General Foam Information Tips

Natural Versus Synthetic Foam

There are many comparisons to the benefits of natural versus synthetic foam. In order to compare the benefits, it is necessary to first consider in what capacity the natural or synthetic material will be used. In terms of bedding or furniture, products made of natural foam are sturdier than products made of synthetic foam. Natural foam products are able to withstand “wear and tear” longer than synthetics. This main characteristic of natural foam products to withstand, and last longer than synthetics, is one of them main reasons many people prefer natural fibers to synthetic ones.

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Flexible Polyurethane Foam

Flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) is modified type of polyurethane foam that is used in areas where strength is needed. It has the unique ability to absorb shock when it is used in automobiles or shipping supplies. Other than its ability to absorb shock, flexible polyurethane is able to bear a load. It is a type of foam often used in construction and furniture manufacturing.

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Foam Flammability

Since foam is an organic product, it has the ability to be burn like any other material. Current research has focused on decreasing the flammability of foam, especially in foam beds and mattresses. The polyurethane material of foam is combustible enough that anyone working or using foam products should practice fire safety. Fire safety is important with any combustible material, and includes having fire alarms, fires extinguishers, and alternative escape routes in case of a fire.

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The Invention Of Memory Foam

After NASA abandoned the research put into developing memory foam, and did not use it in space, further testing on this material was carried out by the health research institutes. The health industry, especially its hospital sector, realized the use of foam as a useful material in the construction of mattresses. Foam mattresses are beneficial to patients who have been bedridden for a long time, or suffering from chronic pain.

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Research On Memory Foam

There is ongoing research being completed on ways to improve various types of foam. New types of foam are also being researched so that everyone can benefit from a good night's sleep. Specifically, current research into foam includes developing a higher degree of foam to withstand the effects of fire. If foam can be developed, which is less flammable than any other material, this can also make foam products safer as you sleep. With the advancements being made in the use of foam products in various industries, for example, building supplies, research involving foam can only improve an already versatile material.

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Foam Bags

A foam bag consists of a bag with a vinyl covering with foam inside. From the outside, these bags look similar to regular “bean bag” chairs, however, they are not filled with “beans,” but with polyurethane foam. Even though the material inside is different, foam bags still function in a similar manner to “bean bag” chairs.

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Substitutes To Foam

Instead of polyurethane foam, polyester fiber can be used or even cotton. This is especially common in the furniture and bedding industries. However when using substitutes for foam, the product to be made has to be reinforced with wood and steel. Usually, substitutes are used in an effort to reduce costs, but polyurethane is durable and economical enough to be used in almost every manufacturing industry.

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Finding Information On Foam

Reputable Web sites will have information on the most up-to-date information related to foam. When looking for Web sites with information related to foam, one handy Web site to first visit is the Polyurethane Foam Association Web site. This site is a wealth of information related to polyurethane foam and its uses. Areas on the site include updates on association meetings, educational slide shows, and research abstracts. The Web site address for the Polyurethane Foam Association is www.pfa.org.

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Packaging Foam

Other than mattresses or the manufacturing industry, foam is quite often used in the packaging industry. Foam for packaging is made of Polystrene and is known as “packing peanuts,” due to the shape of the small pieces of foam.

This might not seem like a big deal to you, but think about the amount of electronics purchased on a daily basis, or the number of items shipped daily. Based on this, packing foam is extensively used on a daily basis. Foam is a great way to cushion and protect the item it is used to package.

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