Foams are made by forming gas bubbles in a plastic mixture, with the use of a blowing agent. Foam manufacture is either a continuous process for making laminate or slabstock or a batch process for making various shapes by cutting or molding. There are two basic types of foam.

When was foam created?

Foam usage dates back to the Mayans and Aztecs as far back as 500 BC. In the 1900's, man made, or synthetic, foam began to be created. Today, both natural foam and synthetic foam is used. The most common type in use today is Polyurethane.

What causes foaming in liquids?

As a liquid travels through the pipeline, the flow is usually turbulent. If there's air in the pipe, it can mix with the liquid, and the liquid becomes aerated. With certain liquids, for example household detergents and shampoos, even a small amount of air or gas can cause foaming.