Microcellular thermoplastic thin films formed by a solid-state foaming process

US9381723B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Washington · US

Inventors

• Vipin Kumar · Minneapolis, US
• John Chunpo Lu · Edmonds, US
• Henry G. Schirmer · Spartanburg, US
• Dustin M. Miller · South Bend, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 12, 2008
• Grant date: Jul 5, 2016
• Expiry date: Sep 12, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/249978
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Cellular thin films include a first side separated from a second side, the separation of which defines the thickness of the thin film; at least one layer of a polymeric material arranged along the thickness of the thin film, wherein the polymeric material includes cells and the first and second sides of the thin film have exterior surfaces that have substantially the same thickness as the interior walls forming the cells. The surfaces of the thin films have bumps caused by the cells. The thin exterior surfaces of the thin films is advantageous to allow the films to be flexible.