Thermoplastic foams and method of forming them using nano-graphite
US9359481B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/249986
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Rigid foam insulating products and processes for making such insulation products are disclosed. The foam products are formed from a polymer, a blowing agent, and nano-graphite. The nano-graphite has a size in at least one dimension less than about 100 nm and, in exemplary embodiments may be an intercalated, expanded nano-graphite. In addition, the nano-graphite may include a plurality of nanosheets having a thickness between about 10 to about 100 nanometers. The nano-graphite acts as a process additive to improve the physical properties of the foam product, such as thermal insulation and compressive strength. In addition, the nano-graphite in the foam controls cell morphology and acts as a nucleating agent in the foaming process. Further, the nano-graphite exhibits overall compound effects on foam properties including improved insulating value (increased R-value) for a given thickness and density and improved ultraviolet (UV) stability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.