Multifunctional

cellular materials

Many strategic sectors of today’s society demand materials with advanced properties. Strategies to produce such advanced materials focus on the use of complex multiphase formulations and novel production processes. This combination allows the development of tailor-made materials with different functionalities capable of maximizing their performance.

The understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the formation of multiphase cellular materials, together with an in-depth knowledge of the phenomena occurring during the foaming process, has enabled the CellMat Laboratory to develop multifunctional cellular materials.

The use of conventional and non-conventional experimental techniques and the use of advanced modelling of physical properties are the key factors that have allowed the creation of this line of research.

Cellular structure of a polymeric foam characterized by X-ray tomography

A “three” phases model: Wall + struts + gas phase

Javier Pinto

Professor of Condensed Matter Physics

Miguel Ángel Rodríguez

Full Professor of Condensed Matter Physics

Fields of activity

  • Foamability analysis of formulations: Thermal and rheological techniques.
  • Use of ex-situ and in-situ characterization techniques to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the formation of foams based on complex multiphase formulations.
  • Characterization and modeling (analytical and FEM) of physical properties.
X-ray radioscopy video showing the internal structure of a thermoplastic foam during foaming. From these type of videos it is possible to obtain information about density evolution with time and foaming mechanisms
Optical expandometry video of a thermoplastic foam
Video obtained using thermography showing the increase in temperature taking place during the foaming process of polyurethane. From this type of videos it is possible to obtain the volumetric expansion and kinetics of growing for these materials
Multiaxial impact behavior of structural foams with different cell sizes and skin thickness

Projects

We can help you

What research or innovation do you need?

Contact