Foams and Foam Materials Specifications

Help with Foams and Foam Materials specifications:

Type & Form

	Foam Type
	Your choices are...
	Closed Cellular		Foams have pores or cells that are not interconnected and are sealed off to an external surface. Closed cellular foams are useful for buoyancy and floatation applications.
	Open Cellular		Foams have pores or cells that are interconnected and open to an external surface. Open-porosity foams are useful for filtration-type applications. Open cellular foams are not useful for floatation applications unless the surface is sealed or closed off.
	Flexible		Flexible or cushioning materials can bend, flex or absorb an impact without cracking and delaminating.
	Rigid		Rigid foams have a matrix with very little or no flexibility.
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	Reticular?		Reticular foams have a very open structure with a skeletal matrix consisting of an interconnecting network of thin material strands. Reticular foams can be envisioned as having a random three-dimensional mesh between pores.
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	Syntactic?		Syntactic foams consist of rigid microspheres or glass micro-balloons held together by a plastic or resin matrix.
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	Form / Shape:
	Your choices are...
	Casting Resin / Two-part (A+B Liquids)		Casting resins are plastic or elastomer compounds used to cast parts, molds or form a structure in place. They are available in the form of spray foams, "froth-packs", and A + B pourable foams. Casting resins usually consist of two part (A+B) systems that are cast into open molds or forms. A multi-component system typically consists of two separate components (A + B) where A is the resin and B is the catalyst or hardener.  The user or fabricator mixes the components to initiate the curing process.
	Fabricated Shapes / Parts (Molded, Cast)		Foam products are available fabricated into finished shapes or parts using molding, casting, extrusion, pultrusion, machining, thermal forming, plastic welding, blow molding, rapid prototyping techniques, grinding and/or other specialized processes. The exact dimensions and tolerances of the finished molded or cast parts are typically made-to-print based on the OEMs requirements and the supplier in-house capabilities.
	Foam Spray		Foam is in the form of a sprayable liquid.  Spray foams are commonly used in construction insulation applications.
	Extrusion Grade / Profile		Plastics or elastomers are suited for fabricating parts by extrusion or pultrusion.
	Molding Grade Resin (Pellets)		Plastics or elastomers are suited for fabricating parts by injection molding, compression molding, blow molding or film extrusion, reaction injection molding (RIM), resin transfer molding (RTM), or molded stock shapes.
	Stock Shape (Bar, Sheet, etc.)		Stock plastic or elastomer shapes are suited for part fabrication by machining, assembly or other processes.
	Board / Block / Bun		Plastics or elastomers are in the form of a sheet, strip, plate or slab shape.
	Film / Sheet		Foam or core materials are in the form of a film sheet.
	Rod / Bar Stock		Plastics or elastomers are in the form of a rod or bar shape.
	Other		Other proprietary or unlisted forms.
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Material / Composition

	Material / Composition
	Your choices are...
	Plastic / Polymer		Materials are industrial plastics, elastomers, intermediates, monomers, and other specialty polymers or compounds.
	Metal Foam		Materials consist of a metal or metal alloy.
	Ceramic Foam		Materials consist of a ceramic material.
	Elastomer / Rubber		Elastomers and rubber materials are characterized by their high degree of flexibility and elasticity (high reversible elongation).  Elastomers and rubber materials can be based on a variety of systems such silicone, polyurethane, chloroprene, butyl, polybutadiene, neoprene, natural rubber or isoprene, and other synthetic rubber or compounds.
	Thermoplastic		Thermoplastics can be repeatably softened by heat and then hardened, or set by cooling, which allows parts to be injection molded and scrap to be reprocessed.
	Thermoset / Crosslinked		Thermoset plastics and thermoset resins are crosslinked polymeric resins cured using heat or heat and pressure. Cured thermoset resins generally have higher resistance to heat compared to thermoplastics, but melting cannot reprocess them.
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	Polymer / Chemical System:
	Your choices are...
	Latex Foam		Water-based resins, water borne resins or latex are water soluble or water emulsion based resin systems that typically do not contain any VOC solvents.  Latex is a term often used for latex rubber products. Typically, water based resins will result in less environmental or regulatory control related problems.  Latex or emulsions based products consist of resin or polymer droplets dispersed and suspended in a water carrier or solvent.
	Polyester		Thermosetting resins or plastics are based on the polyester (alkyd) system.  These materials should not be confused with thermoplastic polyesters or PET resins.  Also, foam using a polyester polyol as a component of the polymer chemical system.
	Plant Based (Natural Rubber / Sponge)		Plastics or elastomers are formed from a natural or plant-based raw material such as natural rubber (polyisoprene), vulcanized fibre or corn-based polylactide (PLA).
	Polyether		Foams use a polyether polyol as a component of the polymer chemical system.
	Polyetherimide		Polymers or plastics based on the polyetherimide chemical system.
	Polyimide		Adhesive or sealant based on polyimide resin.  Aromatic polyimides are among the most thermally stable organic materials known. Polyimide resins are often provides as solutions of polyimide precursors which, when properly cured, yield composites and adhesives with the very high thermal stability.
	Polyolefin		Polyolefin is broad term encompassing several specific linear polymer types.
	Polypropylene (EPP)		Adhesive based on polypropylene chemical bonds. Polypropylene is commonly used in hot melt adhesive systems.
	Phenolic		Thermosetting resin or plastic based on the phenol formaldehyde system.
	Polyisocyanates		Polyisocyanate foam consists of polyethers or polyester reacted with polyisocyanates to form a polymer foam.
	Polyurethane		Polyurethane or PUR resins provide excellent flexibility, impact resistance and durability. Polyurethanes are formed through the reaction of an isocyanate component with polyols or other active hydroxyl group compounds.  Polyurethanes require a catalyst, heat or air evaporation to initiate and complete curing.
	Silicone		Plastic or elastomer based on silicone chemical system. Silicones are produced through the hydrolysis and polymerization of silanes and siloxanes.
	Vinyl / PVC		Polymer based on vinyl chemical system.
	Specialty / Other		Other specialty, proprietary or unlisted chemical system, compound or polymer type.
	Ethylene Copolymer (EEA, EVA, EBAC)		Ethylene copolymers include (poly)ethylene acrylate acid (EAA), (poly)ethylene methyl acrylate (EMAC), (poly)ethylene ethyl acrylate (EEA), (poly)ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), (poly)ethylene butyl acrylate (EBAC), (poly)ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA or EVAC), (poly)ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVAL or EVOH), (poly)ethylene propylene terpolymer (EPM).
	Expanded Polystyrene (EPS, Styrofoam)		Styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers are commonly applied in pressure sensitive adhesive applications.
	Expanded Polyethylene (EPE)		Polymer or plastic based on polyethylene chemical system.  Polyethylene is a common commodity plastic.
	Fluoropolymer		Polymer based on fluoropolymer chemical system such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).  Fluoropolymers are used in applications requiring superior chemical resistance.
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	Filled / Reinforced?		Filled, compounded or formulated products consist of resins with additional modifiers such as fillers, colorants, dispersants, plasticizers, wetting agents, levelers or defoamers.  Filled or compounded systems are typically ready to use.
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Applications & Special Features

	Application
	Your choices are...
	Acoustics / Sound Proofing		Sound proofing or acoustic insulation material is used to form a barrier or isolator between components and sources of noise or vibration.  Also, foam material products used for diffusing sound without causing a large degree of attenuation.
	Aerospace		Foam products are designed, qualified or suitable for aerospace or aircraft applications.
	Architectural / Construction		Foam products are designed or suitable for construction or architectural applications such as insulation, column bearing blocks, forming structural panels, sealing, or holding interior components in place.
	Automotive / Transportation		Foam products are designed or suitable for automotive or transportation applications such as window seals, fascia, bumpers, insulation, forming lightweight body panels, fuel baffling, cushioning, air filtration, fluid filtration, or holding interior components in place.
	Baffling / Explosion Suppression		Foam products are suitable for baffling applications to reduce the surge and slosh of fuel or other volatile liquids. The sloshing, splashing or movement of fuel may generate explosive fumes within a system.
	Buoyancy		Foam products are designed or suitable for buoyancy applications. Typically, water resistant or waterproof closed cell foams are used for buoyancy applications.
	Consumer / Furniture		Foam products are designed for consumer, mattress, seating, or furniture applications.
	Core Material		Core materials consist of rigid foams, honeycombs, and balsa end grain. Core materials are used to improve stiffness and integrity by filling the gaps between composite walls or within laminated composite sandwiches or between the skins of sandwich panels.
	Cushioning / Springs		Foam products have a high degree of elasticity and resilience, making the form useful for cushioning or elastomeric spring applications. Materials with cushioning ability are useful in seating, mattresses, bumpers, impact-protective packaging and other specialized industrial applications.
	EMI / RFI Shielding		Foam products are polymers or elastomers designed to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). Usually, these foams contain a ferromagnetic or conductive filler.
	Impact / Energy Absorption		Foam products are designed to absorb mechanical energy to protect components, structures, and products from severe impacts, explosions, or other dynamic releases of kinetic energy.
	Filtration		Open celled foams are suitable for filtration applications. These products must be resistant to the fluid, gas or media passing through the foam filter. The pore size (ppi) determines the size of the particles that can be filtered out, as well as the flow rate through the filter.
	HVAC		Foam products are designed for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications.
	Industrial OEM		Foam products are designed or suitable for integration with components or products from original equipment or product manufacturers (OEMs).
	Marine		Foam products are designed or suitable for marine, ship construction or boat building applications such as window seals, insulation, forming lightweight panels, fuel baffling, cushioning, air filtration, fluid filtration or holding interior components in place.
	Medical		Foam products are suitable for medical or healthcare products in applications such as wound care, surgical support, filtration, defoaming, patient positioning and cushioning support.
	Packaging / Casing		Foam products are designed or suitable for packaging applications such as insulating, cushioning, or protecting products.
	Pultrusion Processing		Foam products are designed for pultrusion processing.
	Resin Infusion / Molding		Foam grades are designed or suitable for composite structure fabrication applications that use resin infusion or molding processes such as vacuum infusion, Seeman Composites Resin Infusion Process (SCRIMP), resin transfer molding (RTM), and vacuum assisted RTM (VARTM).  The molding or resin infusion grade foam must be resistant to attack by the resin as well as molding temperatures and pressures.
	Sealing / Gasketing		Foams conform to surface contours, making them suitable for sealing and gasketing applications.
	Static / ESD Control		Foam products control static or electrostatic discharge (ESD) to prevent damage to sensitive electronics. Usually, these products contain a conductive filler that dissipates the static charge to the ground
	Shock / Vibration Dampening		Foam products are suitable for shock or vibration dampening applications. Foam's high internal porosity and viscoelastic nature results in good vibration dampening characteristics.
	Structural / Composites		Foam products are designed for structural applications such as constructing composite foam cored laminates, column bearing blocks, sandwich panels or other foam cored structures.
	Tooling / Modeling		Foam products are designed for tooling, modeling, foundry or mold patterns fabrication such as tooling board, polyurethane shapes or castable foams. These foam products need to have a fine structure, good strength, hydrostatic pressure resistance, and high machinability. Tooling applications can include bonding fixtures, machining supports, mold patterns, inspection jigs, composite lay-up tools, vacuum-forming tools, fiberglass-mold plugs, mold tools, drape-forming tools, hydro-forming tools, trim fixtures, foundry patterns, and autoclave tools.
	Wicking / Reservoir		Foam products provide a sponge-like action and the ability to wick up or absorb water, ink or other liquids. The wicking and reservoir characteristics of open celled foams are used in dispensing, coating, and printing applications. Foams need to be hydrophilic if water or a water based liquid is to be absorbed.
	Other		Other unlisted, proprietary, or specialty features.
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	Special Features
	Your choices are...
	Chemical / Fuel Resistant		Material designed to be resistant to damage by acids, alkalis, general chemicals, and oils. Material is resistant to damage by exposure to oil or fuel. These materials find applications in sealing fuel or oil tanks.
	Electrical Insulation / Dielectric		Dielectric foams are electrically insulating. Dielectric materials are used to form a barrier or isolator between electrical or electronic components.
	Electrically Conductive		Foam material designed with relatively high electrically conductivity or low electrical resistivity for electronic, anti-static or electrostatic discharge (ESD) applications. Usually, a conductive filler is added into the foam to increase conductivity.
	Expanding		Expanding foam products are applied in the unexpanded form and then blowing agents or mechanisms within the material expand the foam.  Expanding foam products are available in the film, sheet, or sprayable forms.
	Felt / Permanent Set		Foam felt or felted foams have a permanent set. Compression set is the permanent height reduction caused by compression of the foam under specified conditions of load, temperature, and time.
	Flame Retardant		Material will reduce flame spread or resist ignition when exposed to high temperature or insulate the substrate and delay damage to the substrate.  A UL 94 Rating indicates the material is flame retardant in accordance to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Flame Class 94V-0 or other equivalent ISO standards. Material will reduce flame spread or resist ignition when exposed to high temperatures, or insulate the substrate, and delay damage to the substrate
	FOF (Foam Over Fabric / Screen)		FOF products consist of foam over fabric or screen. The fabric provides improved support. Integral screen provides EMI shielding capabilities.
	Integral Skin		Foams formed with an integral skin. A tougher, higher density skin layer is formed against the mold surface, while a lower density core is produced with blowing agents.
	Intumescent		Intumescent foams are combustion modified polymer foams.  When a flame is applied, the surface of the foam chars, forming a protective shield between the flame and the foam underneath. The carbon char formed has a low thermal conductivity and high oxidation resistance.
	Hydrophilic / Absorbent		Foam material is hydrophilic, which means the surface can be wet by water. Sponges or water absorbent foams are hydrophilic. Hydrophobic foams will repel water.
	Hydrostatic Pressure Resistant		Foam is resistant collapse when exposed to hydrostatic pressures, which can occur in deep sea, composite structure molding or pultrusion applications.
	Thermal Insulation		Foam thermal insulation or thermal insulating foams provide a thermal barrier between components and a heat or cold source.
	UL Approved / Listed		The material is approved to or recognized and listed under the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).
	Viscoelastic / Memory		Memory foams have a viscoelastic nature.  Materials with a viscoelastic nature have a delayed response when a load is removed; i.e., they do not spring back quickly.
	Waterproof		Waterproof foams do not dissolve or degrade in strength when exposed to water.  The foam may still absorb water if the product is hydrophilic and has open porosity.
	Weather / UV Resistant		Plastic or elastomer foams are resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight.  Some non-UV resistant foams will crack, yellow or degrade on exposure to UV light. Weather resistant materials are plastic or elastomer foams that can withstand exposure to the elements, such as wind, rain, snow dust, humidity, heat, cold and other weather conditions.
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Mechanical & Physical Properties

	Bulk Density		Density is the mass per unit area for a material.  Bulk or apparent density is dependent on the theoretical density (density 100% dense body) and the actual porosity retained after processing or packing of the pellets or powder.
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	Tensile Strength		Tensile strength at break is the maximum amount of stress required to fail or break the material under tension loading test conditions. Tensile tests are typically performed according to test procedure standards such as ASTM D-638 or ISO 527-1, ASTM D-1708, ASTM D-2289 (plastics at high strain rates), and ASTM D-882 (thin plastic sheets) as well as other OEM proprietary standards.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Tensile Modulus (E)		Tensile modulus, Young's modulus, or the modulus of elasticity (E) is a material constant that indicates the variation in strain produced under an applied tensile load. Materials with a higher modulus of elasticity have higher stiffness or rigidity.
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	Elongation		Elongation is the percent amount of deformation occurring during a tensile test or other mechanical test.
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	Tear Strength		Tear strength is used to measure the tear resistance of foam rubber, elastomeric foam or other thin, flexible foam materials.  A notched specimen of known thickness is ripped apart by an applied load. The applied load required to tear divided by the material thickness provides the tear strength in force per unit length (e.g., pounds per inch, pli).
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)		Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) is a rating given to an acoustical material directly related to the material's ability to absorb noise, according to ASTM D423. NRC is determined by averaging the measured sound absorption coefficients across a series of frequencies between 250 to 2,000 Hz.   NRC gives an indication of the level of noise attenuation a material can provide over a range of frequencies.
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Thermal & Electrical Properties

	Use Temperature		Use temperature is the temperature range to which a material can be exposed without degrading its structural or other required end-use properties.
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	Thermal Conductivity		Thermal conductivity is the linear heat transfer per unit area through a material for a given applied temperature gradient. Heat flux (h) = [thermal conductivity (k) ] x [temperature gradient (Δ T)]
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	Dielectric Strength		Dielectric strength is the maximum voltage field that the material can withstand before electrical breakdown occurs.
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