Open Access

ARTICLE

Amorphous Polylactide Bead Foam–Effect of Talc and Chain Extension on Foaming Behavior and Compression Properties

Christian Brütting¹, Julia Dreier², Christian Bonten², Volker Altstädt¹, Holger Ruckdäschel^1,*

1 Department of Polymer Engineering, University Bayreuth, Bayreuth, 95447, Germany
2 Institut für Kunststofftechnik, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, 70569, Germany

* Corresponding Author: Holger Ruckdäschel. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Polylactide Based Biopolymeric Systems)

Journal of Renewable Materials 2021, 9(11), 1859-1868. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2021.016244

Received 19 February 2021; Accepted 22 March 2021; Issue published 04 June 2021

Abstract

Polylactide (PLA) bead foams show a high potential regarding their applicability in packaging or consumer products. Concerning the comparable properties of PLA to Polystyrene (PS) and the good CO₂ footprint it represents a potential alternative to petroleum-based polymer foams. However, foaming of PLA is challenging, due to its low melt strength, therefore chemical modifiers are often used. Concerning the bead foam technology regarding PLA, the available literature is limited so far. Within this study, the bead foaming behavior of neat and modified amorphous PLA was investigated. The material was modified by talc and an epoxy-based chain extender. These compounds have been investigated regarding their sorption behavior in CO₂ atmosphere and their foaming behavior. Foaming was conducted by using the batch foaming method based on a rapid temperature increase after saturation with CO₂. In order to achieve welded bead foams, a one-step processing for foaming and welding has been established. Finally, the compression properties of the PLA bead foams have been investigated. Densities below 50 kg/m³ for single bead foams and 80 kg/m³ for molded foams were achieved, respectively.

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