BEAD FOAMING IN THE AUTOCLAVE-BASED EPP PROCESS

摘要

This paper presents the design of a lab-scale bead foaming system for investigating the mechanism of the formation of cellular morphology and evolution of the crystal melting peaks of the expanded beads. A propeller-guided-cylinder design was incorporated to enhance the circulation during the heating, saturation and downward force during the depressurization of the polymer pellets/water/blowing agent mixture. EPP beads of an average 16-time expansion ratio were fabricated and an extensive study will be conducted to examine the effects of processing parameters on the foaming and crystallization behavior of the beads.