Modeling and Experimental Validation of Gradient Cell Density in PMMA Microcellular Foaming Induced by One-Sided Heating.

Traditionally, the microcellular foaming process has aimed to generate uniform cell structures by applying heat uniformly to all surfaces of a polymer. Homogeneous cell distribution is known to enhance the mechanical properties and durability of the final product. However, the ability to engineer a gradient in cell density offers potential advantages for specific functional applications, such as improved sound absorption and thermal insulation.

Modeling and Experimental Validation of Cell Morphology in Microcellular-Foamed Polycaprolactone.

This study investigates the modeling and experimental validation of cell morphology in microcellular-foamed polycaprolactone (PCL) using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO) as the blowing agent. The microcellular foaming process (MCP) was conducted using a solid-state batch foaming process, where PCL was saturated with scCO at 6 to 9 MPa and 313 K, followed by depressurization at a rate of -0.3 and -1 MPa/s.