FoamPartner has developed a new range of low-emission flexible polyurethane foams for automotive interiors. Heribert Perler and Henri Mispreuve explain what the foams can do
Flexible polyurethane foams are traditionally used for soft touch applications in passenger car interiors. They are commonly used behind the cover and aspect materials, because they can be made in big rolls and thin sheets that can be glued at the back of the fabrics, using various lamination processes. This enables fabricators to make components that are flexible and give a soft-touch-feeling.
Polyester foams are the material of choice in Europe, and are used by a large number of leading brands. This is because they can be made with a very regular cell structure that is free from faults such as pinholes. They are used successfully to make strong, durable roof-liners.