RT info:eu-repo/semantics/doctoralThesis
T1 Design and validation of experimental methods for probing foam formation dynamics and cellular structure
A1 Cimavilla Román, Paula
A2 Universidad de Valladolid. Escuela de Doctorado
K1 Polimeros y polimerización
K1 Foams
K1 Espumas
K1 Polymers
K1 Polímeros
K1 Cellular Materials
K1 Materiales Celulares
K1 2210.90 Química-Física de Polímeros
AB The present thesis focuses on the development of new experimental techniques to study the process-structure-properties relationship in polymeric foams. To achieve this objective rigid polyurethane (RPU) foams were studied. Methodologies have been developed to investigate the synthesis of RPU foams from complementary rheological, physicochemical and structural points of view. To validate the potential of the methods, the effect of different catalyst and blowing agent concentrations on the synthesis of these foams has been systematically studied. As a result of this research, new methods of characterisation of the synthesis process have been obtained at laboratory level, these are based on Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Shear Rheology, as well as X-ray tomography and X-ray radioscopy. Furthermore, the development and application of these techniques has allowed to understand the effect of micrometric Silica Aerogel particles on the synthesis, cellular structure and thermal insulation properties of RPU foams reinforced with these particles. The joint evaluation of the reaction kinetics, polymer matrix development and cell structure of RPU foams has identified new ways for the future improvement and optimisation of RPU-Aerogel composite materials with great potential to replace traditional thermal insulators. The present thesis is part of the research activities carried out in the CellMat Laboratory of the Department of Condensed Matter Physics of the University of Valladolid and has been supervised by Prof. Dr. Miguel Ángel Rodríguez-Pérez, director of this laboratory and professor at the University of Valladolid. This thesis has been written as a compendium of eight publications, five of which have already been published in international journals. In addition, this thesis meets the requirements to be accredited with an International Mention.
YR 2021
FD 2021
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/59923
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/59923
LA eng
NO Escuela de Doctorado
DS UVaDOC
RD 23-jun-2024