Chemically foaming of biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate) derived from carbon dioxide and propylene oxide

A composite chemical blowing agent PU8, composed of azodiformamide (AC), N,N′-dinitroso pentamethylene tetramine (H) and other chemicals, was used to prepare the polypropylene carbonate) foam material. The decomposition behavior of the blowing agent was investigated. The effect of blowing agent content and the foaming condition on the foaming of poly(propylene carbonate) was studied in detail. The results suggested that 10 phr PU8 is the optimum formulation to afford a desired polypropylene carbonate) foam. The morphologies and compression strength of the poly(propylene carbonate) foam were studied using a scanning electron microscope and tensile tester, respectively. The foam with a blowing ratio of 16 can be obtained under an optimum foaming condition at 160°C for 30 min. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers.