摘要 |
<p>Expanded and extruded biodegradable polymer foams are obtained using biodegradable polymers and environmentally benign non-VOC methyl formate as a blowing agent. The blowing agent can be a blend further including at least one co- blowing agent, preferably an environmentally friendly species (e.g., non-soc), which is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The blowing agent blend can include any combination of methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The polymer foam can include a biodegradable polymer or its blends with other biodegradable polymers or conventional (non-biodegradable) polymers. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce stable foams for various applications, including containers, packaging systems, as well as for insulation and protective cushioning. Processes for the preparation of such foams are also provided.</p> |