2. Alveolar functions

In honeycomb polymers, the high proportion of gas more or less trapped in the very thin-walled cells results in physical, mechanical and chemical properties that differ from those of the same compact polymers:

• improved thermal or acoustic insulation: foams for the building industry;

• improved damping properties: packaging foams ;

• lightening while retaining certain structural properties;

• increased flexibility: first latex foams for upholstery;

• reduction in density, allowing spaces to be occupied with reduced masses of material;

• deterioration in resistance to ageing and chemical resistance, and greater sensitivity to fire due to material splitting;

• ...