Cover Story

Composite foam replaces plastic in car and airplane panels

INSIGHT

Columbus, Ohio, USA-

Nanocomposite plastic foam that is strong enough to replace solid plastic in structural applications such as car or airplane panels has reportedly been developed by researchers at Ohio State University, Columbus. To make foam, manufacturers inject gases (typically chlorofluorocarbons) into hot liquid plastic. The Ohio State researchers added nanometer-size clay particles to the molten plastic, and small bubbles of the injected gas about five microns across formed around the nanoparticles, adhering to them.

The clay also thickens the plastic, keeping the bubbles uniformly distributed. With a foam that contains 5% clay particles, boards were made that are just as strong as typical foam, but two thirds as thick. Foams with other additives such as aluminum and carbon are also being studied.

In addition, several industrial partners are working with Prof. L. James Lee and his colleagues to develop standard foams in which the injected gas is carbon dioxide instead of chlorofluorocarbons, because carbon dioxide is more environmentally benign. The team found that they could produce high quality foam if they heated the carbon dioxide under pressure until it became a supercritical fluid, which behaves as both a gas and a liquid.

WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK.

Did you find this material interesting?

Do you want more information of this type?

Comment via FEEDBACK

What related topics would you like to see covered?

What additional information on this topic would you find useful?

Source: Advanced Materials & Processes

For more information: Dr. L. James Lee, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
tel: 614/292-2408;
e-mail: lee.31@osu.edu;
Web site: www.osu.edu

Please patronize our many sponsors, affiliates and advertisers today so that we may bring you more advanced services tomorrow. Have you seen the great deals from top brand name manufacturers?

Jobwerx makes no representation as to the accuracy of information transmitted herein.071102