Foam
| Also Known As | Liquid foam, solid foam, cellular material, aerogel (extreme case) |
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What is Foam?
A colloid consisting of gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid or solid. Liquid foams (like shaving foam) are stabilized by surfactants. Solid foams (like styrofoam) have bubbles trapped in a solid matrix. Foams have low density and are used as insulators and packaging.
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A colloid consisting of gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid or solid. Liquid foams (like shaving foam) are stabilized by surfactants. Solid foams (like styrofoam) have bubbles trapped in a solid matrix. Foams have low density and are used as insulators and packaging.
Foams are used in fire suppression (AFFF, protein foam on aviation and petrochemical fires), food industry (whipped cream, bread, meringue), pharmaceuticals (spray foams for wound dressing), building insulation (polyurethane foam), and in chromatography media (polymer foams as sorbents).
Firefighting foams (AFFF) contain PFAS which are persistent environmental contaminants now subject to regulatory restrictions. Polyurethane foam combustion produces toxic isocyanates and HCN. Flammable aerosol foams are fire hazards.