Dow Global Technolgoies LLC

Steven B Swartzmiller

Chau Van Vo

Myron J Maurer

Andrew N Paquet

Martin C Cornell

Gavin D Vogel

Charles A Berglund

Marisa Calhoun

Vo V Chau

Cushions for dynamic impact applications include anisotropic cellular polymers made in an extrusion, expanded bead or reactive foaming process. The anisotropic behavior represented by C/C, C/Cand C/C, wherein C, Cand Crepresent the compressive strength of the cellular polymer in each of three orthogonal directions E, V and H, respectively, as measured by compressing a 25-50 mm thick sample of the cellular polymer at a strain rate of 0.08 sto 25% strain, Crepresents the sum of C, Cand C, and at least one of C/C, C/Cand C/Chas a value of at least 0.40, up to about 0.80. The cellular polymer also preferably has density of 1.75 to 2.35 pounds/cubic foot and a compressive stress in the direction of maximum compressive strength of 290-600 kPa at 25% strain when used for headliner countermeasure applications. The cushions are useful in automotive applications such as automotive headliners, door panels, knee bolsters, pillars, headrests, seat backs, load floors or instrument panels.

Impact-absorbing members for dynamic impact applications

The invention is an energy absorbing member comprising, an amorphous thermoplastic cellular polymer in contact with a structural element, wherein at least about 50% of the cells of the amorphous cellular polymer are closed cells and the closed cells have a gas pressure that is about 0.5 atmosphere to about 1.4 atmospheres at ambient temperature.

Foams for vehicular energy absorbance

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Clarkston, MI, United States of America

Steven B Swartzmiller