Update on Mouldable Particle Foam Technology.
Title:
Update on Mouldable Particle Foam Technology.
Author:
Britton, Robin.
ISBN:
9781847354075
Personal Author:
Edition:
1st ed.
Physical Description:
1 online resource (140 pages)
Contents:
1 Introduction -- 2 Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) - A Mature Technology? -- 2.1 Brief Description of the Product and Processes -- 2.2 Developments in (Non-Halogen) Fire Retardation of EPS -- 2.3 Developments in Insulation Performance of EPS -- 2.4 Modification of Other Properties of EPS -- 2.4.1 Enhanced Temperature Resistance -- 2.4.2 Enhanced Cushioning Performance -- 2.5 Reduced Levels of EPS Blowing Agents and Alternatives -- 2.5.1 The Need to Reduce Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions -- 2.5.2 'Low-pentane' EPS Developments -- 2.5.3 Alternative Blowing Agents -- 2.6 Developments in Making or Processing EPS Beads -- 2.6.1 Extrusion Processes for Bead Making -- 2.6.2 Foam Nucleation -- 2.6.3 Moulding of EPS -- 2.6.4 Recycling of EPS -- References -- 3 Expanded Polyolefin Moulded Foams (EPE and EPP) - Materials with Growing Application -- 3.1 Key Features of Polyolefin Moulded Foams, Compared with EPS -- 3.2 Developments in Materials for EPP and EPE Manufacture -- 3.3 Developments in Processing of EPP and EPE -- 3.4 Development of Applications for Expanded Polyolefin Bead Products -- References -- 4 'Sustainable' Polymers - The Future? -- 4.1 Why Sustainable Polymers? -- 4.2 Polylactic Acid (PLA) -- 4.2.1 Production and Properties of PLA Polymers -- 4.2.2 Processing of PLA-based Beads - A Trend Towards Carbon Dioxide -- 4.2.3 Processing of PLA-based Beads - Interactions Between PLA and Carbon Dioxide -- 4.2.4 Processing of PLA-based Beads - Review of RecentPatents and Patent Applications -- 4.2.5 End-of-life Aspects of PLA Foam Products -- 4.3 Starch and Starch-based Foams -- 4.3.1 Production and Properties of Starch-based Polymers -- 4.3.2 Processing of Starch-based Foamable Beads -- 4.3.3 End-of-life Aspects of Starch-based Foam Products -- 4.4 Polyhydroxyalkanoates (Including Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and Copolymers).
4.4.1 Production and Properties of PHA Polymers -- 4.4.2 Blowing Agents and Processing of PHA FoamableBeads -- 4.4.3 End-of-life Aspects of PHA Foam Products -- 4.5 Cellulosic and Other Sustainable Polymers -- References -- 5 Concluding Remarks - What Forces Will Drive Development in this Field? -- Abbreviations for MouldableParticle Foam -- Author Index -- Subject Index.
Abstract:
Moulded particle (bead) foam products are nowadays ubiquitous, in packaging and construction, from drinking cups to motorway foundations. The industry which started with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has grown spectacularly and now also includes Expanded Polypropylene and Expanded Polyethylene, and its technology and machinery has become so specialised that it is seen as an almost isolated branch of the plastics industry. The first part of this update summarises the present status of particle foam technology and how specific challenges have already driven its development. This includes the potential threats to the fire retardants and blowing agents which have been used for many years and the continuing demand for ever lighter foam products with the same levels of performance. These challenges will continue, and the text shows how they have already been addressed and how they may be met in future. The second part considers the potential for particle foams made from "renewable" polymers such as starch, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates and cellulosics. For each of these, existing technology is reviewed, together with the issues for research and development. We may come to see much of the existing foam packaging market dominated by these polymers, and it is timely to assess how that may impact the industry.This update is written by a plastics technologist who came relatively recently to the EPS industry, and is intended to be used both by other relative newcomers as well as those who already have long experience but wish to know more technical detail about a fascinating branch of plastics technology.
Local Note:
Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Michigan : ProQuest Ebook Central, 2017. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ProQuest Ebook Central affiliated libraries.
Genre:
Electronic Access:
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