PROCESSING FINE-CELLED RECYCLABLE CBA-BASED POLYOLEFIN FOAMS IN COMPRESSION FOAM MOLDING

摘要

This paper focuses on understanding the technological potentials for producing recyclable polyolefin foams by using a modified technique of the conventional compression molding process, referred to as compression foam molding. A two-step compression foam molding method is being developed. The main processing feature of this method is that it allows for complete sintering of the non-foamable resin prior the activation of the CBA. First, completely sintered intermediate foamable products that have no pre-decomposed CBA particles and entrapped air bubbles are manufactured. Second, these intermediate products are used in the actual foaming process. The principal advantage of this compression foam molding method is that it produces high quality recyclable foamed structures with high volume expansion ratios by avoiding the need for cross linking.