Objective:
Optimizing foam mechanical properties in the range of 2-5% solid volume fraction

Approach:
Apply micromechanical numerical techniques to better understand structure-property relationship for HIPE materials

Structure-property relationships in poly(HIPE)can be established using a computational micromechanical model:

• Dominant voids govern the compressive mechanical behavior of poly(HIPE) foams
• Curvilinear strut thickness of dominant voids determines the plateau response of poly(HIPE) foams
• Minor voids affect the microscopic modes of deformation

The model successfully matches the experimental data and can be used as a predictive tool

Morphology of simulated poly(HIPE) microstructure

Simulation of the compressive response of poly(HIPE)