Lee S.-T., Park C.B., Ramesh N.S. Polymeric foams: science and technology

Handbook. — Boca Raton, CRC Press, 2007. — 204 p.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.Chapter 1 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
Chapter 2 Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Equilibrium
Super-Saturation
Reactions and their Kinetics
Melt/Gas Rheology
Crystallization Kinetics
Transport Phenomena: Diffusion and Permeation
Chapter 3 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
Chapter 4 General Foam Processing Technologies
Foam Extrusion
Thermoset Reactive Foaming
Foam Injection Molding
X-Linked Polyolefin Foam
Molded Bead
Foamed Film
Areogel
Chapter 5 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
Chapter 6 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
Chapter 7 Wood Composite FoamsChallenges 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 WPCChapter 8 Biodegradable FoamsDefinition 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