Foams (table)

Description

Lightweight, laminated foam panels. Foamboards are typically made with expanded polymers between one or two outer layers of papers of paper, metal or plastic. Some types of archival foamboards are listed below:

FOAMS/SUPPORTS	Polymer type	Foam type	Characteristics	Common Applications	Commercial examples	Working properties	Collections risks	Forms and sizes	Physical and chemical properties
Chloroprene	thermoset	closed-cell	soft, flexible, form-fitting sponge rubber, with good thermal and moisture insulation. Resistant to sunlight and oxidation	sports gloves, insulated food holders, knee and elbow pads, joint filler	Neoprene
Ethylene vinyl acetate	thermoplastic	closed-cell	frequently used foam sheet with a wide density range; provides good insulation, moisture resistance and can be heat formed; buoyant	packaging; shoes, underlayment, marine and sports products, construction, toys, mats	Evasote, Sponge Aero Rubber
Nylon	thermoplastic	closed-cell	resistant to high temperatures; can be thermoformed; low weight, buoyancy; thermal and acoustical insulator; very durable	seals and gaskets, hard body armor padding, transmission seals, energy absorbing panels	Nomex; Viton; Zotek N		Very clean; can be used in direct contact with objects
Polyethylene	thermoplastic	closed-cell	strong, resilient; shock-absorbing, good insulator, buoyant; water-resistant; can be heat sealed	cushioning, packaging, flotation devices; not as good for cushioning as PUR in crates, but can work around that by using things like springs for shock absorption	Ethafoam, Plastazote, Polyplank, Volara	Variations in thicknesses and texture, but generally stiffer than polyurethane	Highly inert but best not to use in direct contact with objects.		Not as good for thermal insulation as PUR ester
Polypropylene	thermoplastic	closed-cell	Durable, non-dusting structural foam with very good cushioning properties; may have a longer lifetime than PE foams	shipping plants; lining boxes, flotation devices	Microfoam; Propafoam; Polypro
Polystyrene (XPS)	thermoset	closed-cell	XPS is extruded polystyrene. It is rigid, thermal insulation, lightweight, moisture resistant; will not rot or mildew (non-biodegradable). Crumbles and produces puffed beads. XPS does not crush as easily eps	cups, food containers, egg cartons	XpsStyrofoam; Foamular	Stiff enough to hold plywood; can be built into a structure that has wood elements
Polyurethane	thermoset	closed-cell	rigid, thermal insulation, moisture resistant; resistant to sunlight and oxidation	appliance insulation, buoyancy in boats	Walltite spray foam;
		open-cell	flexible, soft, good compression memory with uniform texture, burns easily;	cushioning in furniture, packaging; sound insulation; vibration dampening; most desirable properties are its sponginess and ability ot be compressed; museum transport, perhaps not as widely used anymore; better for cushioning that the polyethylenes; widely used for crates, outer crates; used for carts, A frames	Polyurethane flexible foam wedges; Tempur-pedic	need to line it with something like Nomex; good for small cavities because it is so pliable it gives the cavity a spongy quality; possible to re-use it if its ok quality	not inert; deteriorates over time; must be lined with something; good for temporary uses (i.e. crates) or outer crates; Crates should be opened when possible to not let volatiles accumulate inside the crate	often grey in color; there is not an established manufacturer like for PE foams	thermal insulation (high R value compared to Ethafoam); open cell: hygroscopic because a lot of surface area
Polyvinyl chloride	thermoset	closed-cell	flexible, durable, high density, resistant to water, oil and chemicals; produces noxious gases when hot	gaskets; weatherstripping; flooring, outdoor and marine applications	PVC Foam
Silicone		closed-cell	low density solid that provides excellent thermal insulation, resilience and flexibility; performs well at extreme temperatures; resistant to ozone and UV	cushions, seals, insulation	Spaceloft insulation; Grey Silicone PSG; Bisco BF
Starch			water-soluble; biodegradable; difficult to make smooth		Biodegradable packing peanuts

Synonyms and Related Terms

cartón pluma (Esp.); plaque de plastique expensé (Fr.); foamboard; foam board; mounting board

Commercial Products: Foam Core; Artcare; Fome-Cor®; Gatorfoam®

Collection Risks

Foamboards vary widely in their potential for off-gassing hazardous materials and should be tested prior to use. Boards containing beaded polystyrene may release beads from cut edge.