Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is a special material used for thermal insulation. It is a solid polymeric foam from polyurethane.

An assortment of polyurethane foam products for cushioning and insulation

Flexible polyurethane foam

The so-called flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) is produced from the reaction of polyols and isocyanates, a process pioneered in 1937.[1] FPF allows for some compression and resilience that provides a cushioning effect. Because of this property, it is often used in furniture, bedding, automotive seating, athletic equipment, packaging, footwear and carpets.[1]

Space Shuttles

Polyurethane foam has been widely used to insulate fuel tanks on Space Shuttles. However, it requires a perfect application, as any air pocket, dirt or an uncovered tiny spot can knock it off due to extreme conditions of liftoff.[2] Those conditions include violent vibrations, air friction and abrupt changes in temperature and pressure. For a perfect application of the foam there have been two obstacles: limitations related to wearing protective suits and masks by workers and inability to test for cracks before launch, such testing is done only by naked eye.[2] The loss of foam caused the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. According to the Columbia accident report, NASA officials found foam loss in over 80% of the 79 missions for which they have pictures.[2]

By 2009 researchers created a superior polyimide foam to insulate the reusable cryogenic propellant tanks of Space Shuttles.[3]

References
  1. "What Is Flexible Polyurethane Foam?". Polyurethane Foam Association. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  2. Michelle Tsai (13 August 2007). "Get Your Foam On". Slate. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  3. "Insulating Foams Save Money, Increase Safety". NASA. 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
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