Innovation in foam technology: The versatility of EBA foams
Polyolefin foams are a relatively recent development compared to other foams such as polyurethane and polystyrene. The main processes were introduced in the 1960s and commercial production began in the 1970s. Polyolefins are tough, flexible and resistant to most chemicals, and foams made from polyolefins retain and exhibit most of these properties. Most polyolefin foams have a closed cell structure which makes them suitable for applications where elasticity and resilience are important, such as packaging applications, construction, automotive, insulation, sports and leisure and agriculture.
Polyolefins used for foam applications include polyethylene, polypropylene,... and corresponding copolymers such as ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA). The technologies for the production of polyolefin foams are differentiated according to the type of blowing agent used, the degree of cross-linking achieved and the process machinery/processing equipment.
