Polyurethane Foam

Types of Polyether Foam (polyurethane) Available

Types of Polyester Foam (polyurethane) Available

Types of Filter Foam (polyurethane) Available

Types of Furniture Foam (polyurethane) Available

Types of Rebonded Foam (polyurethane) Available

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is more than just a simple cushioning material. Aesthetically pleasing, yet still providing adequate protection and enough support to counteract the weight of an object or person, polyurethane foam can be manufactured to provide varying degrees of comfort, support and/or durability. The ability to manipulate the physical properties of polyurethane foam during manufacture makes it the ideal material for the bedding, furniture and carpet industries.

Polyurethane foam should be durable enough to maintain its form without losing its original, cushioning properties, even after repeated impacts. The packaging industry also takes advantage of polyurethane foam’s capacity for customization making it the preferred choice due to its ability to absorb shocks repeatedly while retaining its original cushioning properties.

In addition to fabricating polyurethane foam products to custom designed specifications, New England Foam stocks polyurethane foam in bun, roll and sheet forms, in densities ranging from 1 to 6 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) and those colors most requested: white, yellow, pink, red green, purple, blue, gray, black and charcoal. Additional densities and colors are available upon request. Anti-microbial, anti-static, conductive and/or electrostatic dissipative (ESD) types of polyurethane foam are also available.

Polyester Polyurethane Foam vs. Polyether Polyurethane Foam

Traditionally, polyester foam has a higher “tensile” strength than its polyurethane foam counterpart, polyether foam.  Polyester foam is also more resistant to hydrocarbons and alcohols than polyether foam. In applications where the polyurethane foam will come into contact with gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide, the polyurethane foam should be manufactured with polyester-based polyols. In applications where the polyurethane foam will come into contact with a liquid-based solution, the polyurethane foam should be manufactured with polyether-based polyols.

Manufacturing Polyurethane Foam

The Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA.org) identifies polyurethane foam as "the reaction of two key chemicals, a polyol and an isocyanate with water." These two compounds are combined with the other key ingredients and mixed together with the assistance of a blowing agent. The foaming begins instantly with the expanding formation of a bubbly froth. The froth hardens; resulting is a slabstock bun of polyurethane foam ready for fabrication. This all happens in a matter of minutes and is similar to bread rising. It is during this manufacturing process that flame retardant additives can be introduced to meet various fire code standards, as well as anti-microbial, anti-static, conductive and/or electrostatic dissipative (ESD) additives.