Processing and Performance Attributes of Olefin Block Copolymer in Crosslinked Foams

摘要

The material of choice in the foam industry for many years has been Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate copolymers (EVA). This dominance was based on its flexibility, adhesion performance, and foaming window. In the last ten years, ethylene-a-olefin inter-polymers (ENGAGE~(TM) Polyolefin Elastomers (POE)) have been integrated in foam formulations as a means to increase performance of EVA-based foams. In recent years, the invention of INFUSE~(TM) Olefin Block Copolymers (OBC's) has increased the benefits of using ethylene-a-olefin inter-polymers in crosslinked foam applications. This paper will discuss the processing behavior of OBCs alone, and in blends with conventional EVA, and highlight their performance in chemically crosslinked foams. Properties of interest include dynamic mechanical analysis, physical and mechanical properties, shrinkage, and compression set resistance at elevated temperatures.