Expanded Polyolefin Foams Used in Interior Soft Trim Applications

Polyurethane foams have traditionally dominated the automotive interiors market for both their energy absorbing characteristics and ability to achieve a soft feel acceptable to occupants. Interest in EPP, EPE, and hybrid polyolefin's for interiors has grown given the increasing demands for occupant safety, lower cost, lower mass, and recycle-ability. In many cases, the density of the Polyolefin Foam that provides the energy absorbing characteristics that are being evaluated are considered to be too stiff for occupant comfort.