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Highly networked liquid foam structures using water, air, oil and colloidal particles.
About
Inventors at Georgia Tech have developed highly networked liquid foam structures using water, air, a water-immiscible solvent (oil), and colloidal particles. Standard frothing technologies can be applied to manufacture the foam. Many different types of oils (including standard solvents such as alkanes or silicone oil, and monomers such as trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, TMPTMA) and many different types of particles (including polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, silica, and cellulosic particles) can be used. It is even possible to make the entire foam biocompatible, biodegradable, or edible, and additional processing allows to tune the thermal and electric conductivity. Dyes optionally added to the oil phase can impart intense and uniform coloration to the foam that is not achievable with standard foams. Solid foams can be obtained by drying, and the choice of curable oils or incorporation of reactive components offer further options for reinforcement.
Key Benefits
The invention is easily attainable and economically feasible raw materials- water is used as the primary bulk fluid and air is used as the bubble gas. It has the ability to alter the porosity and strength levels of the foam structure and customization option of adding dye to customize the color of the foam structure. Simple mixing and drying techniques are used to formulate and produce the capillary foam materials.
Applications
This new material holds the potential of expanding the usage of foams in many different applications. The structures are relevant in all of the traditional applications, such as building construction, insulation, specialty packaging, personal care, and shock absorption, while also facilitating the development of new materials in industries such as biomedicine, advanced electronics, or food processing.