Melt Extruded Open-Cell Microcellular Foams for Membrane Separation: Processing and Cell Morphology Relationship

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on the manufacture of microcellular polycarbonate in a designed co-rotating twin-screw extrusion system using CO2 as a blowing agent. Open-cell microcellular polycarbonate foams in the form of hollow fiber were produced with a cell density on the order of 109-1010 cell/cm3 and an average cell size in the range of 5-10 μm. The effects of the processing conditions on the cell morphology and the cell-opening technique are described.