Microcellular Composites

Microcellular Polymer matrix composites is a matrix foamed structure with an average cell size of the order of 10 μm and a cell density of the 109-1015 cells/cm3 order. Mainly it employs inorganic physical blowing agent in its super critical state to create a swarm of bubble in the polymeric matrix. Microcellular composites came to the public in the eighties, unique in their cell size to differentiate them from the conventional cellular products with cell size ranging from 100 to 500 microns. Microcellular foams can be made in the density range of 5 to 99% of the base material. Nowadays both batch mode and continuous processes are developed for their production. The Microcellular phenomenon can be looked at as a strong design tool in imparting many advantages to the composite structures, including enhanced mechanical properties, reduced material consumption, decreased dielectric constant and increased thermal insulation capability, in addition to enhanced light reflecting capability. In this presentation some fundamental aspects of microcellular composites, regarding the processing and properties, will be presented. Also some interesting results that recently have been obtained in my composite team on the advantages of usage of microcellular composites instead of conventional ones in the field of smart composites and monolithic composites will be discussed