Nanocomposite dense plastic foam replaces solid plastic. (Polymers/Ceramics).

Advanced Materials & Processes, June, 2002

Nanocomposite plastic foam that is strong enough to replace solid plastic in structural applications such as car or airplane panels has reportedly been developed by researchers at Ohio State University, Columbus. To make foam, manufacturers inject gases (typically chlorofluorocarbons) into hot liquid plastic.

The Ohio State researchers added nanometer-size clay particles to the molten plastic, and small bubbles of the injected gas about five microns across formed around the nanoparticles, adhering to them. The clay also thickens the plastic, keeping the bubbles uniformly distributed. With a foam that contains 5% day particles, boards were made that are just as strong as typical foam, but two thirds as thick. Foams with other additives such as aluminum and...

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