Some Application Developments of Rigid Plastic Foams in Japan

Abstract

Rigid plastic foams in Japan date from the early 1950's. Polystyrene and rigid ure thane foams are the most promising mate rials, their principal applications being in sulation of cold storage space, buildings and ships.

The following insulation applications in Japan are described and illustrated (in most cases the insulating material was extruded foamed polystyrene board): fish storage houses, controlled-temperature rooms on ships, "sake" breweries, "miso" plants, pipe coverings (urethane foam), acrylonitrile ab sorption towers and ammonia tanks, apart ment houses, cooling tower grids and bath tubs. Additional applications pictured in clude "tatami" and "fusuma," protective packaging and polystyrene paper (from sheet or film).