@Article{jrm.2021.016244,
AUTHOR = {Christian Brütting, Julia Dreier, Christian Bonten, Volker Altstädt, Holger Ruckdäschel},
TITLE = {Amorphous Polylactide Bead Foam–Effect of Talc and Chain Extension on Foaming Behavior and Compression Properties},
JOURNAL = {Journal of Renewable Materials},
VOLUME = {9},
YEAR = {2021},
NUMBER = {11},
PAGES = {1859--1868},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/jrm/v9n11/42810},
ISSN = {2164-6341},
ABSTRACT = {Polylactide (PLA) bead foams show a high potential regarding their applicability in packaging or consumer products. Concerning the comparable properties of PLA to Polystyrene (PS) and the good CO<sub>2</sub> footprint it represents
a potential alternative to petroleum-based polymer foams. However, foaming of PLA is challenging, due to its low
melt strength, therefore chemical modifiers are often used. Concerning the bead foam technology regarding PLA,
the available literature is limited so far. Within this study, the bead foaming behavior of neat and modified amorphous PLA was investigated. The material was modified by talc and an epoxy-based chain extender. These compounds have been investigated regarding their sorption behavior in CO<sub>2</sub> atmosphere and their foaming behavior.
Foaming was conducted by using the batch foaming method based on a rapid temperature increase after saturation with CO<sub>2</sub>. In order to achieve welded bead foams, a one-step processing for foaming and welding has been
established. Finally, the compression properties of the PLA bead foams have been investigated. Densities below
50 kg/m<sup>3</sup> for single bead foams and 80 kg/m<sup>3</sup> for molded foams were achieved, respectively.},
DOI = {10.32604/jrm.2021.016244}
}