Natural Open Cell Rubber Explained
Natural Open Cell Rubber is the first type of Sponge Rubber that is made by adding a blowing agent like baking soda to the uncured sponge rubber. It then rises or expands under low pressure a little like a cake would rise. The baking soda then introduces a vast network of open cells.
Open Cell means every cell is interconnected with each other through an opening, so gas, air, and water can seamlessly pass from one cell to another. Open Cell has a far better compression set than a closed cell material. This means air will rush out of the open cells whenever the material is compressed. When released air will then rush back into the cells and the material will go back to its original size.
It works a little like a washing up sponge. It can be full of water. When you squeeze it after release it goes back to its original shape.
Open cell sponge can be manufactured in low or high densities. Natural open cell sponge and foam components are used across several industrial and commercial applications. In particular, natural open cell sponge rubber components can be very effective in applications where shock absorption and cushioning are needed over repeated use, such as vacuum lifting seals, low-pressure gaskets, and expansion joints
Properties
- Excellent compressibility and Recovery.
- Resilience.
- Absorbency.
- Flexibility at low temperature.
- Elasticity and excellent surface adhesion.
- Good Anti Vibration Properties.
Uses
- Industrial cushioning.
- Sound absorption.
- Environmental – dust & dirt seals.
- Space fillers.
- Mechanical vibration dampening.
- Air filters.
- Thermal barriers and insulating, and shock absorbing padding.
- Die Ejection.
Natural Open Cell Stock Grades
100 Black
Medium Density.
Colour: Black
Sheet Size: 915mm x 915mm
Stocked thickness 6.0mm, 8.0mm, 9.5mm and 11mm (other thicknesses are available)
200 Tan
Medium Density.
Colour: Tan
Sheet Size: 915mm x 915mm
Stocked thickness 8.0mm
400 Tan
Medium Density.
Colour: Tan
Sheet Size: 915cm x 1000mm
Stocked thickness 7.0mm, 8.0mm and 11mm (other thicknesses are available)
500 Red
Firm Density.
Colour: Red
Sheet Size: 915cm x 1000mm
Stocked thickness 7.0mm, 8.0mm and 11mm (other thicknesses are available)
600 Dark Red
Extra Firm Density.
Colour: Dark Red
Sheet Size: 915cm x 1000mm
Stocked thickness 7.0mm, 8.0mm, 11mm and 16mm (other thicknesses are available)
Specification Sheet
Product Reference Type |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100 |
200 |
400 |
500 |
600 |
|
Property |
|||||
Elastomer / Polymer type |
Natural Rubber |
||||
| Colour | Black | Tan | Tan | Red | Dark Red |
| Length and Width mm | 915 x 915 | 915 x 915 | 915 x 1000 | 915 x 1000 | 915 x 1000 |
| Density (kg/M³) | 480 | 480 | 450 | 560 | 640 |
| Shore ‘A’ | |||||
| Shore ‘O’ | |||||
| Elongation at Break (%) | |||||
| Tensile Strength (kPa) | |||||
| Compression Deflection @ 25% (kPa) ASTM D1056 | 70 – 110 | 70 – 110 | 103 – 172 | 172 – 241 | 241 + |
| Compression Deflection @ 50% (kPa) ASTM D1056 | |||||
| Compression Deflection Change after Oven aging % ASTM D 1056 168hrs at 70 deg c | |||||
| Compression Set (50% 22h) ASTM D1056-00 @ 23ºc | |||||
| Compression Set (50% 22h) ASTM D1056-00 @ 40ºc | |||||
| Compression Set (50% 70h) ASTM D3574 D @ 20ºc | |||||
| Compression Set (50% 22h) ASTM D3574 D @ 70ºc | 15 | 15 | 25 | 30 | 30 |
| Water Absorbtion % | |||||
| Tear Resistance (N/mm) | |||||
| Temperature Range (ºC Low – High) | -30 to 70 | -30 to 70 | -30 to 70 | -30 to 70 | -30 to 70 |
| Temperature High Intermittent ºC | |||||
| Resistance to Air and UV | |||||
| Resistance to Oil | |||||
| Resistance to Acids | |||||
For information and enquiries regarding specific test result(s), please contact us directly. A member of our team is on hand to help deal with your enquiry.