Preparation of microcellular composites with biomimetic structure via supercritical fluid technology

A new microcellular composite material with a biomimetic structure has been prepared via the supercritical fluid (SCF) technology. The resultant material has a clear biomimetic structure like bamboo and wood. The skin region is enriched with oriented high-strength thermotropic liquid crystal polymer fibrils, while the core region with polystyrene (PS) micro-cells. The diameter and density of microcells can be controlled by the processing parameters such as temperature and pressure. And the skin thickness can be controlled conveniently by varying the composition of polystyrene and liquid crystal polymer.