Polymeric Foams Structure–Property–Performance: A Design Guide is a response to the design challenges faced by engineers in a growing market with evolving standards, new regulations, and an ever-increasing variety of application types for polymeric foam. Bernard Obi, an author with wide experience in testing, characterizing, and applying polymer foams, approaches this emerging complexity with a practical design methodology that focuses on understanding the relationship between structure–properties of polymeric foams and their performance attributes. The book not only introduces the fundamentals of polymer and foam science and engineering, but also goes more in-depth, covering foam processing, properties, and uses for a variety of applications. By connecting the diverse technologies of polymer science to those from foam science, and by linking both micro- and macrostructure–property relationships to key performance attributes, the book gives engineers the information required to solve pressing design problems involving the use of polymeric foams and to optimize foam performance. With a focus on applications in the automotive and transportation industries, as well as uses of foams in structural composites for lightweight applications, the author provides numerous case studies and design examples of real-life industrial problems from various industries and their solutions. Provides the science and engineering fundamentals relevant for solving polymer foam application problems Offers an exceptionally practical methodology to tackle the increasing complexity of real-world design challenges faced by engineers working with foams Discusses numerous case studies and design examples, with a focus on automotive and transportation Utilizes a practical design methodology focused on understanding the relationship between structure-properties of polymeric foams and their performance attributes

Foaming of polymeric materials enables weight reduction, which is very important from the economic point of view, but most of all, it should be considered as an excellent means to provide new properties to various polymeric materials. Permanent developments in foaming technologies allow manufacturing of foams with micro- and even nano-sized pores, expanding the already very wide range of their applications. Except for the most conventional applications, which include damping materials, thermal and acoustic insulation, packaging materials or absorbents, applications in catalysis, fuel cells, tissue engineering, and electromagnetic shielding, often associated with nanocellular structures, have become more and more popular. Moreover, having in mind the ongoing trends and law regulations, it is important to remember the environmental impact of polymeric foams. Recent technological developments often involve biodegradability of foams, application of environmentally friendly raw materials, and innovative recycling methods. Because of the richness of potential innovations and future developments, the Editors are pleased to present the Structure, Properties and Applications of Polymeric Foams book, a collection of papers from Materials Special Issue dealing with the structure, performance, and applications of polymeric foams.

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

Explores the Latest Developments in Polymeric FoamsSince the 1960s polymeric foams have grown into a solid industry that affects almost every aspect of modern life. The industry has weathered the energy crisis in the 70s, ozone issues in the 80s, and recycle/reuse in the 90s. However, the pace of development and social climate is rapidly changing a

From crash helmets to packaging, this is the complete guide to understanding, selecting, processing and working with polymer foams.

Advancements in polymer nanocomposite foams have led to their application in a variety of fields, such as automotive, packaging, and insulation. Employing nanocomposites in foam formation enhances their property profiles, enabling a broader range of uses, from conventional to advanced applications. Since many factors affect the generation of nanostructured foams, a thorough understanding of structure–property relationships in foams is important. Polymer Nanocomposite Foams presents developments in various aspects of nanocomposite foams, providing information on using composite nanotechnology for making functional foams to serve a variety of applications. Featuring contributions from experts in the field, this book reviews synthesis and processing techniques for preparing poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite foams and discusses strategies for toughening polymer foams. It summarizes the effects of adding nanoclay on polypropylene foaming behavior and describes routes to starch foams for improved performance. The books also reviews progress in achieving high-performance lightweight polymer nanocomposite foams while keeping desired mechanical properties, examines hybrid polyurethane nanocomposite foams, and covers polymer–clay nanocomposite production. The final chapters present recent advances in the field of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite aerogels and related materials as well as a review of the nanocomposite foams generated from high-performance thermoplastics. Summing up the most recent research developments in the area of polymer nanocomposite foams, this book provides background information for readers new to the field and serves as a reference text for researchers.

This Handbook reviews the chemistry, manufacturing methods, properties and applications of the synthetic polymer foams used in most applications. In addition, a chapter is included on the fundamental principles, which apply to all polymer foams. There is also a chapter on the blowing agents used to expand polymers and a chapter is on microcellular foams - a relatively new development where applications are still being explored.

This book is the inaugural volume a series entitled Polymeric Foams: Technology and Applications. Generally, thermoplastic and thermoset foams have been treated as two separate practices in industry. Polymeric Foams: Mechanisms and Materials presents the basics of foaming in general build a strong foundation to those working in both thermoplastic a

This volume contains the proceedings of the 2000 International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. The book captures a snapshot view of the state of the art in the field of mechanics and will be invaluable to engineers and scientists from a variety of disciplines.