Producing microporous PMMA with supercritical CO ₂ and the research on its properties

The research on microcellular polymer foam (MPF) is significant in plastic processing industry. In this study, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was considered to be the foam matrix via a preliminary experiment. It is because that compared with other polymers, it is easier to swell and plasticize with supercritical CO ₂ (SCCO ₂). Moreover, its absorbability in SCCO ₂ is much higher. The above research provides guidance for the preparation of microcellular polymer blend foams. In order to study the foam process and the optimum experimental conditions, the average cellular sizes were measured by controlling the saturation pressure, temperature and the soak time on the basis of the orthogonal experiment. The microporous structure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Then the optimum amount of nano-fillers was achieved by solution and melt blending. In addition, the mechanical properties of MPF were measured to explore the change in foaming. The obtained results would provide better insight to planners and operators in the field of chemical engineering to handle the uncertainties effectively.