In this study, the recovery properties of thermoplastic foam are discussed. The feasibility of using this foam as core for the production of a shape memory sandwich with self-repairing properties is evaluated. PET foams have been extracted from a panel of PET foam in order to test the foam in the three space directions. Small cubic samples were then subjected to memory-recovery cycle. This cycle consisted of a cold compression to reduce the foam sample thickness up to 50%, and a subsequent recovery of the shape by heating the samples in a muffle. This way, it was possible to evaluate the effect of anisotropy on strength, stiffness and shape recovery of the PET foam. Afterwards, compression tests have been repeated to evaluate residual properties of PET foam after cold compression and hot recovery. Results confirm the ability of this class of materials to easily change and recovery their shape.
Shape recovery of PET foams after cold compression
Bellisario D;
2016-01-01
Abstract
In this study, the recovery properties of thermoplastic foam are discussed. The feasibility of using this foam as core for the production of a shape memory sandwich with self-repairing properties is evaluated. PET foams have been extracted from a panel of PET foam in order to test the foam in the three space directions. Small cubic samples were then subjected to memory-recovery cycle. This cycle consisted of a cold compression to reduce the foam sample thickness up to 50%, and a subsequent recovery of the shape by heating the samples in a muffle. This way, it was possible to evaluate the effect of anisotropy on strength, stiffness and shape recovery of the PET foam. Afterwards, compression tests have been repeated to evaluate residual properties of PET foam after cold compression and hot recovery. Results confirm the ability of this class of materials to easily change and recovery their shape.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
