I  U  P  A  C






News & Notices

Organizations & People

Standing Committees

Divisions

Projects
..current
..completed
..new
..information

Reports

Publications

Symposia

AMP

Links of Interest

Search the Site

Home Page

 

 

Current Project

Polymer Division (IV)

 

Number: 2003-038-4-400

Title: Structure and properties of linear and crosslinked structural PVC foams

Task Group
Chairman:
Volker Altstädt

Members:
L. Aras, R. Bailey, R. Brummer, C. Bucknall, T. Cervenka, D. Dijkstra, J. He, F. Ramsteiner, H. Steininger, and D. Stocks

Objective:
To investigate the effect of crosslinking on the structure and properties of rigid PVC foams. The establishment of the influence of thickness and density on the structure and properties of rigid PVC foams.Important properties which should be determined are the shear- and elastic- modulus dependence upon temperature and frequency; fractural mechanical behavior including fatigue crack growth depending on temperature and load rate; compression behavior in air and water; thermal behaviour by DSC. Morphological investigations should contribute to the understanding of the micromechanical deformation behaviour.

Description:
Rigid foam cores are of high importance for structural applications, such as bumpers, ship building, roof covering and crash belts. Important properties are high strength and good stiffness to weight ratio, Also, good thermal insulation, self-extinguishing, good fire behaviour and very low water absorption without outgassing are important.Despite the wide range of applications there is a need for a better understanding of the influence of the morphological foam structure on the relevant thermal and mechanical properties. To explore structure properties relationships of polymer foams, two types of commercial PVC foams with a crosslinked and linear matrix in a density range between 50 and 140 kg/m3 and a thickness range between 5 and 40 mm will be investigated. The determination of DMA properties is well established for compact materials. Hoewever, for foams, the method of load introduction affects the results significantly. By comparing the results from different equipment under tension, torsion and compression the differences should be better understood and the influence of crosslinking, thickness and density should be clarified. The reproducibility of the modulus and the transition temperatures will be specifically investigated.Under compression, yield strength, and the stiffness behaviour below and above the yield point will be investigated as a function of the loading rate and temperature. By making measurements in water the effect of the air inclusions will be examined. The relationship between modulus and density will be established and the modulus of the compact material will be extrapolated from this.By fractural mechanical investigations the KIC from CT-specimens as well as the essential work of fracture will be determined. Finally the question will be answered whether fractural mechanics is a suitable method for the characterisation of polymer foams The investigation will cover thermal- and mechanical properties as well as fracture mechanical and fatigue properties in relationship of density and cell size. First materials have been delivered in July 2000, more material for additional contributions is available on request.

Progess:

Last update: 12 July 2005

<project announcement to published in Chem. Int. >

 

If you want to update this information, contact us by e-mail
Do not forget to include the Project Number,
your name and relation with that project


Page last modified 12 July 2005.
Copyright ©1997-2005 International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Questions or comments about IUPAC, please contact, the Secretariat.
Questions regarding the website, please contact Web Help.