![]() Therefore, it is less likely to be structurally impacted by the effects associated with water damage: mold, mildew, rot, and bacteria. Closed cell foam is more impermeable to water, vapor, and air. When it comes to preventing water vapor from passing through, closed cell is more useful than open cell foam. For instance, open cell foam makes a suitable air filter for an engine because it can capture dust and pollutants but not restrict air flow. Open cell foam is more effective for filtration than closed cell foam because it allows air to pass through it. For example, closed cell foam could be an effective gasket or seal for climate-control by keeping hot outside air from entering an air conditioned enclosure. Is closed cell foam air impermeable?Ĭlosed cell foam is a better air barrier than open cell foam, and can be used to control airflow as it is less permeable. Similar to the holes inside a sponge, air can permeate the open cells more easily, making open cell foam more porous and absorbent than closed cell foam. What is open cell foam?Ĭreated using a similar process as closed cell foam, open cell foam is designated to be vapor semi-permeable as the formation of the cells in the material are broken, rather than closed. ![]() Due to the closely packed cells, closed cell foam is vapor semi-impermeable, more rigid, able to withstand greater pressure, and is about 4 times denser than open cell foam. In closed cell foam, the cells are like tiny air pockets piled together in a compact configuration, resembling inflated balloons nestled tightly together. ![]() Want to visualize the comparison between open cell and closed cell foam? Jump to the infographic at the bottom of this article: Open vs. The main difference that cause manufacturers to choose between open and closed cell materials are their permeability to different elements-meaning how effective they are as barriers. Each foam has a distinct structure and permeability and performs differently depending on the application. Both types of foam are used in everyday products, but because of their structural differences, one type of foam may perform better than the other depending on the desired application.įoam is created by dissolving gas under high pressure into a polymer while it is in a liquid state, causing the formation of thousands of tiny bubbles, or cells, in the polymer. The two major variants of porous plastic foams are open and closed cell foams. Porous plastic foam is on the cutting edge of insulation for heat, vapor, noise, and other elements.
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