Tensile, Elongation, Tear are three tests of foam quality. They are a simple way to determine the mechanical strength of a piece of foam. Tensile strength is the force required to pull apart a piece of foam and is expressed in pounds per square inch. Elongation is the amount the same piece of foam will stretch before it does pull apart. These two tests run simultaneously.
Tear strength is simply what the name implies and is the force required to actually tear the foam.
The value is expressed in pounds per linear inch. Other associate members include suppliers of raw materials, equipment and services for polyurethane foam producers. Most all of today's upholstered furniture, mattresses and automotive seating designs use polyurethane foam as the main cushing material. These foams provide lasting comfort and uncomprimized support. However, like all other organic materials, when they are exposed to an ignition source with enough heat, polyurethane foam products will burn.