Foamed solids, generic

== Description ==
A two-phase system consisting of air pockets or bubbles in a solid matrix. Foams have been developed using various precursors, such as polymers, metals, ceramics and even plants, in order to produce low-density, lighter weight structures with increased mechanical properties. Solid foam examples include: bread, cork, sponge, coral, wood, pumice stone, marshmallows, foam rubber, Styrofoam®, and many other synthetic polymers. Additionally some are soft and spongy (foam rubber, polyethylene, etc.) or rigid and strong (polystyrene, epoxy). Steam, air, or an inert gas is mechanically added or chemically produced in the plastic resins during manufacture to form a cured open cellular structure. Closed-cell foams have individual non-connected bubbles while open-cell foams have an interconnected tunnels formed when the incorporated gas or steam escapes during cure. 
In general, the properties of a foam correlate to the shape and structure of their pores. The two main groups of structures are closed or open cells. 
* Closed-cell foams have a cellular structure with air bubbles trapped within individual pockets that produces rigid, insulating buoyant materials with high compressive strength.
* Open-cell foams have an interconnected cellular structure in which air can flow through continuous channels; these foams are generally flexible and permeable. 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
foamed plastic; goma espuma (Esp.); plastique expensé (Fr.); mousse de plastique (Fr.); plastic foam (AAT preferred); foam rubber; expanded plastic; cellular plastic; Styrofoam;
==Comparison Table==
FOAMS 	Production/Structure 	Characteristics 	Common Applications 	Commercial examples 	Working properties 	Risks
Chloroprene 	thermoset; closed-cell or open-cell 	Soft, flexible, form-fitting sponge rubber, with good thermal and moisture insulation; resistant to sunlight and oxidation; closed-cell is waterproof, open-cell is breathable; both are inert and flame resistant 	wetsuits; sports equipment, insulated food holders, mouse pads, vibration mats; gaskets, seals 	Neoprene 	 	May cause allergic reactions; attacked by most acids and organic solvents
Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA or PEVA) 	thermoplastic, closed-cell 	Has wide density range; provides good insulation, chemical and moisture resistance; buoyant, durable; resistant to UV deterioration 	packaging; shoes, underlayment, marine and sports products, construction, toys, mats; shock absorber 	Evasote, Sponge Aero Rubber 	Easy to work with; can be heat formed 	Can emit vinegar odor; EVA (#7) can not be easily recycled.
Nylon (polyamide) 	thermoplastic, closed-cell 	Lightweight, tough, strong, very durable; resistant to high temperatures, weathering and most chemicals; does not absorb gases or water; thermal and acoustical insulator 	seals and gaskets, hard body armor padding, transmission seals, energy absorbing panels 	Nomex; Zotek-NB50; Polyamide-NB 	Can be heat formed and used in direct contact with objects 	Very inert
Polyethylene (PEF) 	thermoplastic, closed-cell 	Strong, resilient; shock-absorbing, good insulator, buoyant; water-resistant; inert to biological attack; can be recycled (#4) 	cushioning, packaging, flotation devices; not as good for cushioning as PUR in crates, but can work around that by using things like springs for shock absorption 	Ethafoam, Plastazote, Polyplank, Volara, Minicel, Cellaire; Sentinel; Supazote 	Many variations in thicknesses and texture, stiffer than polyurethane; can be heat-sealed 	Highly inert but best not to use in direct contact with objects; may emit methane and ethylene
Polypropylene (EPP) 	thermoplastic, closed-cell 	Lightweight, flexible, durable, non-dusting structural foam with very good cushioning properties; may have a longer lifetime than PE foams; readily resumes original shape; breathable; chemically inert; may be recycled (#5) 	shipping plants; lining boxes, flotation devices 	Microfoam; Propafoam; Polypro; Polyzote; Strandfoam 	May be used adjacent to objects 	Poor resistance to UV and high temperatures; not recommended for outdoor use
Polystyrene (expanded-EPS or extruded-XPS)	thermoset, closed-cell 	XPS is extruded polystyrene is lightweight, rigid, dimensionally stable, resistant to moisture and heat; will not rot or mildew (non-biodegradable); XPS does not crush as easily EPS; used as a substitute for cardboard 	cups, food containers, egg cartons; craft projects, insulation 	Styrene foam; Styrofoam (EPS); Foamular; Fome-cor; Gatorfoam; Gatorplast; Ultraboard; Foamular; Blue Board (XPS)	Stiff enough to hold plywood; can be built into a structure that has wood elements; easy to cut 	XPS may crumble releasing puffed beads at cut edges; degraded by sunlight; added flame retardants may release hazardous components; polystyrenes (#6) can be separated and downcycled into new products.
Polyurethane 	thermoset; open-cell 	Flexible, soft, good compression memory with uniform texture, wide variety of densities; good only for temporary uses (i.e. crates) or outer crates; Crates should be opened when possible to not let volatiles accumulate inside the crate	Cushioning in furniture, packaging; sound insulation; vibration dampening; most desirable properties are its sponginess and ability to be compressed; museum transport (decreasing use); better for cushioning than polyethylenes; widely used for crates, outer crates, carts and A frames	Tempur-pedic; Memory foam; Sorbothane; Corafoam; Coralight 	Must be lined with something like Nomex; good for small cavities because it is so pliable it gives the cavity a spongy quality; possible to re-use if not degraded	not inert; deterioration (brittle, crumbly, discolored, acidic) with time that is accelerated by UV and humidity; hygroscopic; highly flammable (added flame retardants may release hazardous components); polyurethane can be separated and downcycled.
Polyvinyl chloride 	thermoset, closed-cell 	Flexible, durable, high density, resistant to water, and abrasions; used in many laminated foamboards 	gaskets; weatherstripping; flooring, outdoor and marine applications; signs and displays, scale models 	PVC Foam; Komapor; Komacel; Komatex; Forex; Sintra; Formalux 	Easily cut; can be heat formed 	Does not fully spring back after compression; produces noxious gases when hot; can not be recycled (#3) and it is hazardous to environment.
Silicone 	closed-cell 	Low density solid that provides excellent thermal insulation, resilience and flexibility; performs well over wide temperature range; resistant to ozone and UV; springs back fully even after long compressions 	cushions, seals, insulation 	Spaceloft insulation; Grey Silicone PSG; Bisco BF 	 	Have poor tear strength; silicones can be separated and downcycled; they are not biodegradable
Biobased foams 	plant materials (bamboo, straw, sugarcane); kraft pulp, methyl cellulose	Water-soluble; biodegradable, compostable, recyclable; great thermal insulation; high shock absorption; resistant to UV degradation; difficult to make smooth; sometimes filled with clay as a plasticizer 	packaging food; packing peanuts 	Biofoam; GreenCell foam; Foam-MC 	Often laminated or sealed in synthetic plastic but this eliminates its recycling/biodegrading potential 	Moisture sensitive; susceptible to biological attack; can shrink, sag and crumble with age
Latex foams 	Sap from Hevea Brasiliensis trees 	Eco-friendly; hypoallergenic; long term shape retention; poor heat transfer; heavy; high shock absorption; expensive 	mattresses, pillows, cushions 	Foam rubber 	 	Degrades in UV; crumbles and yellows with age
Metal foam, see Aluminum foam 	closed-cell or open-cell 	Eco-friendly; nonflammable; long term shape retention; heavier than polymers; very strong but 5-25% weight of solid material; excellent impact absorption 	construction; sound insulation; architectural decoration 	Duocel 	Carbide- or diamond-tipped blades are required for machining 	
Ceramic foam 	generally open-cell 	Stiff, lightweight material that is tough and strong compared to a bulk ceramic 	thermal and acoustic insulation; pollutant filtration; structures and decoration 	 	Carbide- or diamond-tipped blades are required for machining 	
== Risks ==
* Most foamed plastics are combustible.
* Many have the potential for off-gassing hazardous materials and should be tested prior to use. 
==Resources and Citations==
* Wikipedia: Foam Accessed Dec 2023
* Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
* Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
* Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002
* Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976
* Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000 Comment: plastic foam (preferred)
Category:Materials databaseCategory:MWGCategory: FoamsCategory:Comparisons