Ultra-low density microcellular polymer foam and method
An ultra-low density, microcellular open-celled polymer foam and a method for making such foam are disclosed. A polymer is dissolved in a heated solution consisting essentially of at least one solvent for the dissolution of the polymer in the heated solution and the phase inversion of the dissolved polymer to a liquid gel upon sufficient cooling of the heated solution. The heated solution is contained in a containment means provided with a nucleating promoting means having a relatively rough surface formed of fixed nucleating sites. The heated solution is cooled for a period of time sufficient to form a liquid gel of the polymer by phase inversion. From the gel, a porous foam having a density of less than about 12.0 mg/cm{sup 3} and open porosity provided by well interconnected strut morphology is formed.
- Research Organization:
- Lockheed Martin Energy Syst Inc
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,500,450/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-417,366
- OSTI ID:
- 203874
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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