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Author(s): , , , ,

Keywords: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Abstract: Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polyester with a wide range of applications in transportation and construction industries. In this study, the physical and mechanical properties of low void fraction PLA foams and high void fraction PLA composite foams were examined after their fabrication using the high-pressure foam injection molding (HPFIM) process. A thermal constants analyzer measured the thermal conductivity of the samples using the transient plane source (TPS) method. Results showed that thermal conductivity decreased with relative density of the foams. Higher void fractions reduced thermal conductivity of the PLA samples more than lower void fractions, which enhanced thermal insulation properties by approximately three times.

Reference: Composites Science and Technology, 90 (2014) 88-95

DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2013.10.019