Polyester foams
While both polyether and polyester flexible foams are classified under the umbrella term of polyurethane, as they share certain similarities such as flexibility and their general open-cell structure, both forms of foam have different properties and perform in different ways depending on the application.
Polyester foams offer superior performance in specific applications, where their unique properties come to the fore and for this reason, as the leading UK-based foam manufacturer and supplier, at Technical Foam Services, we offer a wide range of polyester products, developed for precise functions where these foams' characteristic properties offer the most effective solution.
Polyester vs. polyether
Although both polyester and polyether foams offer high quality performance, polyester foams are generally slightly stiffer than polyether foams and have a more regular cell structure. This means they are more suitable in specific applications where their inherent properties can be fully exploited.
In addition to this polyester foams offer superior performance properties such as:
- High tensile strength
- UV and light resistance
- Temperature resistance
- Hydrophilic performance
- Thermal oxidation resistance
- Weldability
- Solvent resistance
- Resistance to ageing
Filtering down the options
As a result of their unique properties, polyester foams are the material of choice in specific applications where such factors as strength and hydrophilic characteristics are beneficial.
These include, naming a few:
- Air and dust filters
Used in HVAC, medical and automotive applications where reticulated polyester grade foams provide the ideal solution. As a result of their tensile strength and resistance to solvents, UV, temperature and ageing, they offer superior performance compared with polyether foams in such filters.
- Acoustic and audio products
Used in a wide range of noise reduction products as well as microphone windshields, polyester's regular cell structure and acoustic transparency provide extremely effective sound absorption across a multitude of applications such as engine and machinery, wall panel and ceiling acoustics and HVAC systems.
- Sponges and wipes
Polyester's hydrophilic properties provide a high level of absorbency for products such as sponges and bathroom wipes
- Textiles
With their high resistance to solvents and UV, polyester foams are the materials of choice for apparel inter layers and shoulder pads, etc.
Closed cell polyester
In addition to the advantages listed above, unlike polyether foams, which are exclusively open-cell in structure, at Technical Foam Services we can also supply polyester in a closed cell form, therefore opening up an even wider array of applications.
Denser than its open-cell counterpart, closed-cell polyester is now being adopted in new areas such as flotation and insulation goods.
A scientific approach
While both polyester and polyether foams are both part of the same family, they are far from one and the same and at Technical Foam Services we are dedicated to always providing the optimum foam solution to meet the exact requirements of each and every customer.
Although there is a wide range of polyester foams available, our expert technical and engineering staff can identify the ideal grade for each specific application to ensure that whatever product you require, it will always perform.
If you are looking for polyester foam products, contact our expert team to discuss your individual requirements.
