Polymeric foams are sturdy yet lightweight materials with applications across a variety of industries, from packaging to aerospace. As demand for these materials increase, so does innovation in the development of new processes and products. This book captures the most dynamic advances in processes, technologies, and products related to the polymeric foam market. It describes the latest business trends including new microcellular commercialization, sustainable foam products, and nanofoams. It also discusses novel processes, new and environmentally friendly blowing agents, and the development and usage of various types of foams, including bead and polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyetherimide microcellular, and nanocellular. The book also covers flame-retardant foams, rigid foam composites, and foam sandwich composites and details applications in structural engineering, electronics, and insulation. Authored by leading experts in the field, this book minimizes the gap between research and application in this important and growing area.

Explores the Latest Developments in Polymeric Foams Since the 1960s polymeric foams have grown into a solid industry that affects almost every aspect of modern life. The industry has weathered the energy crisis in the 70s, ozone issues in the 80s, and recycle/reuse in the 90s. However, the pace of development and social climate is rapidly changing again, putting the spotlight even more firmly on performance, sustainable resources, and energy security. Coverage of New Products, Technologies, and Regulations Exploring new concepts, innovations, and developments in the field, Polymeric Foams: Technology and Development in Regulation, Process, and Products provides an international perspective on the direction of foam technologies and applications, focusing on the progress in blowing agent research and hydrofluorocarbons for the polyurethane foam industry. The text covers new foam products, including PP/PS interpolymer, nano-, and biodegradable foams. It also examines new technologies, such as injection foam molding and PVC foam; industry and environmental regulations; and research on foam performance, emission impact, and economic effects. Clearly Follows the Development Process As in most fields these days, efforts to be environmentally friendly and achieve enhanced performance for specialty applications drive research and development. Presenting a clear picture of the development process, this book covers not only new directions in the industry, but how they will impact current and future development.

Polymers are among the major hallmarks of 20th-century science, and the explosive outgrowth and tremendous importance of polymeric foams is a testament to their amazing versatility and unique properties. With applications from automotive to acoustic and medical, polymeric foams pervade all areas of our lives. If this growth is to continue into the new millennium, especially in light of stringent environmental regulations, a strong understanding of the basic science and the major technologies behind foam production is critical. Written by experienced and accomplished leaders in the field, Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals, technologies, applications, and recent developments. The authors first outline the basic principles and fundamental foaming mechanisms, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, and the basics of blowing agents and foam formation. Foaming technologies and product applications then become the focus, with explanations of structure-property relationships, processing methods, and general types of foams. The book concludes with chapters on recent developments in composite and biodegradable foams that illustrate how to tailor processing to meet application needs. Illuminating the role of polymeric foams in the modern materials landscape, Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology is the perfect guide for developing innovative materials that achieve better performance and regulatory compliance.

This book represents the first in a series entitled Polymeric Foams: Technology and Applications. Generally, thermoplastic and thermoset foams have been treated as two separate practices in industry. Polymeric Foams: Mechanisms and Materials provides the basics of foaming in general, providing a convenient and strong foundation to those working in both thermoplastic and thermoset foams. The book addresses scientific principles behind polymeric foaming and presents foaming chemistry and physics, resin and blowing agents, and foaming mechanisms in separate chapters, thus providing an overall and fundamental understanding of foaming for polymeric foam products and processes.

Polymeric foams are sturdy yet lightweight materials with applications across a variety of industries, from packaging to aerospace. As demand for these materials increase, so does innovation in the development of new processes and products. This book captures the most dynamic advances in processes, technologies, and products related to the polymeric foam market. It describes the latest business trends including new microcellular commercialization, sustainable foam products, and nanofoams. It also discusses novel processes, new and environmentally friendly blowing agents, and the development and usage of various types of foams, including bead and polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyetherimide microcellular, and nanocellular. The book also covers flame-retardant foams, rigid foam composites, and foam sandwich composites and details applications in structural engineering, electronics, and insulation. Authored by leading experts in the field, this book minimizes the gap between research and application in this important and growing area.