Open Cell Sponge Rubber & Plastic Foam Manufacturer

Closed-Cell Foam vs. Open-Cell Foam

Foam is commonly divided into two types of rubber based on cellular structure: closed-cell and open-cell.

Closed-cell foam is created by forcing gas into the foam while in a liquid state. This causes the formation of thousands of tiny bubbles, each one completely sealed off from the ones around it. Because of the closed structure (hence the name closed-cell foam), these materials are much less permeable to water and air than other styles of foam, making it a great insulation material.

Open-cell foam is formed in a similar way, except the closed-cells burst open, leaving a spindly, interconnected structure. Sponges are an example of open-cell foam, being porous and absorbent.

Among closed-cell and open-cell foam, there are many variations we are familiar with in our everyday lives. We’ll outline a few popular types below, along with some of their applications.

Common Types of Open-Cell Foam

Poly Foam – This is a plush, affordable foam that is ideal for single-use packaging, as well as padding materials in storage. Poly foam can be used to protect delicate products like china, holiday ornaments, and other breakable items.

Rebond Foam – An incredibly rugged foam, rebond is made of shredded foam scraps that are then bonded together with adhesive. It’s able to hold up as padding in uses where other foams would fail, such as seating in automobiles, snowmobiles, recreational vehicles, and tractors. Rebond foam is also popular as a carpet underlayment material.

High-Density Foam – Open-cell foams with greater densities are more durable, and able to offer comfort and support for years. This makes high-density foam perfect for couches and seating cushions that receive a significant amount of abuse but still require softness and comfort. High-density foam is popular for mattresses and is also used in body wedges and pet beds.

Other types of open-cell foam include charcoal foam, which has a soil-resistant surface, making it a great packaging material. Acoustic foam is also an open-cell material, used to reduce echoes, reflections, and improve the sound quality in spaces. Reticulated filter foam is used in central heating and air conditioning systems to filter dust, allergens, and other debris; the open-cell structure allows air to pass through while capturing pollutants.