Synergistic Effects of Chain Extender and Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) on the Foaming Behavior of High‐Performance Poly(butylene Succinate) Foams

This paper puts forward a strategy for the synergistic enhancement of the foaming properties of high‐performance poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) foams by using a chain extender and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) via supercritical fluid foaming. The study investigates the impact of the content of triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) on the rheological, crystallization and foaming properties of PBS. For the prepared PBS/TGIC foam, the maximum initial expansion ratio reaches 21 (while that of pure PBS is 13), the maximum expansion ratio after shrinkage is 7.77, and the minimum thermal conductivity is 37 mW m −1 K −1 . Also, the compressive strength of the foam increases from 123 kPa of pure PBS to a maximum of 162 kPa. When PMMA is added additionally, the maximum expansion ratio of PBS/TGIC/PMMA after final shrinkage is 9.1, the thermal conductivity drops to as low as 33 mW m −1 K −1 , and the compressive strength of the foam increases to 200 kPa. This research provides a simple, environmentally friendly and large‐scale approach to preparing high‐performance PBS‐based foam plastics. These foam plastics feature cushioning and heat‐preservation properties, and are applicable to fields such as electronics, home appliances, and sports.