People frequently misunderstand the distinction between foam and sponge rubber. These materials have slightly different constituent compositions, formation methods, and applications.
Foaming agents are ideal for forming an air-filled framework in the foam substance. Sponge rubber is made of elastic and rubber-like materials in an open or closed-cell structure. Although both foam and sponge have a low density, foam allows liquid to pass through, whereas sponge prevents liquid and gas passage.
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Process of Making Foam and Sponge Rubbers
Foam Rubber: Foam rubber forms thousands of bubbles in a liquid combination using a chemical or gas called a “blowing ingredient”. Liquid plastics (Polyols, Polyisocyanates), water, and colourants make up the liquid combination. As a result of mixing liquid polymers with water, they produce heat, and by combining different liquid polymers, we can make flexible or rigid foam rubber depending on the content.
Blowing agents should be used in precise amounts since they play a big part in whether the foam is flexible or rigid. Carbon dioxide gas is usually useful in making the foam fluid, while hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) make the foam more solid.
Rubber Sponge:
Industries create Sponge rubber in the same way as foam rubber and comes in various densities (soft, medium, and firm). However, there are two varieties of sponge rubber: open-cell and closed-cell sponge rubber. When the Extruded Rubber Gasket substance is loose, open-cell material has permeable and connected cells that enable air, water, and other substances to pass through. The spaces are a creation due to the mixture of sodium bicarbonate with other components (Sponge Extruded Rubber Seals & Gaskets) in a heat mold to create the spaces.
Let’s talk about sponge extrusion applications now that we know how leading silicone sponge extrusions manufacture them.
Foam Rubber’s Applications:
Stress absorption and tremor control are two applications for polyurethane foams. When crushed, these structures are stiff and do not spread. A few critical applications are suspension systems for industrial equipment, hood gaskets in mobile devices, and noise vibration dampeners for various appliances.
Polystyrene foams are lightweight, robust, and resistant to moisture. They’re famous for house and appliance protection, compact packaging design, packaged food, surfboards, and vehicle parts because of their excellent stiffness-to-weight proportion.
One can accomplish filtration via reticulated foams (very open foams, like a net or silicone Rubber). Soles and heels, automotive seats, mattresses, and pillows are all made of flexible foam rubber. Refrigerators and other appliances use rigid foam rubbers.
Read more:– Uses for Food Grade Silicone Rubber Tubing/Hose
Sponge Rubber:
Sponge Silicone Rubber has a wide range of applications and offers the following benefits:
- It is possible to create it with low, medium, or high levels of rigidity in terms of density.
- Excellent sealing ability
- It is possible to condense
- Excellent shock-absorbing ability
Automotive, marine, public transportation, and aircraft used sponge rubbers. Because it can withstand sunshine and UV radiation, open-cell sponge rubber is useful in gaskets, seals, and protective padding. Cushioning, silencing, house wrap, and insulative properties are all applications for closed-cell sponge rubber.
Conclusion
Foam and sponge rubber’s applications are not limited to those listed above. These are some of the most common areas where they’ve been employed frequently.
Elastostar Rubber Corporation supplies custom-made high-quality silicone rubber cord profiles in different sizes, shapes and colors. We can also make custom silicone rubber tubing, silicone rubber cords, platinum-cured rubber tubing, silicone rubber strips, vulcanized and splice silicone o-rings, etc. Some of the market areas where our rubber products are in use include but are not limited to aerospace, auto industry, pharmaceutical, construction, medical, food & beverage industry, defence and military, etc. We work with our clients to select the feasible rubber material and provide robust customer service from our end.
For more use and application, please contact us with your details or Email us at info@elastostar.com or call us at 614-841-4400. We will help you to explore more ways to utilize our products for your special purpose.
