Rapid solid-state foaming
US10322561B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W90/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed, among other things, are ways to manufacture reduced density thermoplastics using rapid solid-state foaming and machines useful for the saturation of plastic. In one embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce layered structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce deep draw structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may utilize additives, blends, or fillers, for example. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.