Andreas Steurer

Mr. Andreas Steurer


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
20 January 2025 in Journal of Composites Science
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CPClaudia Pretschuh
Claudia Pretschuh
MMMatthias Mihalic
Matthias Mihalic
CSChristian Sponner
Christian Sponner
TLThomas Lummerstorfer
Thomas Lummerstorfer
ASAndreas Steurer
Andreas Steurer
CUChristoph Unterweger
Christoph Unterweger
The use of cellulose fiber-filled polypropylene (PP) composites in combination with foam injection molding has enabled the lightweight design of injection-molded parts. The study provides achievements for the physical foam injection molding (MuCell®) process of PP–cellulose fiber compounds by using CO2 as the direct foaming agent, including a comparison of MuCell® foaming with N2 and a comparison to a chemical foaming process. Weight and density reductions, foam structure and specific mechanical properties are highly dependent on the applied processing parameters. The maximum weight reduction reached values of up to 16%, and density reduction even reached 33% in relation to the compact plates. The extent of weight and density reduction could be adjusted, among other factors, by a reduction in the shot volume. Setting the density reduction to 22% allowed for simultaneously decreasing weight while sustaining the specific flexural properties and limiting the loss of specific impact strength. By using optimized FIM parameters, the mechanical performance could be improved, with specific modulus values even outperforming the compact reference sample. This presents a significant benefit for the preparation of lightweight products and sets the basis for further optimization and modeling studies.