Enhanced cyclic compression performance of polyolefin elastomer foams with novel open-cell structures through mixed gases regulation

Abstract

Polyolefin elastomer (POE) foam with a novel open-cell structure, termed the island open-cell structure, was fabricated by melt blending two kinds of POE with distinct melting points, followed by foaming using a mixture of CO₂ and N₂ as blowing agents. The formation and evolution mechanisms of the unique open-cell structure were elucidated through gas solubility test and high-pressure rheology, focusing on cell nucleation and growth behaviors. A controlled transition from the island open-cell structure to semi-continuous and continuous open-cell structures was achieved through the optimized foaming process. The effect of different open-cell structures on the compressive performance of POE foams was investigated through cyclic compression tests. The result indicates that POE foam with the island open-cell structure exhibits the highest compressive strength among semi-continuous open-cell, continuous open-cell and closed-cell structures.