The updated edition of this handbook depicts all classes of polymeric foams including their chemistry, synthesis, commercial production methods, structure and properties, and applications. It is designed to support engineers in their effort to develop practical solutions for industrial design and manufacturing challenges. Since the publication of the previous edition, many of the industry's most pressing problems — including environmentally acceptable blowing agents, combustibility, and solid waste disposal — have been addressed and significant progress has been made. The new edition covers these developments, and presents several new classes of foam brought to commercial production in recent years.

From the Preface: “Use of polymeric foams in today's technology continues to grow at a rapid pace throughout the world. Numerous reasons for this growth include light weight, excellent strength/weight ratio, superior insulating abilities, energy absorbing performance (including shock, vibration, and sound), and comfort features of polymeric foams. Foams can be prepared from virtually any polymer; all that is necessary is the introduction or generation of a gas within the polymer matrix. Selection of polymers suitable for industrial foam applications depends upon their properties, their ease of manufacture, and the economics of the foaming system...”

Target Audience: Industrial and academic scientists and technologists who are engaged in research, basic applied development, and production of polymeric foams of all types.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Fundamentals of Foam Formation

Cellular Structure and Properties of Foamed Polymers

Flexible Polyurethane Foams

Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Polyisocyanurate Foams

Polystyrene and Structural Foam

Polyolefin Foam

PVC Foams

Epoxy Foams

Latex Foam and Sponge

Silicone Foams

Fluoropolymer Foams

Wood Flour Composite Foams

Phenolic Foams

Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Foams

Syntactic Polymer Foams

Blowing Agents for Polymeric Foams

Appendices

Index