Transport & Automotive
Does your car have anything in common with a space shuttle? As a matter of fact yes, they both heavily rely on polyurethane foam. As do planes, boats and trains.
The main applications of polyurethane foam in transport applications are for trimming, seats, headrests, (air-conditioning) filters and acoustic insulation. Depending on the application they are being used for, these foams have to comply with specific performance and emission standards.
Polyurethane foams are widely versatile, which helps them fulfil a variety of tasks. They are also lightweight, and thus help cutting down fuel requirements and emissions of greenhouse gases from transport.
In cars and trucks:
Moulded polyurethane foam used as filling for car seats and in other moulded polyurethane parts in the automotive industry is in the remit of our sister organisation, EURO-MOULDERS. Most car seats in Europe are made of moulded polyurethane foam.
Flexible (slabstock) polyurethane foam is notably used in:
- The manufacturing of foam-textiles complexes, for example for seat and headliners covers through flame lamination.
- The manufacturing of complexes with PVC or leather through hot melt gluing or glue webs.
- For the absorption of vibrations and residual noise, for example in motor hood covers.
- For air filters.