Foamed rubber: information about little-known, but effective thermal insulation

In the market of heat-insulating materials , an interesting product - foamed rubber - is gaining popularity. It is a product with a cellular structure of a closed type. In connection with the absence of the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere, it can be considered safe for humans. Ecological cleanliness makes it possible to significantly expand the scope of application.

The main advantages of the products

Before buying foamed rubber for thermal insulation of various structures and products, it is suggested to consider the positive qualities that it possesses. There are a lot of them, so only the most important of them are mentioned below.

So, the material has:

• Rather low thermal conductivity, which makes it possible to reduce heat losses at a small thickness;
• Good flexibility, ensuring a good fit of the insulation even to curved surfaces;
• A simple structure that does not contain additional layers;
• Low vapor permeability coefficient, resulting in longer service life.

When working with thermal insulation, it may be necessary to purchase only a suitable fixing composition that is of low cost. Some types of products come with special self-adhesive tapes.

Common variants of execution

That foamed synthetic rubber was more convenient to use in this or that situation, manufacturers supply it in various forms. Basically, the material is produced in rolls, bundles or tubes. Each of these options is suitable for certain cases.

Heat insulation in the form of bundles is used to seal all kinds of joints between the elements of the structure. Usually for insulation, products are purchased, the cross-section of which varies in the range of 5-50 mm.

Foamed rubber for pipes with a large diameter is actively used. It is usually supplied in compact rolls. The material is fixed along the circumference by means of adhesive composition. For conductive elements with a small cross section, the best insulation is in the form of small tubes.

Applied additives in production

Porous rubber is obtained when rubber is combined with sulfur. However, with this option, there are significant limitations in terms of practical application. To change the physical properties of the basic substance, it is necessary to modify the structure of the material. This can be done by adding other components.

The use of accelerators allows to reduce the time for vulcanization, thereby improving the physical characteristics of the base material. Organic supplements are more active, so they are used much more often. As a foaming component is carbonic or bicarbonate ammonium.

A little about the scope

In many cases, reliable thermal insulation is required. Foamed rubber is an effective version of it. Its use is justified in many cases, which is associated with high performance characteristics. Usually the material is used in the following cases:

• If necessary, in protecting industrial equipment from vibration loads and overheating of parts;
• During insulation of joints between parts of technical structures and other mechanisms;
• For the insulation of pipelines for ventilation, water, and heating systems.

In schools, kindergartens, hospitals and other institutions, where special requirements are imposed on ecological purity, products containing halogens and other harmful substances are used. This is due to the need to control directly over the release of toxic gases in the event of a fire.

One of the most well-known manufacturers

Especially popular is the foam rubber K-FLEX. The company, engaged in its manufacture, was established in 2005. The plant itself is located on the territory of the Moscow Region. The production uses high-tech equipment, which is based on modern developments.

The basis is the flow extrusion technology, which allows to ensure a continuous cycle of the manufacturing process. The enterprise has capacities that enable it to satisfy the demands of the Russian market. The number of products is constantly increasing. The purpose of a particular product is determined by the brand. Universal thermal insulation is designated ST. It can be operated in the temperature range from -200 to 105 degrees. The density of the material, as a rule, is 40 kg per cubic meter.

Since the foamed rubber of this brand has good resistance to biological and chemical effects, it can be used in various industries. The heat insulation material is supplied in rolls of 1 m wide or 200 cm long tubes. High-temperature heat insulation is available with the mark SOLAR HT. It is able to withstand temperatures up to +180 degrees. This is quite an economical way to protect the pipelines of boiler equipment, as well as hot water and heating networks.

As a conclusion

In most cases, foamed rubber is supplied with additional accessories in the form of self-adhesive tapes, tees, corners, end caps, fixing pins and other elements. When carrying out work on thermal insulation, it is recommended to use an adhesive compound produced by the same manufacturer as the material itself in order to achieve a qualitative result. Only when absolutely necessary can you use third-party products.