Amorphous Polylactide Bead Foam–Effect of Talc and Chain Extension on Foaming Behavior and Compression Properties

Polylactide (PLA) bead foams show a high potential regarding their applicability in packaging or consumer products. Concerning the comparable properties of PLA to Polystyrene (PS) and good CO2 footprint it represents alternative petroleum-based polymer foams. However, foaming is challenging, due its low melt strength, therefore chemical modifiers are often used. foam technology PLA, available literature limited so far. Within this study, behavior neat modified amorphous was investigated. The material by talc an epoxy-based chain extender. These compounds have been investigated sorption atmosphere behavior. Foaming conducted using batch method based on rapid temperature increase after saturation with CO2. In order achieve welded foams, one-step processing for welding has established. Finally, compression Densities below 50 kg/m3 single 80 molded were achieved, respectively.