Abstract
AbstractA simple method was used to prepare microcellular foams of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and its nanocomposites to improve its shortcomings such as low impact resistance and high cost. The batch foaming process of purePLAandPLAfilled with Nano calcium carbonate (NCC) was conducted using supercritical nitrogen (N2) as a blowing agent. The effect ofNCCon crystallization ofPLAis discussed as a remarkable parameter in foaming of semicrystalline polymers. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to optimize the process temperature. The effect of foaming conditions (temperature, pressure, and cooling rate) and nanoparticle content on the foam microstructure ofPLAand its nanocomposites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Foams were obtained in the range of macro‐ and microscale (different cell sizes) using different foaming conditions. The results revealed that nanoparticles show excellent nucleation performance onPLAfoaming. Results of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) also showed significant influences ofNCCon foamed and prefoamed samples to different foaming structures.
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