Foamed Plastics

Abstract

This article is concerned with the general theory of expansion, manufacturing processes, properties, and applications of foamed (cellular) plastics. The high strength‐to‐weight ratio, excellent insulating properties, and cushioning properties of cellular plastics have contributed to the development and growth of the broad range of cellular plastics in use. The total usage of foamed plastics in the United States has risen from 441 thousand metric tons in 1967 to 1.6 million metric tons in 1982 and has been projected to rise to about 2.8 million metric tons in 1995. The manufacturing processes for cellular polymers are described in terms of three classified methods based on the cell growth and stabilization processes. The properties of cellular plastics including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and environmental aging properties, are summarized. A general discussion is given on the properties of cellular plastic necessary in many applications such as the comfort cushioning, thermal insulation, packaging, structural components, buoyancy, electrical insulation, and space‐filling markets. A brief discussion is also given on the process economics, raw materials, and energy considerations for the commercial products of primary importance.

Toughness of aluminium alloy foams

“…There is a developing literature on the mechanics of foams, see for example Gibson and Ashby [10]. Reviews of earlier work can be found in the articles by Suh and Skochdopole [11] and by Suh and Webb [12], and in the books edited by Wendle [13], Hilyard [14], Hilyard and Cunningham [15] and Banhart [16].…”

Preparation of a Polymeric Foam: An Activity Designed to Increase Teachers’ Awareness of the Utility of Condensation Polymerization

“…This is also true in the US system, with the introduction of the NGSS. 6 However, the preparation of polyurethane and polystyrene foams in a classroom environment, although not impossible, 7 does offer some practical challenges associated with exposure to toxic reactants, such as isocyanates.…”

“…Typical applications of polymeric foams include packaging materials, upholstery, and insulation. Polymeric foams can be prepared from a number of chemistries and methods, but most common types routinely used include polyurethanes and polystyrene . However, the preparation of polyurethane and polystyrene foams in a classroom environment, although not impossible, does offer some practical challenges associated with exposure to toxic reactants, such as isocyanates.…”

“…There are other chemistries that are more appropriate for active experimentation by science pupils. One such chemistry type is urea-formaldehyde (UF), which is routinely applied in the wood bonding industry for preparing wood panel boards . UF polymeric foams have also been used as insulation in residential dwellings .…”

Drop Weight Impact Analysis of Laminated Polyurethane Foam/Cloisite 30B Clay

“…Polymers are foamed by introducing gas bubbles into the liquid monomer or hot polymer, allowing the bubbles to grow and stabilize, and then solidifying the whole thing by cross-linking or cooling [2]. According to Gibson and Ashby [3], there are three sorts of polymer that are used to make foams: thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers.…”