Algebraic structures derived from foams (Q628808)

For 2-manifolds (surfaces), a \(1+1\)-TQFT is just a Frobenius algebra in disguise. Foams are surfaces with branch lines at which three sheets merge, with boundaries called webs which have trivalent vertices. Foams have been used to categorify \(sl(3)\) quantum link invariants [\textit{M. Khovanov}, Algebr. Geom. Topol. 4, 1045--1081 (2004; Zbl 1159.57300); \textit{M. Mackaay} and \textit{P. Vaz}, Algebr. Geom. Topol. 7, 1135--1169 (2007; Zbl 1170.57011)]. This paper identifies Lie algebra and bialgebra structures on algebraic objects corresponding to foams, which extend Frobenius algebra structures corresponding to (unbranched) surfaces. A branch circle is shown to induce either a Lie bracket or a coproduct. This suggests a certain foam skein theory.