Development of a three-stage process to achieve customizable densities, microstructures, and mechanical properties in thermoplastic polyurethane foams

Thomas Ellingham, Hrishikesh Kharbas, Mihai Manitiu, Guenter Scholz, Lih Sheng Turng

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

A three-stage expansion process was developed to manufacture thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) into foams of varying local density in the same microcellular injection molded part. Two stages of cavity expansion and a third expansion in a separate mold at elevated temperature were able to achieve this, with density varying from 0.25 g/cm3 to 0.42 g/cm3, varying mechanical properties as well. Cyclic compressive strengths and hysteresis loss ratios together with the microstructure were characterized and reported.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication75th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Anaheim 2017
PublisherSociety of Plastics Engineers
Pages1444-1450
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9780878493609
ISBN (Print)978-0-692-88309-9
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event75th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Anaheim 2017 - Anaheim, United States
Duration: 08 05 201710 05 2017

Publication series

NameAnnual Technical Conference - ANTEC, Conference Proceedings
Volume2017-May

Conference

Conference75th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE ANTEC Anaheim 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim
Period08/05/1710/05/17

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