Microwave foaming
AssigneeBASF SE
InventorsFrank PRISSOK, Michael Harms
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a process for foaming thermoplastic elastomers comprising a blowing agent, where the elastomer is heated by means of electromagnetic radiation to such an extent that the elastomer at least partly melts and foams to give a foam, wherein the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation is in the range from 0.01 GHz to 300 GHz. Further subject matter encompasses materials suitable for this process and the use thereof.
Claims17
A process for foaming a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a blowing agent, the process comprising:
- heating the elastomer via electromagnetic radiation to such an extent that the elastomer at least partly melts and thus foams to give a foam,
- wherein
- the electromagnetic radiation is applied at a frequency ranging from 0.01 GHz to 300 GHz, and
- the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer and a thermoplastic copolyamide.
A process for foaming a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a blowing agent, the processing comprising:
- heating the elastomer via electromagnetic radiation so that the blowing agent expands the elastomer,
- wherein
- the electromagnetic radiation is applied at a frequency ranging from 0.01 GHz to 300 GHz, and
- the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer and a thermoplastic copolyamide.
A thermoplastic elastomer, comprising
- a blowing agent and
- at least one additive,
- wherein the additive absorbs electromagnetic radiation.
A method for producing a mold for a foamed elastomer, the method comprising:
- preparing the mold from glass, ceramic, or polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.