Use of inert gases in extruded medium density polypropylene foams

Carbon dioxide gas was used as a physical blowing agent to produce medium density polypropylene foam sheets using a single screw extruder. The mechanical properties of the foam were similar in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. A better surface finish and a lower density foam was produced by using a commercial wrapping film as a cap layer. The process conditions and die design data are presented in an attempt to relate to product characteristics.