Foam Material

Foam Gasket Materials

Foams (or sponges) are soft by nature and generally specified for simple sealing applications. They are more flexible and malleable than solid rubbers of the same material.

Open cell foams have cells, or air spaces, which are interconnected and will thus allow the passage of liquids or gases. These types are not generally used for gaskets or seals. Closed cell foams where the cells do not interconnect are used for gasket and sealing purposes. For more technical information regarding foam gaskets see our article here.

Foams have a wide range of applications. For example, as: dust, moisture and splash seals; lid seals and various kinds of filters.

These materials can also be supplied with an adhesive backing for easy application. Foams are generally available in black or white. Silicone foam can be supplied in many different colours, however there would be a minimum order quantity for this.

On this page: EPDM Foam | Neoprene Foam | Nitrile Foam | Polyethylene Foam | Silicone Foam | Viton Foam

EPDM Foam

EPDM is short for ethylene propylene diene monomer which is a flexible, black, closed cell foam. Certain types of EPDM are WRAS approved for use with potable (drinking) water.

EPDM Specification

  • Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
  • Condition: New
  • Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
  • Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Neoprene Foam

Otherwise known as polychloroprene, neoprene exhibits a good chemical inertia.

Neoprene Specification

  • Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
  • Condition: New
  • Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
  • Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Nitrile Foam

Also known as Buna-N, Perbunan or NBR rubber, nitrile is known for it’s oil, fuel and chemical resistant properties.

Nitrile foam gasket material is suited for use in environments in which fats and oils are present.

Nitrile Specification

  • Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
  • Condition: New
  • Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
  • Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Polyethylene Foam

Common uses for polyethylene foam include inserts, padding and packaging. They are a plastic that is long lasting with a good chemical resistance and they are relatively cheap. As a plastic it has less elasticity than a rubber based foam.

It is available as either a solid sheet or as foam parts.

Polyethylene Specification

As a general rule, polyethylene is resistant to the following chemicals:

  • Acetatic acid
  • Amonium hydroxide 30%
  • Calcium hydroxide 30%
  • Diethylene glycol
  • Ethylene glycol
  • Ethanol 100%
  • Glycerin
  • Glycol
  • Hydrogen peroxide 30%
  • Mercury
  • Methanol
  • Potassium hydroxide 30%
  • Sodium hydroxide 30%

 

  • Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
  • Condition: New
  • Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
  • Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Silicone Foam

Silicone is a synthetic rubber known for it’s chemical inertia. For this reason silicone foam has application in the pharmaceutical and food processing industries. As it is a clean material it is difficult to adhere to. For self-adhesive versions special treatments need to be used.

Gaskets cut from sheet silicone have a skin top and bottom surface and a cut cell side. For skin finish on all sides silicone is extruded and parts fabricated with silicone adhesive.

FDA versions are available which are electrically insulating.

Silicone Specification

  • Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
  • Condition: New
  • Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
  • Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Viton® Foam

Viton® is used in the presence of aggressive chemicals, fuels and explosive gases and as such has application in extreme environments.

Gaskets made from Viton® foam are used for; dust, moisture and splash seals; lid seals and various kinds of closures.

Viton® Specification

  • Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
  • Condition: New
  • Thicknesses Available: 3mm and 6mm
  • Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 711mm x 1422mm

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