A novel digital lifecycle for Material‐Process‐Microstructure‐Performance relationships of thermoplastic olefins foams manufactured via supercritical fluid assisted foam injection molding
[1];
[2];
[7]
- Center for Composite Materials University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA
- Center for Composite Materials University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA, Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA
- Center for Composite Materials University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA, Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA
- Department of Automotive Engineering Clemson University Greenville South Carolina USA
- Polymers Center for Excellence Charlotte North Carolina USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Clemson University Clemson South Carolina USA
- Center for Composite Materials University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA, Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA, Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Delaware Newark Delaware USA
Abstract This research significantly enhances the applicability of thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) in the automotive industry using supercritical N 2 as a physical foaming agent, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional chemical agents. It merges experimental results with simulations to establish detailed material‐process‐microstructure‐performance (MP2) relationships, targeting 5–20% weight reductions. This innovative approach labeled digital lifecycle (DLC) helps accurately predict tensile, flexural, and impact properties based on the foam microstructure, along with experimentally demonstrating improved paintability. The study combines process simulations with finite element models to develop a comprehensive digital model for accurately predicting mechanical properties. Our findings demonstrate a strong correlation between simulated and experimental data, with about a 5% error across various weight reduction targets, marking significant improvements over existing analytical models. This research highlights the efficacy of physical foaming agents in TPO enhancement and emphasizes the importance of integrating experimental and simulation methods to capture the underlying foaming mechanism to establish material‐process‐microstructure‐performance (MP2) relationships. Highlights Establishes a material‐process‐microstructure‐performance (MP2) for TPO foams Sustainably produces TPO foams using supercritical (ScF) N 2 with 20% lightweighting Shows enhanced paintability for TPO foam improved surface aesthetics Digital lifecycle (DLC) that predicts both foam microstructure and properties DLC maps process effects & microstructure onto FEA mesh for precise prediction
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 2324721
- Journal Information:
- Polymer Engineering and Science, Journal Name: Polymer Engineering and Science; ISSN 0032-3888
- Publisher:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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