1 Introduction; 2 Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) -- A Mature Technology?; 3 Expanded Polyolefin Moulded Foams (EPE and EPP) -- Materials with Growing Application; 4 'Sustainable' Polymers -- The Future?; 5 Concluding Remarks -- What Forces Will Drive Development in this Field?; Abbreviations for MouldableParticle Foam; Author Index; Subject Index
Summary
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 potent
