A METHOD OF PRODUCING AN EXPANDED FOAMED MATERIAL AND COMPONENTS AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN SUCH A METHOD

摘要

A process for forming synthetic expanded or foamed materials, such as acid-cured foams, condensation polymers such as phenolic resins. Catalysts, blowing agents and combinations of the two are described along with apparatus for use in the process. The invention includes a process for the preparation of an expanded or foamed material, which comprises the expansion or foaming and subsequent hardening of a polymer or resin by the admixture of an expandable polymer or resin, a catalyst capable of causing hardening of the polymer or resin, a blowing agent capable of generating a gas within the polymer or resin so as to form cells therein and a surfactant capable of stabilising cells formed within the polymer or resin. The process is characterised in that the surfactant is substantially miscible with the blowing agent and the process involves the step of mixing the blowing agent with the surfactant prior to admixing those components with the resin and/or catalyst.