Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
1958392 
Journal Article 
Formulation optimization of unreinforced and lignin nanoparticle-reinforced phenolic foams using an analysis of variance approach 
Del Saz-Orozco, B; Oliet, M; Alonso, MV; Rojo, E; Rodriguez, F 
2012 
Yes 
Composites Science and Technology
ISSN: 0266-3538 
72 
6 
667-674 
WOS:000302505400003 
Formulations of unreinforced and lignin nanoparticle-reinforced phenolic foams were optimized using an analysis of variance approach. The variables studied in the formulation of phenolic foams were stirring speed (650-850 rpm) and blowing agent amount (1.5-3.5 wt.%). For lignin nanoparticle-reinforced phenolic foams, the variables were lignin nanoparticle weight fraction (1.5-8.5 wt.%) and blowing agent amount (1.5-3.5 wt.%). The responses measured for both foams were density, compressive modulus, and compressive strength. In addition, the morphology of the foams was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine cell size distributions. The results showed that the variables studied exhibited a strong influence on the responses and the cell size distribution of the foams. Statistical models allowed for prediction of the properties of the foams and for comparison of the properties of unreinforced and lignin nanoparticle-reinforced phenolic foams. The incorporation of lignin nanoparticles in phenolic foams results in a compressive modulus and compressive strength that has up to 128% and 174%, respectively, of the values for unreinforced foams. The amount of blowing agent saved to produce a reinforced foam was up to 31% of the amount necessary to produce an unreinforced foam of the same density. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 
Particle-reinforced composites; Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Mechanical properties; Modelling; Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)