Low density cellular plastics: Physical basis of behaviour - Technical

Our review of Low density cellular plastics: Physical basis of behaviour finds it most useful for engineers, materials scientists and graduate students who need a rigorous introduction to the physics behind foamed solids. The book focuses on structures where the gas fraction is high, often above 0.9, and explains why cellular architecture matters in natural and engineered materials. It is a focused, technically oriented text that clarifies the physical basis of behaviour rather than offering design recipes, so readers seeking fundamental understanding will get the biggest payoff.

Key Features

• Clear definition of foams: Describes foams as gas filled integral structures with a finely dispersed gas phase throughout a continuously connected solid, helping readers visualise the materials under study.
• Emphasis on low bulk density: Explains how the bulk density is substantially lower than the solid component and why that matters for mechanical and thermal behaviour.
• High gas fraction focus: Concentrates on foams where the gas volume fraction exceeds 0.5 and often 0.9, clarifying how extreme porosity changes properties.
• Broad application context: Connects the cellular concept to everyday materials such as bread, wood, seating foams and bumpers, giving practical grounding to theoretical discussion.
• Physical grounding: Prioritises the physical basis of behaviour over commercial testing protocols, which benefits readers who need conceptual depth.

Who It's For

This book suits materials engineers, researchers and advanced students who require a concise, physics-based treatment of cellular solids rather than an applied handbook. It works best as a reference for understanding why cellular structure affects stiffness, strength and bulk density in foamed materials.

It is less well suited to readers who need step-by-step testing procedures or commercial product selection guidance; designers seeking hands-on manufacturing tips or dimensional design rules should look for complementary engineering texts or standards documents.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a focused physical explanation of foam behaviour that clarifies core concepts for researchers.
• Highlights the role of very high gas volume fractions, which is helpful when evaluating ultra-low density materials.
• Links cellular structure to a wide range of real-world examples, aiding intuition about material performance.

Cons

• Not a practical manual for testing or manufacturing; readers wanting procedural guidance will need additional sources.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Low density cellular plastics: Physical basis of behaviour is a concise, concept-first examination of foamed materials that offers strong value to researchers and advanced students. Buy it for its clear physical explanations and its emphasis on very high gas fractions; supplement it with applied testing or design resources if practical implementation is your primary goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book explain why foams have low bulk density?
Yes, it explains that foams have bulk density substantially lower than the solid component because the gas phase occupies a large volume fraction.

Are practical testing methods covered?
The focus is on physical behaviour rather than step-by-step testing procedures, so readers should consult standards or applied texts for testing methods.

Who are the authors?
The authors listed are N.C. Hilyard and A. Cunningham, who present a physics-oriented treatment of cellular plastics.