Foamed plastics applications

Foams. Sulfur can be foamed into a lightweight insulation that compares favorably with many oiganic foams and other insulating materials used in construction. It has been evaluated as thermal insulation for highways and other applications to prevent frost damage (63) (see Foamed PLASTICS Insulation, thermal). 

Electrical applications -FEP m [FLUORINE COMPOUNDS, ORGANIC - PERFLUORINATED ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE COPOLYMERS] (Vol 11) -ofplastic foams [FOAMED PLASTICS] (Vol 11)... 

FOAMED PLASTICS. Foamed polymers, otherwise known as cellular polymers or polymeric foams, or expanded plastics have been important to human life since primitive people began to use wood, a cellular form of the polymer cellulose. Cellular polymers have been commercially accepted in a wide variety of applications since the 1940s. The total usage of foamed plastics in the United Stales has risen from 441 x 10 i in 1967 lo a projected 2.8xIO6 i in 1995. 

Comfort cushioning is the largest single application of cellular polymers flexible foams are the principal contributors to this field. However, the rapid growth rate of structural, packaging, and insulation applications has brought their volume over that of flexible loams during the past Tew years. Table 5 shows U.S, consumption of foamed plastics by resin and market,... 

A variety of cellular plastics exists for use as thermal insulation as basic materials and products, or as thermal insulation systems in combination with other materials (see Foamed PLASTICS). Polystyrenes, polyisocyanurates (which include polyurethanes), and phenolics are most commonly available for general use, however, there is increasing use of other types including p olye thylene s, polyimides, melamines, and poly (vinyl chlorides) for specific applications. 

As of 1992, the first specialty platable plastic, acrylonitrile—butadiene—styrene (ABS) terpolymer (see Acrylonitrile polymers, abs resins), is used in over 90% of POP applications. Other platable plastics include poly(phenylene ether) (see Polyethers), nylon (see Polyamides), polysulfone (see Polymers containing sulfur), polypropylene, polycarbonate, phenolics (see Pphenolic resins), polycarbonate—ABS alloys, polyesters (qv), foamed polystyrene (see Styrene plastics), and other foamed plastics (qv). 

Foamed plastics can be classified in different ways, for instance by their nature (flexible vs. rigid), chemical composition of the matrix, density, cell size, cell structure (open-celled vs. closed-celled), processing method, and dimensions. It is the aimed combination of these properties that determines the final application of the cellular polymer. As an example, open-celled ultra-low density foams are highly desirable for acoustical insulation, while rigid foams with closed-cells and elevated densities are preferred as load-carrying core materials in composite materials. 

The introduction of Abate into potable water stored in cisterns and drums to control Aedes aegypti larvae has been investigated. To reduce the frequency of application and still maintain concentrations in the range 0.005-0.1 p.p.m., new formulations have been developed the most promising is in a foamed plastic which releases the insecticide at a controlled rate over a long time. The rate of release depends upon toxicant and surfactant concentration as well as polymerization conditions of the plastic matrix. Formulations have produced lethal concentrations to larvae in reservoirs for 20 weeks. 

Styrenic polymer foams have been commercially accepted in a wide variety of applications since the 1940s [1,4]. The total usage of polystyrene foams in the United States rose from about 4.10 x 105 metric tons in 1982 to an estimated 5.35 x 105 metric tons in 1987. It is expected to grow at a rate of 3-4% for the next several years [5]. For example, a recent Fredonia report on foamed plastics estimates that the 2008 volume will be 10.77 x 105 metric tons [6]. 

The rapidly expanding industrial production of gas-filled polymers is considerably affecting the structure of both production and consumption of synthetic materials. Foamed plastics are now used practically in all branches of industry, replacing traditional natural materials (wood, glass, metals) and finding novel applications " ... 

We have pointed out above that the application of foamed plastics is determined by the proportion of open GSE s. However, until very recently, the formulas used for the calculation of this proportion... 

This is a bimonthly publication published by Technomic Publishing Co., Inc. at 851 New Holland Avenue, Box 3535, Lancaster, PA 17604. This journal has been published for 24 years and is a major source of information in foamed plastics technology, covering new developments and applications. In addition to articles on product applications and markets there is an index of foamed plastic patents from industrial nations and a section on industry news. 

The tape has a high-density open- or closed-cell foam plastic backing. The application is for demolition charges. 

T.S. Vinson, The Application of Polyurethane Foamed Plastic in Soil Grouting, Doctoral thesis, University of California at Berkeley, 1970. 

It is estimated that 615 million pounds of rigid polyurethane foam were made during 1979.(1). The market for these foamed plastics has been growing at an annual 15 percent rate for the last few years. It is projected that similar growth may resume in future years. The construction market is the key to future growth, as the greatest share of rigid polyurethane foam is used in thermal insulation applications. 

Each building code has a list of specific conditions and requirements for the use of foamed plastics. Typically, these cover trim, masonry construction, cold storage buildings, metal faced building units, roofing applications, doors and exterior sheating. 

Recall that the building codes do not permit foamed plastics to be left exposed in any construction application. Hence, there are always facings in close proximity to the foamed insulation. 

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