This volume describes current trends in technology, regulations, processes, and product developments affecting the polymeric foam research community. It provides an international perspective on the direction of foam technologies and applications, focusing on advancements in Europe, where there has been great progress in research on blowing agents and other environmentally-friendly technologies. The text covers new foam products including PP/PS interpolymer foams, nano-foams, and biodegradable foams; it also addresses research on foam performance, industry and environmental regulations, emissions impact, and economics.

From the Preface: “...[I]nnovations in foam science and technology made the development of new applications and improvements in industry performance possible. It is no wonder this industry continues healthy growth into the 21st century...[T]he pace of development and the social climate are rapidly changing. As reflected at the recent foam conferences, performance, sustainable resources, and energy security are becoming increasingly important...”

Target Audience: Technologists, engineers, upper-level students, and other researchers interested in polymeric foams.

Table of Contents:

History and Trends of Polymeric Foams: From Process/Product to Performance/Regulation

Development of Endothermic Chemical Foaming/Nucleation Agents and Its Processes

Foam Extrusion Using Carbon Dioxide as a Blowing Agent

Processes and Process Analysis of Foam Injection Molding with Physical Blowing Agents

Foaming Analysis of Poly(e-Caprolactone) and Poly(Lactic Acid) and Their Nanocomposites

Nanostructure Development and Foam Processing in Polymer/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

New Material Developments from the Nitrogen Autoclave Process

Polystyrene Foam and Its Improvement in Vacuum Insulated Panel Insulation

Index