1
|
Gonçalves LFFF, Reis RL, Fernandes EM. Forefront Research of Foaming Strategies on Biodegradable Polymers and Their Composites by Thermal or Melt-Based Processing Technologies: Advances and Perspectives. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1286. [PMID: 38732755 PMCID: PMC11085284 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The last few decades have witnessed significant advances in the development of polymeric-based foam materials. These materials find several practical applications in our daily lives due to their characteristic properties such as low density, thermal insulation, and porosity, which are important in packaging, in building construction, and in biomedical applications, respectively. The first foams with practical applications used polymeric materials of petrochemical origin. However, due to growing environmental concerns, considerable efforts have been made to replace some of these materials with biodegradable polymers. Foam processing has evolved greatly in recent years due to improvements in existing techniques, such as the use of supercritical fluids in extrusion foaming and foam injection moulding, as well as the advent or adaptation of existing techniques to produce foams, as in the case of the combination between additive manufacturing and foam technology. The use of supercritical CO2 is especially advantageous in the production of porous structures for biomedical applications, as CO2 is chemically inert and non-toxic; in addition, it allows for an easy tailoring of the pore structure through processing conditions. Biodegradable polymeric materials, despite their enormous advantages over petroleum-based materials, present some difficulties regarding their potential use in foaming, such as poor melt strength, slow crystallization rate, poor processability, low service temperature, low toughness, and high brittleness, which limits their field of application. Several strategies were developed to improve the melt strength, including the change in monomer composition and the use of chemical modifiers and chain extenders to extend the chain length or create a branched molecular structure, to increase the molecular weight and the viscosity of the polymer. The use of additives or fillers is also commonly used, as fillers can improve crystallization kinetics by acting as crystal-nucleating agents. Alternatively, biodegradable polymers can be blended with other biodegradable polymers to combine certain properties and to counteract certain limitations. This work therefore aims to provide the latest advances regarding the foaming of biodegradable polymers. It covers the main foaming techniques and their advances and reviews the uses of biodegradable polymers in foaming, focusing on the chemical changes of polymers that improve their foaming ability. Finally, the challenges as well as the main opportunities presented reinforce the market potential of the biodegradable polymer foam materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis F. F. F. Gonçalves
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Emanuel M. Fernandes
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs–Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen Z, Yin X, Chen H, Fu X, Sun Y, Chen Q, Liu W, Shen X. Mechanical, Crystallization, Rheological, and Supercritical CO 2 Foaming Properties of Polybutylene Succinate Nanocomposites: Impact of Carbon Nanofiber Content. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 16:28. [PMID: 38201693 PMCID: PMC10780851 DOI: 10.3390/polym16010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
As a substitute for conventional polymers for the preparation of biodegradable microcellular polymeric foams, polybutylene succinate (PBS) presents one of the most promising alternatives. However, the low melt strength of PBS makes it difficult to produce high-performance microcellular foams. This study aimed to improve the melt strength of PBS and explore the mechanical, thermal, crystalline, rheological, and supercritical CO2 foaming properties of PBS nanocomposites by using carbon nanofibers (CNFs). This study found that nanocomposites containing 7 wt% CNF exhibited the highest tensile strength, Young's modulus, and bending strength. Moreover, the CNF nanofillers were well dispersed in the PBS matrix without significant agglomeration, even at high filler concentrations. Furthermore, the nanocomposites demonstrated improved melting temperature and crystallinity compared with pure PBS. The rheological analysis showed that the addition of CNFs significantly increased PBS viscosity at low frequencies due to the interaction between the PBS molecular chains and CNFs and the entanglement of CNFs, resulting in a more complete physical network formation when the CNF content reached above 3 wt%. During the supercritical CO2 foaming process, the addition of CNFs resulted in increased cell density, smaller cells, and thicker cell walls, with good laps formed between the fibers on the cell walls of nanocomposite foams. Moreover, the electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of the foamed material were studied, and a nanocomposite foam containing 7 wt% CNF showed good electrical conductivity (4.5 × 10-3 S/m) and specific EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) (34.7 dB/g·cm-1). Additionally, the nanocomposite foam with 7 wt% CNF also exhibited good compression properties (21.7 MPa). Overall, this work has successfully developed a high-performance, multifunctional PBS-based nanocomposite foam, making it suitable for applications in various fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Chen
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China; (X.Y.); (Y.S.); (Q.C.); (W.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Xichen Yin
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China; (X.Y.); (Y.S.); (Q.C.); (W.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Hui Chen
- Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology Development Co., Ltd., Xuzhou 221000, China; (H.C.); (X.F.)
| | - Xuguang Fu
- Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology Development Co., Ltd., Xuzhou 221000, China; (H.C.); (X.F.)
| | - Yuyue Sun
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China; (X.Y.); (Y.S.); (Q.C.); (W.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Qian Chen
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China; (X.Y.); (Y.S.); (Q.C.); (W.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Weidong Liu
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China; (X.Y.); (Y.S.); (Q.C.); (W.L.); (X.S.)
- Wuhu Innovation New Materials Co., Ltd., Wuhu 241080, China
| | - Xiao Shen
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China; (X.Y.); (Y.S.); (Q.C.); (W.L.); (X.S.)
- Wuhu Innovation New Materials Co., Ltd., Wuhu 241080, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Su L, Wang Q, Xiang P, Yin D, Ding X, Liu L, Zhao X. Development of nitrile rubber/eucommia ulmoides gum composites for controllable dynamic damping and sound absorption performance. RSC Adv 2022; 12:21503-21511. [PMID: 35975054 PMCID: PMC9345298 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra03597a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aiming at enhancing the damping and sound absorption performances of nitrile rubber (NBR) incorporated Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG), a series of NBR/EUG composites were successfully fabricated using an open mixing mill. The co-vulcanization behaviors, fracture surface morphology observations, mechanical and thermal properties and damping and sound absorption performances of NBR/EUG composites were investigated systematically. It was shown that the crystalline area and the amorphous area in NBR/EUG composites displayed a sea-island phase distribution and most of the EUG crystals were β-form crystals. Compared to that of neat NBR, the tensile strength and storage modulus of NBR/EUG composites increased dramatically with the increasing EUG content, owing to the gradually increasing number of crystals in the NBR/EUG composites. In addition, the incorporation of EUG into the NBR matrix distinctly improved the sound absorption performance of NBR/EUG composites. This work is expected to provide a new insight into the fabrication of other composite materials with controllable damping and sound absorption properties. Nitrile rubber (NBR)/Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) composites were successfully fabricated with controllable dynamic damping and sound absorption performances, owing to the changeable EUG crystal number in different NBR/EUG composites.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Su
- Systems Engineering Research Institute Beijing 100094 China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Systems Engineering Research Institute Beijing 100094 China
| | - Dexian Yin
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Xiaodong Ding
- Systems Engineering Research Institute Beijing 100094 China
| | - Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Xiuying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Luo J, Yin D, Yu K, Zhou H, Wen B, Wang X. Facile fabrication of PBS/CNTs nanocomposite foam for electromagnetic interference shielding. Chemphyschem 2021; 23:e202100778. [PMID: 34973043 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202100778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In order to reduce the pollutants of environment and electromagnetic waves, environment friendly polymer foams with outstanding electromagnetic interference shielding are imminently required. In this paper, a kind of electromagnetic shielding, biodegradable nanocomposite foam was fabricated by blending PBS with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) followed by foaming with supercritical CO2. The crystallization temperature and melting temperature of PBS/CNTs nanocomposites with 4 wt % of CNTs increased remarkably by 6 °C and 3.1 °C compared with that of pure PBS and a double crystal melting peak of various PBS samples appeared in DSC curves. Clearly, an increase of approximately 3 orders of magnitude was improved for storage modulus and near 9 orders of magnitude was enhanced for electrical properties with CNTs content from 0 to 4 wt %. Furthermore, CNTs endowed PBS nanocomposite foam with adjustable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding property, giving a specific EMI shielding effectiveness of 28.5 dB cm3/g. This study provided a promising methodology for preparing biodegradable, lightweight PBS/CNTs foam with outstanding electromagnetic shielding properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Luo
- Beijing Technology and Business University, college of Chemistry and Material Engineering, Fucheng road 33, Beijing, CHINA
| | - Dexian Yin
- Beijing Technology and Business University, College of chemistry and materials engineering, Fucheng road 33, Beijing, CHINA
| | - Kejing Yu
- jiangnan university, jiangnan university, Jiangsu 214122, jiangsu, CHINA
| | - Hongfu Zhou
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Fucheng Road, Beijing, CHINA
| | - Bianying Wen
- Business and Technology University, college of chemistry and material engineering, Fucheng road 33, Beijing, CHINA
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Beijing Technology and Business University, college chemistry and materials engineering, Fucheng road 33, Beijing, CHINA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dong Y, Yin D, Deng L, Cao R, Hu S, Zhao X, Liu L. Fabrication of Millable Polyurethane Elastomer/Eucommia Ulmoides Rubber Composites with Superior Sound Absorption Performance. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:7487. [PMID: 34885642 PMCID: PMC8658837 DOI: 10.3390/ma14237487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sound absorbing materials combining millable polyurethane elastomer (MPU) and eucommia ulmoides rubber (EUG) were successfully fabricated via a physical blending process of EUG and MPU. The microstructure, crystallization performances, damping, mechanical and sound absorption properties of the prepared MPU/EUG composites were investigated systematically. The microstructure surface of various MPU/EUG composites became rough and cracked by the gradual incorporation of EUG, resulting in a deteriorated compatibility between EUG and MPU. With the increase of EUG content, the storage modulus (E') of various MPU/EUG composites increased in a temperature range of -50 °C to 40 °C and their loss factor (tanδ) decreased significantly, including a reduction of the tanδ of MPU/EUG (70/30) composites from 0.79 to 0.64. Specifically, the addition of EUG sharply improved the sound absorption performances of various MPU/EUG composites in a frequency range of 4.5 kHz-8 kHz. Compared with that of pure MPU, the sound absorption coefficient of the MPU/EUG (70/30) composite increased 52.2% at a pressure of 0.1 MPa and 16.8% at a pressure of 4 MPa, indicating its outstanding sound absorption properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Dong
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.D.); (D.Y.); (L.D.); (R.C.)
| | - Dexian Yin
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.D.); (D.Y.); (L.D.); (R.C.)
| | - Linhui Deng
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.D.); (D.Y.); (L.D.); (R.C.)
| | - Renwei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.D.); (D.Y.); (L.D.); (R.C.)
| | - Shikai Hu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.D.); (D.Y.); (L.D.); (R.C.)
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiuying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.D.); (D.Y.); (L.D.); (R.C.)
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (Y.D.); (D.Y.); (L.D.); (R.C.)
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Engineering of polybutylene succinate with long-chain branching toward high foamability and degradation. Polym Degrad Stab 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2021.109745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
7
|
Fabrication of branching poly (butylene succinate)/cellulose nanocrystal foams with exceptional thermal insulation. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 247:116708. [PMID: 32829836 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Branching poly (butylene succinate) (BPBS) nanocomposite foams incorporated with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared by supercritical CO2. Surface modification of CNCs by acetylation was achieved through replacing hydrophilic hydroxyl groups with hydrophobic acetyl groups, which improved the dispersibility of CNCs significantly. The crystallite sizes of CNCs and acetylated CNCs were calculated by Scherrer's formula as 25 and 19 nm, respectively. The initial crystallization temperature of diverse poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) specimens, a crucial factor for regulating cell nucleation type, increased remarkably by 11.8 °C as well as their storage modulus increased by 2 orders of magnitudes, due to branching reaction and bio-filler addition. BPBS/CNCs foam possessed a high volume expansion ratio as 37.1 times and displayed an exceptional thermal conductivity as 0.021 W(m K)-1. This study provided a promising potential strategy to develop exceptional thermal-insulation polymer foams for composite structures, energy conservation and environment protection.
Collapse
|