Microwave Foaming of Materials: An Emerging Field

Zubair, Mukarram; Ferrari, Rebecca; Alagha, Omar; Mu�azu, Nuhu Dalhat; Blaisi, Nawaf I.; Ateeq, Ijlal Shahrukh; Manzar, Mohammad Saood

Abstract

In the last two decades, the application of microwave heating to the processing of materials has to become increasingly widespread. Microwave-assisted foaming processes show promise for industrial commercialization due to the potential advantages that microwaves have shown compared to conventional methods. These include reducing process time, improved energy efficiency, solvent-free foaming, reduced processing steps, and improved product quality. However, the interaction of microwave energy with foaming materials, the effects of critical processing factors on microwave foaming behavior, and the foamed product’s final properties are still not well-explored. This article reviews the mechanism and principles of microwave foaming of different materials. The article critically evaluates the impact of influential foaming parameters such as blowing agent, viscosity, precursor properties, microwave conditions, additives, and filler on the interaction of microwave, foaming material, physical (expansion, cellular structure, and density), mechanical, and thermal properties of the resultant foamed product. Finally, the key challenges and opportunities for developing industrial microwave foaming processes are identified, and areas for potential future research works are highlighted.

Citation

Zubair, M., Ferrari, R., Alagha, O., Mu’azu, N. D., Blaisi, N. I., Ateeq, I. S., & Manzar, M. S. (2020). Microwave Foaming of Materials: An Emerging Field. Polymers, 12(11), Article 2477. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112477

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 22, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Oct 25, 2020
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Nov 5, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 11, 2020
• Journal: Polymers
• Electronic ISSN: 2073-4360
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 11
• Article Number: 2477
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112477
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5008825
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/12/11/2477