Innovations in the area of polymer foams can contribute solving the challenges of the 21 century, for instance energy efficiency and climate protection. At a minimum of raw material consumption, cellular polymers combine tailor-made, cost-efficient, sustainable solutions with the ease of processing and unique properties. Research on polymer foams is a vivid field, and developing novel foams and identifying new applications is far from being depleted. Novel materials and processes provide a pathway for developing superior products for existing, but also for new applications. In the present paper, foam research activities and recently introduced products will be discussed in the light of global megatrends. In particular, innovative and sustainable particle foams for the insulation and packaging market will be highlighted.
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