Polyethylene Foam
Polyethylene foam is a chemically resistant closed cell foam with low water absorption. This material is the ideal economical gasketing, sealing, or insulating solution.
Application Ideas: Gasketing, sealing, insulation, spacers, packaging, floatation devices.
Moisture Seal: Yes
Temperature Resistance: Good
Environmental Resistance: Good
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Foam
Closed cell PVC foam is highly conformable and provides excellent compression set. Resistant to weather, fungi, and oxidation it delivers positive seals with as little as 30 percent compression. These foams a great choice for gasketing, sealing, and insulation and are durable outdoors.
Application Ideas: Gasketing, sealing, insulation, weather stripping.
Moisture Seal: Yes
Temperature Resistance: Good
Environmental Resistance: Excellent
Neoprene and Blended Neoprene Foam
Neoprene foam and blended neoprene foam are durable, flexible closed cell materials with excellent thermal insulation qualities. They provide good resistance to oils, water, many chemicals, and ozone. Neoprene resists sunlight and some blended neoprenes have terrific resistance to UV. Whether you are insulating, sealing, or cushioning, neoprene foam and its blends are some of the most widely used of closed cell foam products.
Application Ideas: Gasketing, sealing, insulation, weatherproofing, knee pads, wetsuits.
Moisture Seal: Yes
Temperature Resistance: Very Good
Environmental Resistance: Very Good
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Foam
EPDM closed cell or crushed foam provides outstanding temperature, weather, and ozone resistance. It does not deteriorate over time, which provides excellent aging performance. Often used in electronics, automotive and construction for its durability and performance.
Application Ideas: Sealing and cushioning gaskets, door and hood seals, copper tubing insulation.
Moisture Seal: Yes
Temperature Resistance: Very Good
Environmental Resistance: Excellent
Vinyl Nitrile Foam
Vinyl Nitrile foam is a blend of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Nitrile (NBR) material is designed to provide high impact resistance and flexibility. It is naturally flame retardant, weather resistant and highly oil resistant. This foam is provides an excellent seal against moisture and gas.
Application Ideas: Gasketing, sealing, sound dampening, protective padding equipment.
Moisture Seal: Yes
Temperature Resistance: Okay
Environmental Resistance: Good
Silicone Foam
Silicone foam remains flexible and resilient when exposed to high temperatures and evironmental extremes. Of all foams, silicone foam provide the best temperature resistance and environmental resistance. Lower density foams have an open cell structure, but can seal against liquid with compression, and higher density foams are closed cell. While typically the most costly, this foam can handle the most extreme application requirements.
Application Ideas: Outdoor enclosure gaskets, high temperature material separator, Electric vehicle battery sealing, instrumentation vibration damping.
Moisture Seal: Yes, with compression
Temperature Resistance: Excellent
Environmental Resistance: Excellent
Silicone Sponge
Silicone sponge offers many of the benefits of solid silicone rubber in a softer form. It is typically tougher and has better tear resistance than silicone foam. While it is typically the most costly foam, silicone sponge can handle the most extreme application requirements.
Application Ideas: Outdoor access panels, commercial lighting gasket, electronics pad, pharmeceutical or food handling
Moisture Seal: Yes
Temperature Resistance: Excellent
Environmental Resistance: Excellent