Fabrication of microcellular phenolic foams by using microwave technology

Polymer foams can be used as thermal insulation and weight reduction in multiple fields, such as buildings, automobiles, and LNG containment systems. Especially, phenolic foams are preferred as a thermal insulator due to a lower flammability and lower gas generation than other polymeric insulation foams. Conventional foaming methods require the extensive time to fabricate the large volumes and environmental regulations limit the use of blowing agents. To tackle these issues, we are developing the nanoparticle reinforced microcellular phenolic foams to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the foams by microwave method in a short time.

S.A.Song, H.J.Oh, B.G.Kim, S.S.Kim, Novel foaming methods to fabricated carbon reinforced microcellular phenolic foams, Composites Science and Technology, 2013;76:45-51.

Microcellular phenolic foam