CH3)3 has been compared to a non-exchanged sodium MMT and to two organoclays organo-modified by using either non-functional alkyl ammonium cations (C38H80N+) or hydroxyalkyl ammonium (C22H48ON+) cations. Morphological analysis and transport properties (sorption, diffusion and permeability) have been investigated using two penetrants: acetone and n-hexane. The mechanical and rheological properties of the PDMS nanocomposite membranes have also been studied. It has been found a significant effect of the clay organo-modifier on the morphology, physical and barrier properties of the systems. [less ▲]

Production of polymer/clay nanocomposite foams with improved fire behaviour using supercritical fluid technology

Poster (2009, June 19)

In this study, supercritical CO2 is successfully used as foaming agent to prepare poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) foams containing a low amount of well-dispersed nanoclay (5wt%). This kind of ... [more ▼]

In this study, supercritical CO2 is successfully used as foaming agent to prepare poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) foams containing a low amount of well-dispersed nanoclay (5wt%). This kind of nanofiller has an influence both on material cellular morphology and fire property. In fact, SAN foam filled with nanoclay has smaller cells and higher density compared to unfilled foam. Moreover, the nanocomposite foam burns more slowly and without producing any burning droplets, which is highly desirable when considering housing applications. [less ▲]

Use of the supercritical fluid technology to prepare efficient nanocomposite foams for environmental protection purpose

Conference (2009, May 19)

This work reports on the preparation of novel nanocomposite foams that are efficient broadband microwave absorbers. Carbon nanotubes are first successfully dispersed into PCL and PMMA by melt blending ... [more ▼]

This work reports on the preparation of novel nanocomposite foams that are efficient broadband microwave absorbers. Carbon nanotubes are first successfully dispersed into PCL and PMMA by melt blending. Then, foaming is promoted by supercritical CO2 by depressurization. Regular cellular structures are obtained in both cases with cells size around 10-50µm. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding efficiency of these materials are then evaluated and compared to the non-foamed nanocomposites. [less ▲]

Preparation of organoclays in sc CO2 and implication of onium stability on the properties of PA6 nanocomposites

Poster (2009, May 14)

Exfoliation of clays in poly(dimethylsiloxane) rubber using an unexpected couple: a silicone surfactant and water

in Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (2009), 9(4), 2731-2738

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/montmorillonite (MMT) composites have been prepared using a newly synthesized ω-ammonium functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) compatibilizer coupled with a dispersion ... [more ▼]

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/montmorillonite (MMT) composites have been prepared using a newly synthesized ω-ammonium functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) compatibilizer coupled with a dispersion technique in water. The organoclay containing the new siloxane surfactant was characterized by TGA and XRD. For the first time, a nanoscopic dispersion of MMT nanoplatelets in the PDMS composite cured by hydrosilylation and a good compatibility between clay layers and matrix were obtained. The beneficial effect of both the surfactant and the water onto clay nanoplatelet dispersion was evaluated by different microscopy techniques and by measuring different properties such as the viscosity of the uncured PDMS/MMT nanodispersions, and the swelling rate and Young's modulus of the cured PDMS/MMT nanocomposites. [less ▲]