Key processing parameters for microcellular molded polystyrene material

Microcellular injection molding was used as processing method to generate porous samples made of polystyrene material. A promising application for this kind of structures is the use as three dimensional cell culture substrate. The influence of key processing parameters on the morphology of the porous structures was examined. An increase in injection speed and a temperature decrease of the polymer melt decreased pore sizes whereas an increase in the degree of weight reduction increased pore sizes. Polystyrene samples with average pore sizes from 23 to 92 μm were produced.