By using supercritical carbon dioxide as physical foaming agent
microcellular poly(lactic acid)/wood fiber(PLA/WF)composite foams were prepared in a batch process via depressurization.The cellular structures of the foamed PLA/WF composites were observed by means of scanning electron microscope.The effect of WF content on cellular structure was investigated by analyzing the microstructure and rheological properties of the PLA/WF composites.The addition of WF induced higher storage modulus and complex viscosity of the PLA/WF composites in the low frequency range
resulting in much more uniform cellular structure.Cell density increased and cell size decreased gradually with the increase of WF content.The uniformity of cellular shape and structure was high for the foamed composite sample with 10%(mass) WF
whereas the uniformity decreased for those with 20% and 30% WF.