California 117 Foam :
Flexible polyurethane foam that will meet the component combustibility requirements of the California Bureau of Home Furnishings’ Technical Bulletin No. 117 (TB117).
California Technical Bulletin 133 (TB 133) :
A composite test to determine the combustion performance of a complete furniture construction ”system”. This is designed to be an evaluation of furniture performance when exposed to a large ignition source. The composite test evaluates total furniture construction rather than foam, fabrics, fiber or other construction components on an individual basis.
Catalyst :
A chemical that changes the rate of reaction of a chemical process, but is not consumed or produced during the reaction. (Catalysts are required for foam production to balance rates of competing reactions and to attain desired physical properties.)
Cell :
The cavity remaining in the structure of flexible polyurethane foam surrounded by polymer membranes or the polymer skeleton after blowing is complete.
Cell Count :
The number of cells per linear inch or centimeter, expressed as pores per inch or pores per centimeter.
Cell Opening :
In foamed materials, the breaking of membranes within the cell structure, permitting flow of air through the material.
Cell Size :
The average diameter of the cells in the final flexible polyurethane foam product, often measured in micron units.
CFC-Free Foam :
Flexible polyurethane foams that have been made without the use of chlorofluorocarbons as auxiliary blowing agents.
Compression Force Deflection (CFD) :
A measure of the load bearing ability of a foam. It is the force exerted against a flat compression foot larger than the specimen to be tested. The value can be expressed at 25%, 40%, 50%, and/or 65% compression (ASTM D3574). Note: previously called ”CLD (Compression Load Deflection)”.
Clickability :
The ability of a flexible polyurethane foam to recover from the pinching effects of die-cutting.
Closed Cells :
Foam cells having intact cell membranes thereby reducing or eliminating passageways for airflow.
Coarse Cells :
Large cells averaging 20 to 30 cells per lineal inch or fewer.
Colorant :
Dyes or pigments added to impart color to the final foam.
Combustion Modified Foam :
Flexible polyurethane foams manufactured by using additives based on chlorine, bromine, and phosphorus chemistry to reduce ease of ignition. Hydrated alumina or melamine is also used.
Combustion Modifying Additive :
A material that, when added to flexible polyurethane foam, will cause the foam to be more difficult to ignite or burn less rapidly or lose less weight during a fire than without that material. [Also known as ”Fire Retardants”.]
Comfort :
The ability of the cushioning structure to deflect at the surface and to conform to body shape, preventing a concentration of pressure on the body without bottoming out.
Compression Modulus :
Ratio of a foam’s ability to support force at different indentation (or compression) levels. It is determined by taking the ratio of the foam’s IFD at 25% indentation and 65% indentation (65% IFD/25%). The compression modulus is typically a function of foam chemical formulation and the manufacturing process. In most cases, the higher the density the greater the compression modulus. Other terms that are used interchangeably are: support factor, and modulus. The PFA recommends that compression modulus or support factor be used when referring to foam support properties.
Compression Set :
A permanent partial loss of initial height of a flexible polyurethane foam sample after compression due to a bending or collapse of the cell framework within the foam sample. A high value of compression set will cause a flexible polyurethane foam cushion to quickly lose its original appearance with use, leaving its surface depressed or ”hollowed out”. Compression set is measured in the lab by compressing a foam sample 90% of its thickness (or down to 10% of its original thickness) and holding it at 70 degrees C (or 158 degrees F) for 22 hours. Compression set is most commonly expressed as a percentage of original compression. Other deflections, times, and temperatures can be used.
Conventional Flexible Polyurethane Foam :
Polyether type polyurethane foams made by the basic manufacturing process without polyol modifiers or other additives.
Convoluted :
A foam fabrication process involving the use of a special cutting equipment to produce a foam sheet with dimples. The base under the dimples can be varied in thickness. Peaks can be produced from 1/2” to over 4” in height. Foam dimples can be produced in a number of shapes including egg-like designs, waves, squares or sharply-defined points.
Core :
The internal portion of foam, free of any skin.
Core Density :
The density of the foam sampled without skin, glue lines or compressed sections at or near the center of the final foamed shape.
Crushing :
Usually a mechanical or vacuum-assisted procedure to open the closed cells of a high resilience slabstock or molded foam.
Cure :
A term referring to the process whereby chemical reactions approach completion. At 100% completion, a foam should have 100% of the physical properties attainable with that particular formulation.
Cure Time :
The length of time required for sufficient reaction completion to develop a desired level of polymer strength and dimensional stability and to attain ultimate physical properties.
