Macromolecular Materials and Engineering

Supercritical CO₂is used to prepare flame resistant SAN foams in an extruder, with the use of different kinds of nanoclays. When efficiently dispersed in a polymeric material at low loading (3–5wt.-%), this filler substantially reduces sample burning rate and prevents burning drop formation upon combustion. Those properties are highly desirable for safety purpose in view of housing applications for example.

Functionalized dendrimers or hyperbranched polymers are either covalently or non-covalently attached or embedded in ceramic substrates affording hybrid materials that, through a simple filtration process, sorb various organic or inorganic pollutants and effectively purify water.

Composites of EVA with cellulose fibers modified by grafting of MA and GMA were prepared by melt mixing and analyzed by SEM, WAXS, FT-IR, DSC, TGA, DMTA and tensile mechanical tests. An improved fiber/matrix adhesion was obtained in the modified systems due to chemical reactions occurring at the interface. Composites with GMA modified cellulose displayed better compatibility, higher thermal stability, elongation at break and tensile strength.