A Versatile Platform for Polymer Foaming
Polimeroak eta jasangarritasuna
Background
Polymer foams are widely used in insulation, packaging and lightweight components. Their manufacture requires careful coordination of gas generation and polymer curing. A versatile foaming approach compatible with different resin chemistries would expand the range of available materials and enable alternatives to conventional isocyanate-based foams.
Invention
This technology uses N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) as reactive blowing agents for polymer foam production. Upon reaction with a nucleophile, these compounds release CO₂ to generate the cellular structure, while the resulting amine can become incorporated into the polymer network.
The platform is compatible with different polymer chemistries, including epoxy, polyamide, polyimide and non-isocyanate polyurethane systems. Resin selection and formulation allow foam properties to be tailored, including formulations with high biobased content. Room-temperature foaming and curing have been demonstrated for selected epoxy formulations.
Potential Applications
- Lightweight cores for sandwich panels and structural composites.
- Thermal and acoustic insulation.
- Protective packaging and cushioning.
- Lightweight moulded components for automotive, construction and other industrial applications.
Key Benefits
- Versatile blowing-agent platform compatible with multiple polymer chemistries.
- CO₂ generation coupled with polymer formation.
- Low blowing-agent loadings of 1–3 wt% in demonstrated formulations.
- Enables isocyanate-free foams through suitable resin and hardener combinations.
- Tunable foam density, cellular morphology and thermomechanical properties.
- Compatible with commercial resin precursors and biobased formulations.
IPR Status
Published international patent application: WO2026201974 A1.
