Many applications involving foam encapsulants would benefit from an increase in a foam encapsulants ability to absorb energy from an impact. 8762 is currently supporting R&D to modify existing foams in a way that allows us to refine our predictive capability while improving energy absorption characteristics. By substituting the isocyanate in a polyurethane for one that has more degrees of rotational freedom, we have developed foam formulations that will perform better under impact. We continue to pursue a more fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationships of polyurethane foams.
That one made the news here in Au too. How is this stuff different from Homeblown foam? Their foam doesn’t have TDI’s and appears to have a similar impact behavior. Although this stuff appears to be lighter.
Well…there are TWO Bens quoted in the article…as Chipper says, it seems that the surfing world is absoultely full of lunatics named Ben.
Did you guys catch that Sandia is looking for a partner? Someone needs to get in on this, from the surf-manufacturing/marketing/distribution side, and it would be cool if someone from Swaylocks had the opportunity. I know it won’t be me…although I’d be happy to try out some foam.
If anyone wants to give it a shot, I can forward the writer’s phone & email…she seems pretty well-connected to Sandia and wrote an accurate story.
A surfboard core composed of energy-absorbing foam would feel dead. Are you sure you want to absorb and dampen sensation? That’s exactly what polyethylene, polypropylene and EVA foams already do for bodyboards, soft surfboards, stomp pads.
i’m just posting so there are THREE BENS on this thread …shippy, chippy , and sparksy !
now all we need is ben wanky [“sirwanksalot”] to post here …then , we will have the FOUR loonies all gathered together . Any OTHER Ben’s out there ? post NOW !
I think that all foams are energy absorbing, simply due to their structure. some are better than others, and different densities will absorb more or less energy.
