Fundamental Issues for Batch Foaming of Thermoplastic Elastomers with Supercritical Fluids
The viscoelasticity of a supercritical fluid batch foaming system is easily controllable,and its processing parameters and equipment are also readily adjustable,making it the most favored technical pathway in the physical foaming of thermoplastic elastomers.This review introduces the literature,research and development history,as well as the current application status of thermoplastic elastomer foams.Firstly,the review clarifies the basic concepts,technical characteristics,and interaction between thermoplastic elastomer and supercritical fluid.It also discusses the characteristics of"high-elastic foaming"during batch foaming of thermoplastic elastomer,as well as the mechanisms of cell nucleation,growth,and structure shaping,along with regulatory strategies for foam shrinkage in high-elastic state.Secondly,this review examines the preparation methodology for preparing foamed films made from thermoplastic elastomers,the steam-chest molding process applied to thermoplastic elastomer foamed beads,and the strength of the interface between the beads,as well as the mechanism of inter-bead bonding.Additionally,the elastic properties of foam materials made of thermoplastic elastomers based on the chemical structure of molecular chains,cellular structure,and material macrostructure are summarized.Furthermore,the relationship between the structure and elastic properties of thermoplastic elastomer foams is investigated.Finally,the development for the batch foaming of thermoplastic elastomers with supercritical fluids is prospected.
Thermoplastic elastomersPhysical foamingCell nucleation and growth mechanismShrinkageResilient performance
万方数据
维普
