Abstract
Promoting better dispersion of nanofillers is crucial in producing high performance nanocomposite foams. For the effects of nanofillers on controlling foam structures and mechanical properties to be enhanced, prefoamed pellets were produced via supercritical fluid (SCF) extrusion foaming and subsequently microcellular injection molded. Structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of the prefoamed pellets and resultant polylactic acid (PLA)/clay nanocomposite foams were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and tensile testing. The diffraction peaks in the XRD plots of extruded prefoamed pellets were observed to shift to lower angles, indicating that prefoaming improved the intercalation of clay platelets. The driving forces behind the intercalation and dispersion of clay were (i) enhanced diffusion via the plasticizing effect of SCF and (ii) the phase change of SCF from the supercritical to th...
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