Effect of processing conditions on poly(butylene succinate) foam materials

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

30 Scopus Citations
View graph of relations

Author(s)

  • Yihe Zhang
  • Bo Lu
  • Fengzhu Lv
  • Wenmin Guo
  • Junhui Ji
  • Changan Zhang

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)756-761
Journal / PublicationJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume126
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 2012

Abstract

Polymeric foams have many advantages such as light weight, high specific strength, strong energy absorption, as well as good sound and thermal insulation. Unfortunately, most polymeric foams such as polyvinyl chloride foams do not undergo natural degradation and thus giving rise to white pollution to the environment. Here, we report the preparation and properties of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) foam which is a biodegradable plastic. Ammonium bicarbonate is used as the foaming agent during the formation of the PBS foam by the molding method, and under the optimal conditions of 5 wt % ammonium bicarbonate, 10 MPa pressure, and 5 min pressing time, the pristine PBS foam with the smallest bulk density can be obtained, whereas under the conditions of 5 wt % ammonium bicarbonate, 7.5 MPa pressure, and 7 min pressing time, the toughening PBS foam has the smallest bulk density. Adding talc as a nucleating agent can reduce the bulk density of the foam and in this case, an NH 4HCO 3 content of 3 wt % yields the best result. Moreover, addition of plasticizers can effectively improve the mechanical properties of the products. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Research Area(s)

  • biodegradable, condition, environment friendly, foam, poly(butylene succinate)

Citation Format(s)

Effect of processing conditions on poly(butylene succinate) foam materials. / Zhang, Yihe; Lu, Bo; Lv, Fengzhu et al.
In: Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 126, No. 2, 15.10.2012, p. 756-761.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review