SYNTACTIC AND COMPOSITE FOAMS VI

Memo

Syntactic foams and multifunctional polymer, metal, and ceramic foams containing a reinforcing and/or functional phase are the intended focus of this conference. These foams are typically used in applications that take advantage of their low density, very high specific properties, tailored pore structure, biocompatibility/absorbable, enhanced energy absorption characteristics, and thermal and flame-retardant properties. The scope of the conference will include the production and characterization of reinforcing and functional materials specifically used for these foams (i.e., hollow spheres, micro/nanoparticles, particles with specific electric, magnetic, dielectric properties, biological, etc.). Fabrication, characterization, modeling, and applications of the foams will be addressed, as well. Work in syntactic foams has expanded over the past three decades or so from its inception with two-phase polymer matrix foams based upon hollow glass or polymer spheres for applications in the marine and submarine industry.  Today, the field has expanded to include polymer, metal, and ceramic hollow spheres and matrices.  In addition, with fibers, nanoparticles and interstitial voids engineered into these materials, three- and four-phase materials are now possible.  Composite foams emerged from of conventional blown polymer foams via the addition of diverse functional elements, resulting in complex microstructures that can be engineered to meet specific applications.  Also, blown polymer foams are now used as precursor structures for metal and ceramic composite foams and advances in production techniques for the various component materials have resulted in advances in the mechanical, acoustic and thermal properties of these foams that have dramatically broadened their applications. Thus, by incorporating hollow and solid particles, nanoparticles, fibers, and specialized foaming agents, coupled with novel processing techniques, foams with unique and tailored properties can be attained.  Because of such innovations, the role of syntactic and composite foams has expanded into the aerospace, automotive, communications, biomedical, electronics, sporting, and transportation industries.