7. Expanded Wood Polymer Composites

Foamed solid polymers, also referred as microcellular composites or expanded composites or sponge materials are a class of materials that are extensively used in everyday applications from the foamed polyurethane mattress we sleep onto the polystyrene based Styrofoam cup in which we have our morning coffee. According to some estimates, the market of foam products in the world stands at 14 billion US Dollars and is expected to grow at a phenomenal rate of 14% for the next 5 years. This growth will be largely triggered by phenomenal demand of China who in recent times accounts for 26% of world’s polystyrene and 34% of polyurethane foam world’s consumption. Several polymers can be foamed to desired low densities to suit applications based on properties such as weight reduction, insulation, buoyancy, energy dissipation, convenience and comfort characteristics like cushioning factor etc.