Northstar Polymers provides specialty foam formulations and raw materials for various applications.  Polyurethane foams can be categorized into these classes:

Flexible Open-Cell Foams

This class of foam is used in many cushioning and seating applications as well as some acoustic applications. These foams have open-cell structure, so the cushioning effect is gentle in the beginning and gradually increases the stiffness as you press down the foam. This class of foams includes slab stock foam, molded flexible foams, and viscoelastic foams. Flexible Open-Cell Foam Index

Rigid Closed-Cell Foams

This class of foams are mainly used in insulation applications.  Most of the cells in the foam are closed-cell so there is no movement of air within the foam.  This helps the insulation property.  When it is formulated into a high density foam, the foam can be used as load bearing parts for certain applications. This class of foams can also be formulated for cast-in-place or spray-on applications. Rigid Close-Cell Foam Index

Microcellular Foams

This class of foams are often used in heavy duty bumper/protector type applications.  Microcellular foams in general are high-density closed-cell foams with some flexibility.  Whereas flexible open cell foams are used where limited physical forces are applied, microcellular foams can be formulated for more severe use conditions.  Yet, it is 3 to 4 times lighter than solid elastomers.  Some shoe soles for running shoes are made with microcellular foams.  Since it is closed cell, it can float in water. This class of foam is usually molded in a compression mold. Microcellular Foam Index

Semi-Rigid Foams

This class of foams are used in specialty applications where some load bearing and impact resistance properties are required at the same time.  When this class of material is formulated into a very light density foam, it can be used as a cast-in-place foam packaging material.  Whereas Rigid Closed-Cell material bears a load but it can cracks easily with an impact force, Semi-Rigid Foams can withstand some impact by having some flexibility. Some semi-rigid foams can also be called "structural foam."  This class of material can also be molded in a compression mold to make a molded part. Semi-Rigid Foam Index

 

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