The full recovery of rigid polymer foams following long periods of compression was investigated using polyurethane, polyethylene and polyimide foams. Compressive stress-strain testing of the foams showed them all to behave in the typical manner with the resultant curves exhibiting linear-elastic, stress-plateau and densification regions. Recovery of all of the foams tested following long periods of compression at ambient conditions manifested itself in the form of two distinct phases. The initial rapid phase 1 recovery was attributed solely to the bulk polymer whilst the cellular structure was believed to be responsible for the much slower ensuing phase 2 recovery.
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