Abstract: A method of producing a foamed material comprises contacting a mixture comprising a first thermoplastic polymer and a second thermoplastic polymer with a blowing agent, wherein the first thermoplastic polymer has a higher percent crystallinity that the second thermoplastic polymer; and subjecting the mixture to conditions sufficient to create a thermodynamic instability in the blend foam the mixture, wherein the mixture comprising the first and second thermoplastic polymers has a percent crystallinity lower than the first thermoplastic polymer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 1, 2000
Date of Patent:
September 14, 2004
Assignees:
North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Inventors:
Joseph M. DeSimone, Saad A. Khan, Joseph R. Royer, Richard J. Spontak, Teri Anne Walker, Yvon J. Gay, Srinivas Siripurapu