Mechanically Robust Foamed Polypropylene/Bamboo Powder Composite Basketworks by CO2 Extrusion Foaming

Porous weave composites are some of the most important materials in our daily life because of their lightweight, high formability, sound and thermal insulation performance, etc. Unfortunately, the introduction of cellular structures will inevitably sacrifice the mechanical properties of porous materials. Here, we proposed a facile method to prepare mechanically robust foamed polypropylene (PP)/bamboo powder (BP) composite basketworks with sandwich structures (like cellular-solid-cellular structures) by extruding-foaming-weaving procedures. Here, the cellular structures on both sides provided weight reduction, softness, and heat insulation, while the solid part in the center improved the modulus and stiffness of the materials. Also, the evolution mechanism of the sandwich structures was revealed. Moreover, the relationship among the microstructure, thermal insulation, and mechanical thermal properties of the foamed basketworks was studied. For example, the elongation at break and specific modulus can increase from 23.6% and 124 MPa center dot cm3/g for PP/BP 1 to 53.3% and 350 MPa center dot cm3/g for PP/BP 4, respectively. Sandwich structures also provide much better thermal insulation than solid structures. Furthermore, the foamed fabrics with different colors were woven into basketworks, which can be used in placemats, decorative belts, baskets, and other fields.

Automated summary

Porous weave composites are important materials in our daily life due to their lightweight, formability, sound and thermal insulation performance. A facile method was proposed to prepare mechanically robust foamed polypropylene (PP)/bamboo powder (BP) composite basketworks with sandwich structures. The relationship between microstructure, thermal insulation, and mechanical thermal properties was studied, and the sandwich structures showed better thermal insulation and improved mechanical properties compared to solid structures. Furthermore, foamed fabrics of different colors were woven into basketworks for various applications.