Japanese chemical and materials manufacturer Asahi Kasei (Tokyo; www.asahi-kasei.com) has opened a new Foam Lab at its R&D Center in Dusseldorf, Germany. Technical support and grade development at the site sell seek to expand use of SunForce particle foams in the European market.

The facility’s beads-foaming facility is to produce test samples of engineering plastics-based particle bead foam, which is made of modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) and polyamide.

The mPPE-based grade is said to be the first material of its kind to earn UL 94 V-0 flame retardancy. The supplier said the product offers high dimensional stability, high processability, and superior insulation properties that can, for example, contribute to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable battery modules for electric vehicles. The PA-based grade features resistance to heat (190C/30 min), oils, and chemicals, the company noted.

Good adhesion properties in interaction with metals, carbon fibre- reinforced plastics, and fibre materials were cited for both products. Their properties open up new application fields that are not feasible for conventional foams, the company said. In addition to the facility for foams, the centre provides development and technical customer support for engineering plastics, synthetic rubber, and battery and coating materials.