1st Edition

Polymeric Foams Science and Technology

    238 Pages 126 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    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.

    INTRODUCTION TO POLYMERIC FOAMS
    Basic Considerations on Foams, Foaming, and Foamed Polymers
    History of Polymeric Foams
    Foam Structure and Properties
    Blowing Agents
    Environmental Issues and Technical Challenges
    Thermoplastic and Thermoset
    Polymeric Foam Technology
    Applications and Usage
    THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETICS
    Equilibrium
    Super-Saturation
    Reactions and their Kinetics
    Melt/Gas Rheology
    Crystallization Kinetics
    Transport Phenomena: Diffusion and Permeation
    FOAMING FUNDAMENTALS
    Physical Blowing Agents
    Chemical Blowing Agents
    Reactive Foaming
    Emulsion: Chemical Solution
    Nucleation in Batch, Continuous, and Reaction Foaming
    Growth
    Cell Coalescence and Rupture
    Solidification and Curing
    GENERAL FOAM PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
    Foam Extrusion
    Thermoset Reactive Foaming
    Foam Injection Molding
    X-Linked Polyolefin Foam
    Molded Bead
    Foamed Film
    Areogel
    RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FOAM STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES
    Effects of Foam Density
    Open Cell Content and Its Effects
    Key Properties: Energy Absorption, Insulation, Sound Absorption, and Mechanical Properties
    Cell Size Distribution and Its Effects
    Dimensional Stability
    Residual Blowing Agent
    X-Linked Content
    GENERAL POLYMERIC FOAMS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
    Flexible and Rigid Polyurethane (PU) Foams
    Polystyrene Foams: Sheet and Slab
    Polyolefin Foams: PE, PP, and Blends
    Other Foams
    WOOD COMPOSITE FOAMS
    Introduction
    Challenges to and Processing Strategies for the Development of WPC Foams
    WPC Foams in Batch Processing
    Foaming of WPCs with Chemical Blowing Agents in Extrusion
    Foaming of WPCs with Physical Blowing Agents (PBAs) in Extrusion
    WPC Foams in Injection Molding
    Innovative Stretching Technology and WPC Foams
    Effects of Nano-Clay on WPC Foams and Their Flame Retardancy
    Current Foaming Technology and Markets for WPC
    Summary
    BIODEGRADABLE FOAMS
    Introduction
    Definition of Biodegradability
    Biodegradable Polymers
    Advantages and Disadvantages
    Degradation Mechanisms
    Development of Biodegradable Foams
    Extrusion of Novel Water Soluble PVOH Foams
    Starch Foams
    Polylactic Acid (PLA) Polymer
    Future Work
    Nomenclature
    REFERENCES
    INDEX

    Biography

    Shau-Tarng Lee, Chul B. Park, N. S. Ramesh

    "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."

    – In Cellulose Chemistry &Technology, 2008, Vol. 42