Preparation and Properties of a Novel High-Strength Foam

Abstract

A novel high-strength foam (PSA foam) was prepared by adding foaming agent in silicon-containing arylacetylene (PSA) via free heat foaming. The dispersion of foaming agent was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Disperse Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and the result indicated that the foaming agent was dispersed uniformly in PSA. The microstructure of the PSA foams prepared with different foam temperatures were characterized by SEM and the results showed the PSA foam had uniform pores when the foaming temperature was 165°C. Compressive strength of the PSA foam could reach 10.3 MPa. Furthermore, PSA foam possessed excellent thermal stability, dimensional stability and heat insulation performance: char residue reached 92.3% at 800°C under nitrogen atmosphere; the highest coefficient of thermal expansion was 83*10-6/K; the thermal conductivity was 0.0724 W/(m•K).