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News Release from: Applied Market Information
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 12 April 2007
Polymer foam extruded, injection moulded
Among topics at the forthcoming Polymer Foam 2007 conference are extrusion and injection molding foaming advancements and the development of microcellular foam.
The global foam industry is an ever expanding market Although some foams have become commodities, there are many new and specialty performance products being developed
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 15 Sep 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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AMI LLC has brought together international experts from top companies at Polymer Foam 2007 to talk about the latest news on foaming technology and applications.
This international business conference takes place October 2-3, 2007 at the Doubletree Hotel in Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Foams are lightweight, low density products.
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They have many beneficial properties that are exploited in different applications from sound and thermal insulation in building panels, to impact absorption in vehicles, sports accessories and packaging.
Using foam not only cuts weight but also cuts the amount of material required.
The foaming process has to be well controlled to get the right cell size and shape.
Blowing agents have been changing with environmental legislation and this too can affect the foaming process.
Each polymer has specific processing conditions and efficient equipment can cut cycle times and energy usage, and reduce production scrap.
The conference program covers extrusion and injection molding foaming advancements.
Trexel will be highlighting the development of microcellular foam and G H Associates will describe potential pitfalls of commercializing new technology.
Rauwendaal has new tandem foam extrusion methods and Leistritz has improved twin screw extruders.
Chul Park is working on new injection molding processes for foam.
Tom Turng has worked on microcellular injection molding of nanocomposites and biodegradables.
Chris Ibeh will give a state of the art review of foaming nanocomposites.
Dave Fogarty has new cool screw technology for PLA foam, which will also be discussed by Jim Nangeroni of NatureWorks.
Unitika has new high heat resistant PLA to aid processing and Pactiv will describe foaming PLA with carbon dioxide.
Owens Corning is working on foams for building insulation and Rohm and Haas has developing foamed rigid PVC for construction applications..
The Dow Chemical Company has worked on a new family of energy absorbing foams for automotive applications.
These foams are designed to protect vehicle occupants in a crash.
Blowing methods are undergoing constant change.
Berstorff has a method of direct gassing with environmentally-friendly blowing agents during extrusion.
Kyoto University has developed expandable microspheres with Sekisui.
Clariant Masterbatches has an improved foaming method for PET (endothermic chemical blowing agents commonly release trace amounts of water which degrades the plastics).
In the polyolefin field, JSP has bead foams for shape molding and Basell has worked on foaming high melt strength PP.
Zotefoams has traditionally worked with crosslinked polyolefins but new developments include high performance foams made from polyamides and fluoropolymers.
Kimberley-Clark has a new open-cell, flexible foam made on standard foaming equipment from a blend of PS, elastomers and other ingredients.
It can be used in applications such as insulation wrap and absorbent mats.
Polymer Foam 2007 provides a special opportunity to network with global professionals and a chance to get to grips with the latest in foaming technology and future trends for the industry.
Register before 24th August and save US$150.
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