Foam Testing

Foam is a light weight product consisting of pockets of air or other gaseous substance entrapped in a solid matrix. Matrix may be metallic, polymeric or ceramic materials. They can also be natural materials coal, wood, and other natural products. Foams are classified in to open cell and close cell foams. In open cell foam air cells are generally inter connected, thus providing a tortuous path for fluid flow. In contrast closed cells foams contain unconnected pocket so fluids, generally air or gases. Foam are further divided in to structural and nonstructural foams. Typical nonstructural foams are polyurethane foams used in bedding, car seats, etc. Most nonstructural foams are generally open cell foams, while structural foam may be open or closed cell foam depending on the matrix. Structural foams contain generally metallic or ceramic matrices. Typical metal foams are aluminum foam, steel foam, nickel foam, etc. Aerogel is a closely related product where the matrix is an organic resin. Structure foams are used in sandwich construction with a face sheet adhesively bonded to the foam cores. Ceramic foams are used as filter materials for gas and air filtration applications. Some unique properties can be achieved using foam materials. Some common uses are lightweight constructions, electromagnetic shielding, sound dampening applications, heat exchangers, filters, etc.

Capability – At touchstone testing laboratory we test routinely structural foams like carbon foams, metals foams, sandwich materials containing foams for mechanical, physical and chemical properties. We have developed unique testing capability to test foams without prematurely collapsing the foam cells.

Some relevant standards:

• ASTM C297 – Standard Test Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions
• ASTM D1623 – Standard Test Method for Tensile and Tensile Adhesion Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics
• ASTM D1730 – Standard Specification for Rigid Foam for Use in Structural Sandwich Panel Cores
• ASTM D3574 – Standard Test Methods for Flexible Cellular Materials—Slab, Bonded, and Molded Urethane Foams
• ASTM D3575 – Standard Test Methods for Flexible Cellular Materials Made from Olefin Polymers
• ASTM E1730 – Standard Specification for Rigid Foam for Use in Structural Sandwich Panel Cores
• ASTM F1839 – Standard Specification for Rigid Polyurethane Foam for Use as a Standard Material for Testing Orthopedic Devices and Instruments