M. Ahmadi, Sh. Ebrahimi, M. Ahmadi,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (3-2015)
Abstract
This research aimed at producing microcellular foams (with cell size of 1-10 μm and cell density above 10 9 cell/cm3)
from PC/EPDM in order to use in medical devices. Due to the weak nucleation behavior of microcellular polycarbonate foams, it is difficult to prepare them. This research provides valuable information regarding the possibility of making microcellular foams from this polymer by using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT,s) as nucleating agents (the value of 1-3 phr). The nanocomposite samples were prepared in an internal mixer and foamed via a batch processing method using supercritical carbon dioxide as the foaming agent. The results showed that the addition of nanoparticles up to 3 phr improves the foamability of PC/EPDM blend. Furthermore, as nanoparticle content increased a decrease in cell size and hence an increase in cell density were observed. Another finding showed that cell size distribution is directly related to uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes.
