Study on Cellular Structure and Mechanical Property of Foaming/Cross-linking Polyethylene System

Abstract

The cellular structure and mechanical property of a sequential foaming/cross-linking polyethylene system were studied in this work. By adjusting the components, foaming starts before the cross-linking reaction initiated and the melt strength increases during the foaming process. Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA) was used for the in situ monitoring and measuring of the foaming and cross-linking process. The cellular structure and expansion ratio of polyethylene foam can be modulated by controlling the type and ratio of foaming agent and cross-linking agent, as well as the foaming/cross-linking conditions. The mechanical strength was tested by universal mechanical testing machine, the melt strength were also characterized and analyzed. Experimental results demonstrated that the cross-linking controlled the cellular size and improved mechanical strength.