The Study of Crystallization Behavior, Microcellular Structure and Thermal Properties of Glass-Fiber/Polycarbonate Composites
Xinchao Wang,
Yapeng Sun,
Jiale Hu,
Lan Wu,
Tie Geng,
Yonggang Guo,
Chenhao Zhao,
Binbin Dong,
Chuntai Liu
Affiliations
Xinchao Wang
School of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Automotive Composite Materials, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Yapeng Sun
School of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Automotive Composite Materials, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Jiale Hu
School of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Automotive Composite Materials, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Lan Wu
School of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Automotive Composite Materials, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Tie Geng
School of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Automotive Composite Materials, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Yonggang Guo
School of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Automotive Composite Materials, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Chenhao Zhao
School of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Automotive Composite Materials, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Binbin Dong
National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
Chuntai Liu
National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
Polycarbonate (PC) foam is a versatile material with excellent properties, but its low thermal stability limits its application in high-temperature environments. The aim of this study was to improve the thermal stability of PC foam by adding glass fibers (GF) and to investigate the effect of GF on PC crystallization behavior and PC foam cell morphology. This study was motivated by the need to improve the performance of PC foams in various industries, such as construction, automotive, and medical. To achieve this goal, PC/GF composites were prepared by extrusion, and PC/GF composite foams were produced using a batch foaming process with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) as the blowing agent. The results showed that the addition of GF accelerated the SC-CO2-induced crystallization stability of PC and significantly increased the cell density to 4.6 cells/cm3. In addition, the thermal stability of PC/GF foam was improved, with a significant increase in the residual carbon rate at 700 °C and a lower weight loss rate than PC matrix. Overall, this study highlights the potential of GF as a PC foam reinforcement and its effect on thermal and structural properties, providing guidance for industrial production and applications.
