Q&A RUBBER LIBRARY
Answerman: John Bonforte Sr.
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Q&A RUBBER LIBRARY
Welcome to our Question & Answer resource. The answers are meant to be brief & informative. For further detail and explanation just click on my name at the end of the answer and it will open an Email to me. Please enter your question in the subject. You can then ask for further information in addition to the answer given.
QUESTION:
What is required to know when I need a price on “sponge neoprene foam” and “neoprene sponge rubber foam sheets”?
ANSWER:
The terms “neoprene sponge rubber sheets” and “neoprene foam sheets” cover a broad range of products. Neoprene was once the DuPont trade name. However now it is a generic term. The chemical name for neoprene is Polychloroprene. Either Neoprene or Polychloroprene can be used to specify the polymer. We will try to help refine what is actually required when a customer asks for “neoprene sponge rubber sheets” and “neoprene foam sheets.”
The following are some but not all details needed to decide what type of “neoprene sponge rubber sheets” and “neoprene foam sheets.”
1. What is the density in pounds per cubic foot?
2. What is the compression deflection?
3. Do you have a competitor’s stock number or a sample we can analyze?
4. Is it cellular or solid?
5. If it is cellular, is it open cell or closed cell?
6. Is there a special size sheet as it relates to length and width?
7. What is the thickness?
8. Are there special tolerances?
9. Is there a specification, such as ASTM, etc.?
10. What is the application?
11. What do you want the “neoprene sponge rubber sheets” to do?
12. What is the color?
13. Are there any other performance requirements not mentioned above?
Ask John anything about “neoprene sponge rubber sheets” and “neoprene foam sheets.” Click here
Rubber Library Resource:
QUESTION:
What is required to know when I need a price on “EVA foam” and EVA foam sheets”?
ANSWER:
The terms “EVA foam” and EVA foam sheets” cover a broad range of products. We will try to help refine what is actually required when a customer asks for “EVA foam” and “EVA foam sheets.”
The following are some but not all details needed to decide what type of “EVA foam” and “EVA foam sheets”:
1. What is the density in pounds per cubic foot?
2. What is the compression deflection?
3. Do you have a competitor’s stock number or a sample we can analyze?
4. Is it cellular or solid?
5. If it is cellular, is it open cell or closed cell?
6. Is there a special size sheet as it relates to length and width?
7. What is the thickness?
8. Are there special tolerances?
9. Is there a specification, such as ASTM, etc.?
10. What is the application?
11. What do you want the EVA foam and EVA foam sheets to do?
12. What is the color?
13. Are there any other details not mentioned above?
Ask John anything about “EVA foam” and “EVA foam sheets.” Click here
QUESTION:
What is EVA?
ANSWER:
EVA is a plastic resin with some rubberlike qualities depending on the Vinyl Acetate content when it is crosslinked with peroxide. It is often used by itself or as a blend with polyethylene. Eva stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. It is often blended with straight polyethylene resin. For a more detailed overview click here - "EVA Explained"
QUESTION:
What are Rubber Sheets?
ANSWER:
The term rubber sheets covers a broad range of products. We will try to help refine what is actually required when a customer asks for “Rubber Sheets”
The following are some but not all details needed to decide what type of rubber sheet is actually required.
1 What polymer (rubber) is required. Such as neoprene, natural rubber, EPDM, nitrile, etc.
2 Is it cellular or solid?
3 If it is cellular, is it open cell or closed cell?
4 Is there a special size sheet as it relates to length and width.
5 What is the thickness?
6 Is there a specification, such as ASTM, etc?
7 What is the application? What do you want the rubber to do?
8 What is the color?
9 Are there any other details not mentioned above.
Rubber Sheets >
QUESTION:
What is recycled closed cell rubber & plastic foam?
ANSWER:
Recycled rubber & plastic foam is a product made from waste pieces from the prime manufacturing process of closed cell sponge rubber and plastic foam. The off fall (scrap) materials from the prime manufacturing process are collected. They are put through a size reduction process to produce ground particles of a controlled size. These ground particles are put into a mixer with binder liquids, blended and put into a high pressure steel mold for forming. The cured recycled bun is then split (skived) in to specified thicknesses based on customer requirements.
Monmouth Rubber’s recycled sponge rubber and plastic foam is Bondaflex, it is supplied worldwide for a variety of applications where high density at an economical price is required. The Bondaflex process contributes every day to helping to save the planet. Monmouth Rubber recycles 98% of all materials produced and used at its manufacturing site in Long Branch NJ.
TECHNICAL REPORT: Bondaflex Saves Over 27 Million Pounds Of The Earth’s Resources
For further information click here. - John Bonforte, Sr.
QUESTION:
What is the Berry Amendment? Also called the Berry Act.
ANSWER:
The Berry Amendment requires the department of defense to buy items that are manufactured in the United states of America. It is part of United States code, title 10 section 2533a
The code is fairly complex, however a certification is required from the manufacturer supplying material to DOD, therefore all companies in the supply chain must also certify that the product they supply is made in the USA. There is an ongoing debate in Congress to various items in the act.
The Berry Act should not be confused with the Buy American act. It is a separate and not directly related to the Berry Act.
Our certification can be found in the library under Technical Information or click here to view our certification. - John Bonforte, Sr.
QUESTION:
What is the difference between the three different types of Ton - short ton, long ton, and metric ton?
ANSWER:
The three types are all a measure of mass(weight) the short ton aka US ton is 2,000/lbs. the long ton aka British ton is 2240 lbs. the third ton is the metric ton which is, equal to 1000 kilograms, or approximately 2204 pounds. - John Bonforte, Sr.
QUESTION:
What is K factor?
ANSWER:
K factor is thermal conductivity (heat transferred per unit of time for unit area for a temperature gradient of one °F per unit length of heat path), Btu-in./h-ft.2-°F
"k": Thermal conductivity, the amount of heat (Btu's) transferred in 1 hour through 1 square foot of a homogeneous material 1 inch thick for a difference in temperature of 1°F. For example, the "k" for Durafoam DK1111 is 0.275 at 90°F. This means that for a 1 inch thickness there is a heat transfer of 0.275 Btu per hour per square foot for each degree difference in temperature between its two surfaces. Usually expressed in Btu-in./h-ft.2-°F in the insulation field. - John Bonforte, Sr.
QUESTION:
What is R factor?
ANSWER:
R factor is thermal resistance; a number denoting the resistance a material or system offers in the flow of heat, ft.2-°F-h/Btu - John Bonforte, Sr.
QUESTION:
2 different listings in UL - please explain to me in detail the difference between JMLU2 & JMST2?
ANSWER:
JMLU2 is the generic category (for material properties) while JMST2 is for a specific application.
Gaskets & Seals (JMLU2)
This is the main gasket and seal category that covers elastomeric and composite gasket materials in various forms including “O” rings, seals, shaft seals, flexible cellular gaskets, facings, sheet materials, special forms and poured-in-place gaskets. All materials are investigated with respect to properties including tensile strength, elongation, compression set, tensile set, hardness, low temperature, and the retention of these properties after accelerated aging and exposure to various environments.
This category is designed to provide a profile of the material properties.
These properties help product designers and engineers find materials that meet their requirements and comply with safety standards associated with their products. Materials may also be evaluated to specific end-product standard requirements as requested.
Gasket Materials (JMST2)
This category covers elastomeric materials supplied in sheet form or as formed or cut gaskets. These gaskets are evaluated for use in specific end-product applications.
QUESTION:
What is the difference between compression set suffix B2 and B3 in ASTM-D1056?
ANSWER:
B2 requires a maximum set of 25% B3 allows a maximum set of 35% - John Bonforte, Sr.
People who wanted to learn about ASTM-D1056 were also interested in referencing ASTM 1056 MRPC PRESENTATION 2009 [PDF] - Understanding ASTM D1056 - American Society For Testing Materials D1056 (ASTM D1056); and ASTM D 1056 Explained [PDF]
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on Closed Cell Sponge Rubber & Plastic Foam Materials and New Developments.
By John Bonforte, Sr.
Q&A Rubber Library
The answers are meant to
be brief & informative.
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Physical Properties Technical Data Sheets
80% of your questions answered here.
Rubber & Foam Samples
Closed cell sponge rubber and
plastic foam materials
Neoprene Explained
Neoprene was the world’s first fully commercial synthetic elastomer
EVA Explained
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate.
ASTM D 1056 explained
Standard Specification For Flexible Cellular Materials
UL Gasket Materials explained
Underwriters Laboratories has a set of industry standards that it uses to test electronic components, including gaskets.
The Shelf Life of Rubber explained
With the above in mind, it is important not to confuse Shelf Life with Service Life.
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Cut It. Coat It. Form it. It will do just about anything you want it to do.
Whether you’re looking for open cell sponge rubber, solid sheeting or closed cell plastic foam, you can count on Monmouth Rubber & Plastics to deliver the materials you want.
DURAFOAM™
Closed Cell Sponge Rubber and Plastic Foam
AIRAFLEX™
Open Cell Sponge Rubber and Plastic Foam
DURAFLEX™
Solid Rubber and Plastic Sheeting
BONDAFLEX™
Recyled Composites of Rubber and Plastic
BUNS
Closed Cell Sponge Rubber & Plastic Foam
SHEETS
Closed Cell, Open Cell & Solid Rubber
ROLLS
Closed Cell Sponge Rubber and Plastic
FOAM TAPE
Closed Cell Tape, Strip & Pressure Sensitive
NEW! Equivalents to any current or obsolete Rubatex, Ensolite or ANR stock Competitive Stock Number Equivalency Charts:
1. Durafoam™ Stocks Comparable to Rubatex® Stocks - View Chart
2. Durafoam™ Stocks Comparable to Ensolite® Stocks - View Chart
REQUEST SAMPLES Rubber & plastic foam materials Read more>
FREE TECH SUPPORT Global support and Solutions Read more>
TRASH FOR CASH Recycling Program Read more>
"ASK JOHN" - Q&A With John Bonforte, Sr. Read more>
IN THE NEWS Monmouth Rubber & Plastics Read more>
TECHNICAL LITERATURE Articles, Releases & Data Sheets Read more>
CONVERSION TOOLS Variety of different measurements. Read more>
PRICING & SALES SUPPORT Call or write us Read more>
- REQUEST SAMPLES Rubber & plastic foam materialsRead more>
- FREE TECH SUPPORT Global support and Solutions Read more>
- TRASH FOR CASH Recycling Program Read more>
- "ASK JOHN" - Q&A With John Bonforte, Sr. Read more>
- IN THE NEWS Monmouth Rubber & Plastics Read more>
- TECHNICAL LITERATUREArticles, Releases & Data Sheets Read more>
- CONVERSION TOOLS Variety of different measurements.Read more>
- PRICING & SALES SUPPORTCall or write us Read more>
EXPLAINED
Neoprene explained,
what is it?
Neoprene was originally used as an oil resistant replacement for natural rubber.
by Monmouth Rubber & Plastics
EVA explained,
what is it?
Broadly speaking, there are three different types of EVA copolymer.
by Monmouth Rubber & Plastics
ASTM D 1056
explained
American Society For Testing Materials D1056 (ASTM D1056)
by Monmouth Rubber & Plastics
UL Recognized Gasket Materials
Underwriters Laboratories - UL Gaskets are tested using the Standard for Safety of Gaskets and Seals.
by Monmouth Rubber & Plastics
The Shelf Life
of Rubber
Shelf life of rubber is a simple question with a complex answer.
by Monmouth Rubber & Plastics
JUST ASK JOHN
FREE TECH SUPPORT

John Bonforte Sr.
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on Closed Cell Sponge Rubber & Plastic Foam Materials and New Developments. By John Bonforte, Sr.
Monmouth Rubber & Plastics
MANUFACTURER AND GLOBAL PROVIDER OF:
RUBBER BUNS - Closed Cell Sponge Rubber add Plastic Foam
RUBBER SHEETS / SHEETING - Closed Cell, Open Cell, and Solid Rubber
RUBBER CONTINUOUS ROLLS - Closed Cell Sponge Rubber and Plastic Foam
FOAM RUBBER TAPE & WEATHER STRIPPING - Closed Cell Sponge Rubber & Plastic Foam
MATERIALS
Closed Cell Sponge Rubber and Plastic Foam
Open Cell Sponge Rubber & Plastic Foam
Closed Cell Sponge Applications Customers Rely on Us For:
APPLIANCES
- Air-Conditioning Seals and Gaskets
- Baseboard Heaters
- Dishwasher Gaskets
- Electric Sign Gaskets (UL)
- Humidifier Mounting Pads
- Lighting Equipment Gaskets (UL)
- Refrigerator Seals
- Sander Pads
- Sound Equipment Padding
- Stereo Speaker Vibration Pads
- Vacuum Cleaner Gaskets
- Washer and Dryer Seals
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
- Air-Conditioning, Heating & Ventilating Systems Gaskets and Seals
- Antenna Gaskets
- Carburetor Gaskets
- Dash Panel Seals
- Lighting Gaskets (Interior and Exterior)
- Noise, Vibration and Harmonics Pads
- Steering Column Seals
- Vehicle Trunk & Door Sealers
- Wiring Harness Gaskets
CONSTRUCTION
- Concrete Curing Blankets
- Concrete Expansion Joint
- Door Seals
- Electrical Box Seals
- Log Home Sealing
- Metal Building Closure Seals
- Pipe Wrapping
- Receptacle Seals
- Weather Stripping Lighting Fixtures
- Window Seals
CONTROL PANELS
- Air, Dust, Water Seals (Fire and Security Systems)
ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURES
- Air, Dust, Oil, and Water Seals (UL Recognized for NEMA applications)
HEATING/AIR INDUSTRY
- Air and Dust Seals
- Ductwork: Weather strip and Air and Dust
- Gaskets and Weather Strip
INDUSTRIAL and RESIDENTIAL TOOLS
- Gaskets
- Knee Pads
- Packaging
- Sanding Pads
LIGHTING INDUSTRY
- Air, Dust and Water Seals
- Interior and Exterior
MARINE INDUSTRY
- Hatch Seals
- Weather Strip
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
- Equipment Cushioning Pads
- Mouse Pads
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
- Back Pack Pads
- Boat Cushions
- Fishing Rod Holders
OTHER CLOSED CELL SPONGE APPLICATIONS
- Conveyor Belt Cushions
- Die Ejection Materials
- Rail Car Repairs
- Oil Seals