Foams are gas filled integral structures in which the gas is finely dispersed throughout acontinuouslyconnected solid phase. The bulk density is usually substantially lower than that of the solid component, and for the foams which form the focus for this book the volume fraction of the gas phase is considerably greater than 0.5 and in most instances in excess of 0.9. Many ofthe materials encountered in every day experience, such as bread, plants and trees, structural materials for buildings, comfort materials for domestic and automotive seating, shock absorbers or car bumpers and materials for noise control, have one thing in common - the cellular nature of their physical structure. Whyare thesestructuressoimportantin the naturaland man-made world? The reasons are both technical and commercial. From a technical viewpoint cellular materials offer: 1. high specific stiffness and strength - making them suitable for structural applications; 2. closeto idealenergymanagement - hencetheir useinthermalandacoustic insulation, vibration damping, acoustic absorption and shock mitigation; and 3. comfort - hence their use for domestic and automotive seating.

I am pleased to present the Fifth Edition of the Plastics Engineering Handbook. Last published in 1976, this version of the standard industry reference on plastics processing incorporates the numerous revisions and additions necessitated by 14 years of activity in a dynamic industry. At that last printing, then-SPI President Ralph L. Harding, Jr. anticipated that plastics pro duction would top 26 billion pounds in 1976 (up from 1.25 billion in 1947, when the First Edition of this book was issued). As I write, plastics production in the United States had reached almost 60 billion pounds annually. Indeed, the story of the U.S. plastics industry always has been one of phenomenal growth and unparalleled innovation. While these factors make compilation of a book such as this difficult, they also make it necessary. Thus I acknowledge all those who worked to gather and relate the information included in this 1991 edition and thank them for the effort it took to make the Plastics Engineering Handbook a definitive source and invaluable tool for our industry. Larry L. Thomas President The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.

Drawing on over 45 years of hands-on experience, the author provides in-depth knowledge of water-blown cellular polymers, from their chemistry to formulation and process methodology. This book describes the manufacture of standard and specialty foams using new and emerging technologies. The author gives advice on the challenges foam producers commonly face with regard to formulations and makes recommendations for machinery and equipment.

Cellular polymers or foamed polymers are an important branch of plastics and are an essential part of daily life. Some of the major sectors of use are bedding, automotive, building construction, furniture, sound/thermal insulation, and packaging.Due to growing global concerns with regard to air pollution, research has led to the fascinating concept of using water as the sole blowing agent to create cellular foams as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based blowing agents (which contribute to air pollution). This strategy has created other possibilities of better and safer foams, and reduced costs are also considerable.With over 45 years of hands-on experience, the author provides in-depth knowledge of water-blown cellular polymers, from their chemistry to formulation and process methodology to produce quality foams. This exciting new phase of the polymer industry is presented in detail with regard to manufacture of standard foams as well as specialty foams. Such descriptions are based on new and emerging technologies, including the challenges and solutions foam producers must face with formulations as well as recommendations for machinery and equipment.This is a comprehensive presentation of all aspects of the technology required to produce water-blown cellular foams with different polymers to meet market demands. This book provides theoretical and practical information as well as guidance, and is an ideal source of information for libraries, students, teachers, foam producers and entrepreneurs.

In this new edition of their classic work on Cellular Solids, the authors have brought the book completely up to date, including new work on processing of metallic and ceramic foams and on the mechanical, electrical and acoustic properties of cellular solids. Data for commercially available foams are presented on material property charts; two new case studies show how the charts are used for selection of foams in engineering design. Over 150 references appearing in the literature since the publication of the first edition are cited. The text summarises current understanding of the structure and mechanical behaviour of cellular materials, and the ways in which they can be exploited in engineering design. Cellular solids include engineering honeycombs and foams (which can now be made from polymers, metals, ceramics and composites) as well as natural materials, such as wood, cork and cancellous bone.