Study On Preparation And Property Improvement Of Polyethylene-octene Elastomer (poe) Foam

In order to produce polyethylene-octene elastomer (POE) foam using compression molding, the foaming process and property improvement of POE foam were studied in details.The influences of various activators on the thermal decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent-azodicarbonamide (AC) were investigated using thermaogravimetric analysis (TGA), which showed that the decomposition temperature of AC could be effectively decreased with the addition of ZnO/ZnSt2. The moving die rheometer's results suggested that the vulcanization and blowing curves were influenced by the content of AC,DCP and temperature. Equilibrium rheometric torque decreases with increasing AC loadings, while the minimum rheometric torque remains unchanged. No obviously difference of the equilibrium torque with 11phr and 13phr AC was observed. The range of suitable value of DCP is 0 to 2.6phr. And the optimum temperature was about 170°C.Then in the process of researching on the influences of preparation and physical properties by varing formulation and temperature, some results were found like these: ZnO is indispensable for preparing POE foam. The density and properties of POE foam materials decreased with the increase of AC, but there is just a slight decrease of density when adding more than 11phr AC. POE foam with a dengsity of 0.057g/cm3 was prepared by adding 13phr AC successfully. It was difficult to produce POE foam adding more than 2.2phr or less than 0.6phr DCP. The density and properties of POE foam materials decreased with the increase of DCP, and then to a balanced value. POE foam has a good waterproof property. When the density of POE foam is less than 0.1g/cm3, the water absorptivity will be not more than 4‰. Experimental results showed that the optimal processing temperature was 170°C, which was consistent with theoretical calculation. Then, we study the compressive behavior of rubber foam through compressive stress-strain curves in which energy absorbing characteristics was also investigated by the means of energy absorption efficiency (E) and the ideal parameters (I). Results showed that foams with less density had better absorption efficiency in a wide range. For the sake of property improvement of POE foam. On the base of basic formula, effects of adding MMT,CaCO3 and SiO2 on property and bubble structure of foaming materials were sdutied. Results showed that adding these fillings could improve the physical properties,thermal endurance and reduce cost. Adding 5phr compatibilizer POE-g-MAH and 0.1phr silane coupling agent KH560 could improve the decentralization and compatibility of MMT in POE matrix, which was propitious to enhance the physical properties of POE foam. It can reduce the cost and improve the physical properties by adding an appropriate amount of CaCO3. The best integrative physical properties were gained by adding 6 to 10phr SiO2.SEM showed POE foam designed to be a closed-cell structure had very few open cells and the cells were homogeneous. Adding an amount of MMT,CaCO3,SiO2 could improve the homogenization of cell structure and increase cell density of POE foam.In this paper, a convenient method of testing foaming characteristics of POE foam was provided, and the guidance of formula design and processing condition were given. And primary reserches on property improvement of POE foam were explored by us. The results have both theoretical and practical significance.