Microcellular foam of polymer blends of HDPE/PP and their composites with wood fiber

Abstract In this study, the effects of batch processing conditions (foaming time and temperature) and blend composition as well as the effect of incorporating wood fiber into the blends on the crystallinity, sorption behavior of CO 2 , void fraction, and cellular morphology of microcellular foamed high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/polypropylene (PP) blends and their composites with wood fiber were studied. Blending decreased the crystallinity of HDPE and PP and facilitated microcellular foam production in blend materials. The void fraction was strongly dependent on the processing conditions and on blend composition. Foamed samples with a high void fraction were not always microcellular. The addition of wood fiber inhibited microcellular foaming. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2842–2850, 2003