Flexible Cellular Rubber
Cellular rubber, also known as foam rubber, is a flexible, 'spongy' rubber. Because it consists of
closed cells, the absorption of liquid is almost nil. The material is available with or without an
adhesive layer.
Regardless of the chemical mix (EPDM, NBR, or CR for example) or application, cellular foam is
manufactured in accordance with expansion processes and is used in a variety of industries and
markets.
Difference between open-cell and closed-cell rubber?
There are two main varieties of cellular rubber. The first is open-cell rubber in which the distinctive
cells are open and interconnected to the neighboring cells. This pattern allows air and moisture to
seep in easily giving this rubber its absorbent quality and the ability to regain its physical form after
compression. This is important in construction applications and the FillPro Open Cell backer rod is
an example. The second is closed-cell like ArmaFlex elastomeric insulation, that is made up of cells
that do not connect, but are completely closed off from each other. This type will not allow moisture
ingress or wick moisture because water cannot pass from cell to cell, making it suitable for
applications with a high presence of moisture or condensation. Closed-cell rubber does not require
an outer skin or jacketing when installed and most sealants, caulk or other chinking materials will
also stick more easily to closed cell rubber due to the bonding surface area being better
comparatively to an open-cell product.
Why should you use cellular rubber over solid rubber?
At the most basic level, the difference between cellular rubber vs. solid rubber is about air. Both
types of materials provide sealing and insulation properties, but cellular rubber provides better
cushioning while solid rubber can provide stronger impact resistance. Solid rubber is created in the
conventional way through the process of vulcanization. However cellular rubber is different because
it has a defined cellular structure. It is created using gas developing agents which introduce air, thus
making the material less hard and dense but more heat resistant and absorbent. Cellular rubber, in
comparison to solid rubber has lesser density and thus less cost implications as material (mass) per
unit volume reduces. Another main benefit of cellular rubber is its softness rating on the Shore A
scale—cellular foams are usually even softer than solid rubber. These soft rubber materials can
be used to seal anything from car doors to packing to aircraft components.
