Foam and Its Applications
What is Foam?
Foam refers to a material produced by trapping gas bubbles in a liquid or solid. Examples of foam include sponges and beer froth. The gas volume in most foams is high. Thin liquid or solid membranes are used to separate the gas regions in the foam. Pipe foam is made by combining polyethylene and gas. The polyethylene used in the production process is compressed, significantly enhancing the foam’s insulating performance. It serves as an excellent alternative to traditional insulation materials, such as fiberglass, polyroll, adhesive, rock wool, etc.
Pipe foam has high density and is a type of closed-cell foam. It offers high resistance to moisture, cold, and heat in various piping systems and fittings. In some cases, it also resists sound transmission, preventing noise from passing through. As a result, it protects pipes from factors like heat, cold, impact, and scratches, extending the lifespan of the pipes and making the use of this foam economically viable.
Types of Foam
Solid foam is available in two types: closed-cell foam and open-cell foam. In closed-cell foam, the gas forms separate pockets, each completely surrounded by solid material. In open-cell foam, the air pockets are interconnected. For example, a bath sponge is an open-cell foam, which is why water can easily penetrate it, whereas even air cannot pass through a camping mat, which is a type of closed-cell foam. In closed-cell foam, the gas pockets are so tightly connected that water cannot penetrate them.
Foam contains a large amount of gas, which is divided into gas bubbles of varying sizes. These gas bubbles are separated by liquid regions. As the liquid phase drains from the system layers, it may form thinner and thinner layers. Foam is generally categorized into the following types:
- Microcell Foam
- Polyethylene Foam
- EPDM Foam
- Silent Foam
- Compressed Foam
- Microcell Foam
Microcell sheets produced by Fomino are extremely rigid, dense, and board-like. These sheets are manufactured in standard dimensions with a wide range of colors using the best and highest quality raw materials and machinery and are supplied to various industries in Iran. Microcell sheets are embossed on both sides and, due to their high hardness and density, as well as their superior impact resistance and insulation properties, are used in various industries such as footwear, sandal board production, sports shoes (mountaineering), orthopedic shoes, sound insulation, automotive and parts manufacturing (foam parts manufacturing), shipbuilding, armored and military industries, safety shoes, and boots, and impact absorbers.
Polyethylene Foam
Fomino polyethylene sheets are very lightweight, resistant to heat and cold, and have high impact absorption capabilities. Due to these features, polyethylene sheets are used in various industries, including automotive manufacturing, gasket and alarm production, construction, and other related industries.
EPDM Foam
EPDM sheets are highly resistant to sunlight, heat up to 120 degrees Celsius, saltwater, and harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor use and air exposure. EPDM sheets are also highly resistant to acids, which is why they are used in various industries, including marine, petrochemical, and cement washer manufacturing.
EPDM foam sheets have unique features, including:
- EPDM sheets have very high resistance to acids, sewage, sludge, abrasion, ozone, oxygen, and rust.
- They act as the best insulator due to their low water absorption.
- They have high heat resistance up to 120 degrees Celsius.
- This type of rubber foam sheet is not suitable for use with greasy and aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum products, and gasoline.
Silent Foam
Silent foam is produced in white and black colors and widths of 150 cm or 145 cm in 50-meter rolls. The thickness of silent foam rolls is 1.5 mm and 2 mm. EVA foam or silent foam is used for underflooring under parquet, which, in addition to being a thermal insulator, prevents the parquet from making noise after installation. The reason for naming it silent foam is its application in soundproofing parquet floors. The use of silent foam, a type of foam roll, prolongs the lifespan of parquet flooring due to its elasticity.
Compressed or Rigid Foam
Rigid compressed sheets are one of the foam products manufactured by Fomino. Compressed sheets are offered as foam sheets and have various applications. Fomino compressed sheets are produced in a variety of colors and are themselves used as raw material for producing other products. Fomino Manufacturing Company, utilizing advanced technology and global knowledge, has produced high-quality compressed foam sheets to provide a valuable service to Iran’s industrial market. The most important feature of compressed sheets is their very low rebound rate.
