Polymeric Foams And Foam Technology

This handbook covers the major classes of polymeric foams and discusses their chemistry, properties, preparation methods including commercial processes, and applications. Fundamental aspects of foam are discussed in the first three chapters. Specific classes are discussed in Chapters 4 to 17, and include polyurethane and isocyanate-based polymeric foams, polystyrene, polyolefin, poly (vinyl chloride), epoxy, urea-formaldehyde, latex rubber, silicones, fluoropolymers, and syntactic foams. The final chapter discusses blowing agents for polymer foams.

Since the publication of the previous edition of this book over a decade ago, 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. This new edition addresses these developments and also presents several new classes of foam brought to industrial applications in recent years.

Information presented should interest both industrial and academic scientists and engineers who are engaged in research, basic applied development, and production of polymeric foams of all types. In addition, individuals engaged in marketing of foams or foam raw materials will find this book of practical value. It can also be used as a textbook for a course on polymeric foams.