Elastomeric foams are a family of foam insulation materials made out of the synthetic rubbers NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), combined with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and a foaming agent. The use of either NBR or EPDM in the manufacturing process results in a very flexible, closed-cell, low-density insulation material that can be produced in rolls, sheets, rolls, or extruded profiles.
There are differences between elastomeric foams made with NBR or EPDM. NBR based materials can withstand temperatures from -40 F to 226 F and are resistant to oils, fuel, and most other chemicals.Foams made with EPDM can withstand temperatures of – 65 to 250 F and are resistant to UV light, ozone, and outdoor extremes.
Most elastomeric foams also have a smooth skin surface. This skin serves as a water vapor retarder which minimizes moisture absorption into the material. The low-density, closed-cell structure of the foam combined with the vapor retarder make for materials that have superior thermal insulation value. The insulation properties serve to minimize condensation and freezing in below ambient or cold systems. This also helps limit CUI (corrosion under insulation) which can degrade mechanical systems. Additionally, the insulation medium minimizes energy loss and improves overall system efficiency throughout the life of the system.
The flexible properties and insulation value of elastomeric foams make them ideal for use in below ambient/cold applications in commercial and industrial equipment. Flextech promotes its use in a range of applications including but not limited to:
✧ HVAC duct insulation
✧ commercial chilling
✧ air processing/handling systems
✧ refrigeration systems
✧ freezing systems
✧ cryogenic equipment
✧ ice making machines
✧ beverage dispensing machines
Essentially, any system that operates below ambient temperature conditions where condensation and energy loss are problematic are ideal applications. There are elastomeric insulation materials available for hot mechanical systems as well.
Elastomeric insulation materials are also available with special additives for unique applications. Anti-microbial agents can be added to prohibit bacterial growth. Fire retardant agents can also be added to meet certain fire-retardant specifications.
Flextech fabricates Armacell’s Armaflex and K-Flex’s Insul-Sheet and Insul-tube materials. This allows us to offer the best insulation materials at the most competitive pricing for each unique application. We can also provide these materials with or without pressure-sensitive adhesives. Additionally, we can die-cut custom shaped parts in order to make our customers’ installation of the elastomeric foam insulations as simple as possible.
We invite you to connect with our technical sales team to learn more about elastomeric foam insulation as well as our other materials and capabilities. We can be reached at 952-345-0012 or [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
