RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Multilayer microcellular structures by steam-assisted one-step supercritical CO₂ foaming of PMMA
A1 Redondo HernanGómez, Aranzazu
A1 Martín de León, Judith
A1 Simard, Michel
A1 Cantero Sposetti, Danilo Alberto
K1 Plastics
K1 Polymers
K1 Foaming
K1 Carbon dioxide explosion
K1 Energy efficiency
K1 23 Química
AB In this work, we introduce a one-step steam-assisted supercritical CO₂ foaming process to create multilayerPMMA foams with tunable pore structures. The method operates entirely above the polymer’s effective glasstransition temperature (125 ◦C), allowing saturation and foaming to take place simultaneously in a matter ofminutes. By adding subcritical water before saturation, the system triggers a steam explosion during depres-surization, leading to much faster pressure drops (up to 40 % faster), improved nucleation, and a notablereduction in structural defects. As a result, foams with more uniform cells, finer pore sizes (2.3 μm), and lowerdensities (91 kg / m3; +10 X expansion) are obtained even at moderate pressures. A particularly interestingoutcome is the formation of multilayer architectures: polymer pellets with different levels of CO₂ uptake fusenaturally into foams with distinct porosities across layers. This opens new opportunities for designing multi-functional materials, where different layers could be tailored for specific mechanical, thermal, or acoustic roles.The creation of multilayer is mostly attributed by the combination of one-step foaming above the Tg of thepolymer together with a pellet sudden ejection from the autoclave while foaming and freezing the structure.Overall, the steam-assisted approach offers a scalable and energy-efficient pathway to produce polymer foamswith customized microstructures and properties.
PB Elsevier
SN 0896-8446
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/78619
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/78619
LA eng
NO The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 2025, vol. 227, p. 106746
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 05-nov-2025