Description:

Plastic foams are a type of polymers including void and cells within the polymer. This cellular structure forms by impregnation of a blowing agent (i.e., physical or chemical blowing agents), which can be a volatile liquid, chemical compound, or inert gas.

Specifications

Features

Foams, also called expanded plastics, possess inherent features that make them suitable for certain applications. For instance, the thermal conductivity of a foam is lower than that of the solid polymer. Also, a foamed polymer is more rigid than the solid polymer for any given weight of the material. Finally, compressive stresses usually cause foams to collapse while absorbing much energy, an obvious advantage in protective packaging. Properties such as these can be tailored to fit various applications by the choice of polymer and by the manner of foam formation or fabrication. The largest markets for foamed plastics are in home insulation (polystyrene, polyurethane, phenol formaldehyde) and in packaging, including various disposable food and drink containers.

ECONOMICAL, LIGHTWEIGHT BENEFICIAL MATERIAL

PVC is a very versatile plastic material and is a great material to foam. Rigid PVC in its non-foamed state is one of the most economical, rigid, unreinforced thermoplastic materials commercially available. Barbour Plastics strongest, highest impact, exterior grade compound has a specific gravity greater than 1.40. We have the ability through varied foaming techniques to reduce the weight and control the specific gravity anywhere between a 0.35 and 1.20 density. If you have thick profiles and need weight or cost reduction or require a material with good thermal insulation values, then foamed PVC should be considered.

Applications for Foamed PVC Extruded Profiles

1. Building and Construction

2. Wood replacement in high moisture areas or on the waterfront

3. Structural members (stringers) in refrigerated semi-trailers, replacing wood products that absorb moisture and fail

4. Commercial and residential picture frames

5. Point of purchase (POP) displays and fixtures

6. Wall studs and floor stringers in walk in coolers & freezers

7. Decking

8. Garage doors

9. Railing

10. Fenestration (windows and doors)

11. Fencing

12. Exterior and interior trim profiles