Foam 101

Foam 101 Terms & Definitions

Basic Foam Chemistry – Polyol (Polypropylene), Diisocyanate (TDI or MDI), and Water

Other Chemicals – Catalysts, Surfactants, Antimicrobials, Combustion Modifiers,
Auxiliary Blowing Agents, Colorants, Antistatic Additives,
Thermal Control Additives

Density – lbs. per ft³.  Usually 1 – 5 pounds

How heavy is the foam?

Den$ity = Durability

ILD / IFD – (Indent Force / Load Deflection)

How firm is the foam in pounds?

Pillow  08 – 12 ILD

Mattress  15  – 50 ILD  – Seat cushion 25 – 65 ILD – Packaging 36 – 100 ILD

 

Visco Elastic –Memory Foam

HR – High Resilience Foam – Ball Rebound test

Support Factor – 65 IFD / 25 IFD  Function of Density and IFD

Tensile, Tear, Elongation – Strength Tests

Dynamic / Static Fatigue – Repetitive vs constant pressure

Air Flow – Amount of air expressed in cubic feet per minute

Fire Resistance (FR) – Cal 117 2001 & 2013, FMVSS 302, E-84, Boston Chair Test

Hand – The feel of the FPF as the hand is rubbed lightly over the surface.

Virgin Foam – Unfilled flexible slabstock foam

Voids – The undesirable formation of large cavities or pockets in a foam structure