Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology (Hardcover)

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