Zotefoams makes progress with microcellular foams

Developed by Mucell Extrusion, a joint venture company set up in 2008 by US-based Mucell process developer Trexel and Zotefoams, the production system comprises a tandem extusion line comprised of 85mm and 110mm extruders producing a 1.3m wide foam sheet. The line is producing LDPE-based products using liquid CO2 as the foaming agent.

“The Mucell extrusion process is a hugely interesting technology,” says David Stirling, managing director at Zotefoams. “It is environmentally friendly, can be retrofitted to existing extrusion lines and offers product features that just can’t be made with standard extrusion technology.”

The Mucell process forms a microcellular closed cell foam with a sub-100 micron structure and is said to be expecially useful in production of light density foams for applications such as seals and tapes. It also holds potential in thermoforming applications where top load and impact properties are critical.