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Effect of Processing Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Injection Molded Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Cellular Foams
Author(s) -
Wong Steven,
Lee John W. S.,
Naguib Hani E.,
Park Chul B.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.200700362
Subject(s) - materials science , composite material , polyolefin , molding (decorative) , microstructure , thermoplastic , ultimate tensile strength , injection moulding , surface roughness , layer (electronics)
In this study, the effects of processing parameters on the mechanical properties of injection molded thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) foams are investigated. Closed cell TPO foams were prepared by injection molding process. The microstructure of these foamed samples was controlled by carefully altering the processing parameters on the injection molding machine. The foam morphologies were characterized in terms of skin thickness, surface roughness, and relative foam density. Tensile properties and impact resistance of various injection molded TPO samples were correlated with various foam morphologies. The findings show that the mechanical properties are significantly affected by foam morphologies. The experimental results obtained from this study can be used to predict the microstructure and mechanical properties of cellular injection molded TPO foams prepared with different processing parameters.