Ethafoam - A Versatile Design Material That Can Be Substituted for Many Materials
Properties and Characteristics that Improve Product Quality, Reduce Costs, Or Both
1. Compressive Strengths
What is Electrolysis and galvanic corrosion?
Galvanic Corrosion is the corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are used together in a structure and exposed to an electrolyte (salt water, chemical, petrol) and the less noble of the 2 metals will corrode. For example; aluminum sheet with steel fasteners on a boat. Some pairings of metals are more at risk of galvanic corrosion. Check a galvanic series or chart.
Electrolysis is the acceleration of the galvanic corrosion when electricity is introduced to the metals in question. Connected by an external electrical source, the less noble metal experiences accelerated galvanic corrosion.
while both processes involve metals and electrolytes, their dependence on an external voltage source distinguishes them.
Because ETHAFOAM is available in a variety of compressive strengths, it can support a wide range of loads. This makes it a well-suited material for many cushioning and/or immobilization applications.
2. Resiliency
Unlike materials whose properties are significantly altered after compression, ETHAFOAM offers excellent recovery. It can withstand compression repeatedly and quickly return to its near-original shape.
3. Weights
ETHAFOAM polyethylene foam is available in densities ranging from 1.5 to 7.2 pounds per cubic foot. Where weight of a product is a concern, ETHAFOAM may help meet your goals.
4. Tensile and Tear Strengths
ETHAFOAM is a very tough material for its weight. It can withstand abuse and still perform the job it was intended to do. So, wherever rough handling could exist, ETHAFOAM brand foam may offer surprisingly long life.
5. Flexibility
In addition to being quite strong, ETHAFOAM is quite flexible compared to other materials. Especially in lower densities. In higher densities, it provides greater strength and firmness.
6. Sound and Vibration Control
ETHAFOAM polyethylene foam can isolate various levels of sound and absorb vibration. So, where control of those factors is a concern, ETHAFOAM may be the answer.
7. Buoyancy
Because of its air-filled cells, ETHAFOAM is an ideal material for many flotation applications. And because the cells are closed, it remains buoyant even when cut, sliced, or punctured.
8. Low Water Absorption and Resistance to Water Vapor Transmission
Because polyethylene is virtually impermeable, the amount of water ETHAFOAM absorbs is negligible even when used for flotation for long periods of time. ETHAFOAM also offers high resistance to transmission of water vapours, with perm ratings of less than 0.4 perm-inch. It contains no water-soluble constituents.
9. Chemical Resistance
ETHAFOAM offers excellent stability when exposed to most acids, hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, petroleum products, paints, varnishes, thinners, and alcohols.
10. Effective Temperature Range
ETHAFOAM brand polyethylene foam has been used successfully in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 160°F without significant effect on many of its properties.
11. Thermal Conductivity
The thermal conductivity of ETHAFOAM brand foam makes it suitable as an insulating material. Because it doesn't absorb water or deteriorate at elevated temperatures, ETHAFOAM retains its insulating properties for long periods of time.
12. Light Stability
Direct sunlight may cause some degradation of ETHAFOAM. For applications where ETHAFOAM plastic foam will be exposed to sunlight for extended periods, a protective coating should be applied.
13. Biologically Inert
ETHAFOAM by itself won't promote the growth of fungus or bacteria. This property reduces storage problems and other environmental considerations.
14. No Food Value
ETHAFOAM offers no nutritional value to rodents, insects, or other pests.
15. Odorless
ETHAFOAM plastic foam does not have any discernible odor, nor will it readily absorb odors from other sources.
16. Non-Abrasive
Soft, resilient ETHAFOAM minimizes scratching and chafing of surfaces. Furthermore, the foam's strength properties resist puncturing and slicing from other materials that could cause damage.
17. Toxicity
ETHAFOAM brand polyethylene foam is considered low in single-dose oral toxicity and is considered physiologically inert.
18. Non-Dusting
Because it's a tough material with relatively high strengths, ETHAFOAM plastic foam does not crumble easily, so dusting is negligible.
19. Disposal
ETHAFOAM is not considered a toxic waste by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. As with all foams, care should be taken that disposal techniques comply with local safety and environmental standards.
20. Cleanable
ETHAFOAM can be easily cleaned using soap and water, with no significant effect on its properties or characteristics.
21. Anti-Static
Some ETHAFOAM products are anti-static, in addition to all the properties and characteristics discussed on these two pages. ETHAFOAM 220 Anti-Static Plank foam and ETHAFOAM 221 Anti-Static Sheet foam contain no static-potential themselves by virtue of an internal anti-static agent. What's more, they have the ability to dissipate electro-static discharges from other sources. Both products exceed government standards set for anti-static materials (see Static Decay Curves on next page). So for applications that call for an anti-static material or where protection from electro-static discharge is needed, these ETHAFOAM products may be the answer.
