What is closed cell foam?

Closed cell foam is a material that is used in a wide range of different environments because it is strong, yet flexible. The material has millions of internal pores (cells) that are packed very tightly together, but are not connected. This is where the name ‘closed cell’ comes from. Depending on the exact type of closed cell foam, the material can be highly compressive, very strong, and have low moisture absorption.

Types of Closed Cell Foam

There are six common types of closed cell foam. From those types there are thousands of different products that can be made and used in just about every industry around. The six types are polyethylene, Styrofoam, Volara, Minicel, neoprene, and gymnastic rubber.

Benefits of Closed Cell Foam

Closed cell foam is the ideal material for many situations because it can offer a variety of important benefits. For example, compared to other materials of similar strength it is very lightweight, and maintains a lot of flexibility. In addition, it is not damaged when exposed to most types of solvents, most chemicals, and even fungi or mold. These benefits are even more pronounced when compared to open cell foam.

Where is Closed Cell Foam Used?

Closed cell foam is a material that is used in many different places. For example, Volara is smooth and has low water absorption and vapor transmission. Because of this, it is commonly found in refrigerators and freezers to help keep heat out. Interestingly, it is also the material that is most commonly used as poker table padding. Minicel is a thicker form of this foam and is most commonly used to absorb shocks. It is used in football helmets, floatation equipment, and airplane seating. Not surprisingly, gymnastic rubber is used in the creation of exercise mats such as those gymnasts perform on.

In the workplace, closed cell foam is often used to organize tools. Whether this foam is being used for industrial purposes, entertainment, safety, or any number of other things, it is an essential material. Understanding what it is, what types should be used in a given situation, and what benefits it can provide, is important for many situations.

 

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