Cellular Polymers

IMPROVING THE STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LDPE FOAMS USING SILICA NANOPARTICLES AS AN ADDITIVE

Title: IMPROVING THE STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LDPE FOAMS USING SILICA NANOPARTICLES AS AN ADDITIVE Page Range: p.63-78 Author(s): Saiz-Arroyo C; Escudero J; Rodriguez-Perez M A; De Saja J A Click Here to Download Now! - File…

February 1, 2011 By: Saiz-Arroyo C; Escudero J; Rodriguez-Perez M A; De Saja J A Research article

Title: IMPROVING THE STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LDPE FOAMS USING SILICA NANOPARTICLES AS AN ADDITIVE
Page Range: p.63-78
Author(s): Saiz-Arroyo C; Escudero J; Rodriguez-Perez M A; De Saja J A
Click Here to Download Now! – File size: 242K (subscribers only)
Journal: Cellular Polymers
Issue Year: cp
Volume: 30
Issue No: No.2

Abstract
Low density polyethylene/silica nanocomposites have been produced by melt blending and foamed in a high pressure autoclave by gas (CO2) dissolution. Different amounts of nanosilica, (from 1 wt% to 9 wt%) were used in order to analyze the influence of silica content on thermal and mechanical properties of both foamed and un-foamed composites. It has been proved that the presence of silica nanoparticles modifies the structure and properties of both foamed and un-foamed materials. An increase in the crystallinity of the polymeric matrix as well as a decrease in cell size (for low contents of silica) have been observed. In addition it was found a significant increment of melt strength, thermal stability and mechanical properties for both solids and foams. From the obtained results, it has been concluded that silica particles play a multifunctional role in this system, and in addition to this, it has been demonstrated that the use of nanoparticles can produce synergetic effects, increasing foam mechanical properties in a greater extend than that of the solids. 30 Refs.

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