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FOAMS 2012 September 12-13, Barcelona |
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Foams 2012 meets Europe! |
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| The conference Foams 2012 organized by SPE will be held in Spain (first ever out of USA). Topics cover any aspect related to foamed materials and foaming technologies. Join this unique oportunity!!! |
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Cellmat
CellMat was founded in 1999 with the main objective of performing investigations on cellular materials. The research is aimed at developing novel production processes and new cellular materials. An additional goal is to generate new knowledge on the “processing-structure-properties” relationships for these materials. The topics covered by this laboratory are connected to the production, structural characterisation, physical properties, modelling and applications of both polymeric and metallic cellular materials. Group´s ObjectivesProductionFoaming mechanismsStructureModellingPropertiesApplications
CellMat is able to produce laboratory-scale cellular materials based on polymers and metals by using different technologies. The next table lists the main processing routes available at Cellmat. The ranges of relative density associated to each production technique and the typical structures for materials produced using these methods are also shown.
Further information and details are available at:
The laboratory owns the facilities to perform a full characterisation of the microstructure of cellular materials. Both the structure/morphology of the matrix material (metallic or polymeric) and the cellular structure characteristics can be evaluated. The table shows the main techniques used and the characteristics measured:
Further information and details are available at: Laboratories>> Microstructural Characterization
Properties The laboratory has facilities for measuring the following properties:
Further information and details are available at: Laboratories >> Mechanical characterization Laboratories>> Thermal characterization Laboratories>> Other techniques
In the last years CellMat has developed diverse image-based devices and testing facilities to “in-situ” study diverse fabrication processes as well as diverse properties.
Videos about these mentioned techniques can be found in: Further information and details are available at: Laboratories >> Foaming mechanisms
Moreover, CellMat is experienced in using models to analyse the “processing-structure-properties” relationships by means of analytical predictive models and FEA in case of more complex systems (see publications of the research team).
Further information and details are available at:
The wide experience of this laboratory on the production, structure and properties of cellular materials has allowed developing “tailored materials” for several applications. Novel materials for several industrial areas have been created in the last years. Some examples are given:
These novel pipes with microcellular structures allow saving a 35% raw material in comparison with conventional pipes maintaining at the same time the mechanical properties.
Microcellular plastic pipes and their cellular structure
2. Plastic parts with integral structure produced in low-cost moulds The new parts have an integral structure (skin-core morphology) which has high quality surface properties. The processing route can use complex but low-cost moulds.
Integral cellular plastic parts and a radiography of its structure
3. Optimization of polyolefin based foams for thermoforming New formulations have been developed to optimise the behaviour and properties of polyolefin foams when they are thermoformed.
Optimum polyolefin foams for thermoforming applications
4. Aluminium foams as filler of hollow structures Diverse aircraft parts, in which the aluminium foams act as filler, have been designed, fabricated and tested. Using this concept it has been possible to achieved weight reduction of the original part improving at the same time the mechanical properties. Typical example of this concept is the leading edge of an aircraft wing.
Leading edge prototype based on aluminium foam
The main targets of CellMat are: 1. Developing new cellular materials and new fabrication routes of cellular materials of interest for several market sectors such as automotive, aeronautic, renewable energies, construction, packing, biotechnology, etc. 2. Developing scientific and technical investigation of international excellence in cellular material’s field. 3. Technological transfer of the developed materials, processes and fabrication routes. 4. Training for young scientists specialized in materials science and technology. Aiming them to be ready for both academic field and industry. 5. Training for industry technicians Last Updated (Thursday, 08 March 2012 18:36) |
