Production of polyurethane foams in space: Gravitational and pressure effects on foam formation

Polyurethane foams formed in a microgravity have near perfect structures. The cells are more perfectly shaped and typically smaller. The foams formed in microgravity also have smaller voids. The addition of flaky aluminum particles to the foam recipe leads to a foam with a metallic appearance. Polyurethane foamed structures can be formed in space by replacing the normal blowing agent with water. The resulting structures provide the potential for the preparation of lightweight structures in space for use in space.