Exploring transparent ultra – nanocellular high-performance polymers: Polyetherimide (PEI)
The fabrication of ultra-nanocellular and transparent high-performance polymers based on polyetherimide (PEI) was investigated by exploring new CO2 saturation conditions and obtaining a unique material that combines high transparency with a remarkable density reduction, controllable by process param...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-07-01
|
| Series: | Materials & Design |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127525006422 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | The fabrication of ultra-nanocellular and transparent high-performance polymers based on polyetherimide (PEI) was investigated by exploring new CO2 saturation conditions and obtaining a unique material that combines high transparency with a remarkable density reduction, controllable by process parameters. Solid PEI (0.5 mm thick) was subjected to various pressures and temperatures, achieving the highest CO2 solubility (28.9 %) at 20 MPa and −25 °C. Foaming at three different temperatures yielded ultra-nanocellular, transparent PEI with varying density and optical properties. A maximum density reduction of 39 % was observed at the optimal conditions of 20 MPa, −25 °C for saturation, and 150 °C for foaming. Higher solubility led to greater density reduction.Optical characterization revealed high transparency, with red-light transmittance reaching 0.93 compared to the solid precursor. Transparency decreased at shorter wavelengths, consistent with Rayleigh’s law, which explains increased scattering for particle sizes exceeding one-tenth of the wavelength. This research establishes a broad processing window, enabling precise control over density and transparency through saturation and foaming adjustments. The findings pave the way for tailored applications where both low density and high transparency are essential, making this advanced PEI material suitable for various high-performance engineering applications. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0264-1275 |