The effect of expansion conditions on the batch foaming dynamics of St–MMA copolymer

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized styrene–methyl methacrylate copolymer particles by suspension polymerization process to study the foaming dynamics via visual batch foaming apparatus. The weight ratio of styrene–methyl methacrylate was 53–47. The foaming system consisted of a self-sealing observation cell equipped with two glass windows and a stereo microscope attached with a high-speed digital camera as well as a pressure and temperature controller. The required pentane pressure was supplied by heating a small pentane flask. The synthesized copolymer particles impregnated by pentane and then the foaming dynamics were recorded after a rapid pressure release. The effect of different foaming conditions, such as temperature, impregnation time, and impregnation pressure on the expansion ratio of styrene–methyl methacrylate copolymer was investigated. It was concluded that impregnation pressure, time, and temperature have different effects on the foaming ratio at impregnation pressures lower and higher than 4 bar.