Foams are an essential component of numerous products and applications in various industries. But when it comes to fire protection, it is crucial to choose materials that have a high fire resistance and are flame retardant. NOVAPOR offers flame retardant foams, also known as FR (flame retardant) foams, in various variants. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at these special foams, examining their importance, applications and properties. If you are looking for foams that meet standards such as UL-94, FMVSS 302 , ABDS 00321, CS 25.853 App. F 1a 1ii & FAR 25.853 App. F 1a 1ii or meet the test standards AITM 2.0053 then you will find what you are looking for in our blog.
What are flame retardant foams (FR)?
FR foams are foams that have been treated with flame retardant additives to improve their fire resistance. This treatment can be done either during the foam's manufacturing process or after the fact. The flame retardant additives in FR foams work by slowing the rate of combustion or by converting the foam itself to a non-combustible state.
What testing procedures are there in the field of flame-retardant foams?
There are various testing methods that can be used on flame-retardant foams to verify their fire resistance and compliance with fire safety standards. Some of the most common testing methods are:
LOI test (Limiting Oxygen Index): :
This test measures the minimum amount of oxygen in a gas mixture at which a material can ignite. Foams with a low LOI value are less fire resistant, while those with a higher LOI value are considered flame retardant.
UL94 test:
This is a flame test conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to determine how quickly a material burns and whether it is self-extinguishing. The results are classified into different classes such as V-0, V-1 and V-2, with V-0 being the highest fire resistance.
FMVSS302:
This is a test according to the regulations of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) of the USA. It evaluates the flammability of materials for use in vehicles.
EN13501:
This is a European standard for classifying building products based on their fire behaviour. According to this standard, foams can be divided into different classes such as A1, A2, B1 etc., with A1 having the highest fire resistance.
ISO3582:
This is an international standard that applies specifically to flexible foams such as cushioning materials. It includes various test methods for evaluating the flammability and fire behaviour of foams.
Where are flame-retardant foams used?
Flame-retardant foams are used in a wide variety of applications, especially where fire protection and safety are critical. Some common uses for these materials include:
Construction :
Flame-retardant foams are used for insulation purposes in buildings and other structures. For example, they can be used in insulating materials for walls, ceilings and floors to prevent the spread of fire and improve fire safety.
Transport industry:
In the automotive and aviation industries, flame-retardant foams are used in vehicles, aircraft and other means of transport. They are used in seats, padding, interior trim and insulation materials, for example, to increase fire safety and slow the spread of flames in the event of a fire.
Electronics industry:
In the electronics industry, flame-retardant foams are often used for packaging sensitive electronic components and devices. They offer protection against damage and impact during transportation and can also help to reduce the risk of fire.
Furniture industry:
In furniture manufacturing, flame-retardant foams are used for cushioning and mattresses to improve the fire safety of furniture and ensure compliance with fire regulations.
Medical applications:
In the medical industry, flame-retardant foams are used for various applications such as medical mattresses, cushioning and packaging to ensure the safety of patients and medical devices.
NOVAPOR flame-retardant foams at a glance:
XPE33FR5
Our XP33 FR5 is a chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam with a density of 33 kg/m³. This special foam variant is flame-retardant and meets the requirements of fire protection standards in various industries. Due to its chemical cross-linking, the foam has high stability and dimensional stability, which makes it ideal for applications where safety and durability play an important role. The XP33 FR5 foam also offers excellent shock absorption and protective properties, which makes it ideal for use in packaging solutions, padding and insulation materials. Its versatile properties make it a preferred choice in industries such as construction, transportation, electronics and medical technology, where fire protection and safety are of utmost importance. The foam is tested according to FMVSS-302, also known as burn rate, and meets the "SE" value.
XPE 33 FRB
The XPE33 FRB is also a chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam, but with a density of 35kg/m³. The foam is also tested according to FMVSS-302, also known as burn rate, and meets the “SE” value.
Plastazote LD 24 FR
Plastazote LD 24 FR is a high-quality, flame-retardant polyethylene foam that has been specifically developed for applications where fire protection and safety are top priorities. The standard raw sheet size is 2000×1000 mm. With a density of 24 kg/m³, this foam offers an excellent combination of low weight and high strength. The special composition and structure of the material make it ideal for use in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, construction and medical technology.
Plastazote LD 24 FR is characterized by its high dimensional stability, compressive strength and temperature resistance, making it a versatile solution for packaging applications, sealing, insulation and padding. In addition, this foam meets the strict requirements of fire protection standards and is certified according to various international standards, including FMVSS-302, DIN 4102 and UL94.
Thanks to its flame-retardant properties, Plastazote LD 24 FR offers a high level of safety and reliability, even in demanding environments. Its excellent thermal insulation and chemical resistance make it a preferred choice for applications where protection from fire and heat is crucial.
Plastazote LD 45 FR
Plastazote LD 45 FR is a high-quality, flame-retardant polyethylene foam with a density of 45 kg/m³, designed for demanding applications that require high strength, excellent fire protection properties and durability. The sheet size is 2000×1000 mm. This foam offers an optimal combination of strength, flexibility and damping properties, making it ideal for a wide range of applications in different industries.
Thanks to its flame-retardant properties, Plastazote LD 45 FR meets the strict requirements of fire safety standards and is certified according to international standards such as FMVSS-302, DIN 4102 and UL94. This makes it a preferred choice for applications where fire protection and safety are top priorities, such as in the aerospace, automotive, construction and electronics industries.
Plastazote LD 45 FR is characterized by its high compressive strength, dimensional stability and temperature resistance, making it ideal for use in demanding environments. It offers excellent damping properties and high resistance to chemicals, solvents and UV radiation, making it versatile for applications such as packaging, sealing, padding and soundproofing.
Plastazote MP15FR
Plastazote MP 15 FR meets the requirements of ABDS 00321, CS25.853 App. F1a 1ii & FAR 25.853 App. F 1a 1ii and the test standards AITM2.0053The dimensions of our foam raw sheet are 2000×1000 mm. This foam is characterized by its good mechanical properties and low weight and offers high strength and stability. With a density of 15 kg/m³, it is light yet robust enough for demanding applications.
In addition, Plastazote MP 15 FR has low water absorption and low water vapor permeability, making it ideal for applications where exposure to moisture must be avoided. It offers excellent resistance to chemical weathering and is odorless, non-sticky and non-staining. Thanks to its versatile properties, Plastazote MP 15 FR is ideal for a wide range of applications including packaging, seals, cushioning and protection.
Alveobloc NA FR AB 36100
Alveobloc NA FR AB 36100 is a physically cross-linked polyethylene foam specially developed for use in demanding applications. This foam meets a wide range of fire protection standards and is characterized by its high quality and reliability.
It complies with the requirements of FMVSS 302 / ISO 3795 for a material thickness of over 3 mm, which ensures its flame retardancy and safety in the event of a fire. In addition, for a material thickness of over 15 mm, Alveobloc NA FR AB 36100 reaches Euroclass EN 13501 and is classified in class E, which underlines its effectiveness in fire protection performance.
According to DIN 4102-B2, this foam is classified in class B2 up to a material thickness of 15 mm, which confirms its resistance to fire and heat. In addition, Alveobloc NA FR AB 36100 meets the requirements of UL94 HBF for a thickness of 3-13 mm and receives class HF-1, which shows its low flammability and self-extinguishing properties.
These fire-retardant properties make Alveobloc NA FR AB 36100 ideal for a wide range of applications including packaging, gaskets, cushioning and guards where safety and fire protection are of paramount importance.
Optimal protection for your products
Flame retardant foams are essential solutions for numerous industries and applications where safety and fire protection are top priorities. At NOVAPOR, we are proud to offer a wide range of these special materials that meet the highest standards and offer first-class performance and reliability. Our products, including XPE 33 FR5, XPE 33 FRB, Plastazote LD 24 FR, Plastazote LD 45 FR, Plastazote MP15FR and Alveobloc NA FR AB 36100, have been carefully developed and tested to meet the most demanding requirements.
Whether protecting buildings, vehicles, electronic equipment or medical facilities, our flame-retardant foams provide the safety and reliability you need to protect your products and equipment while meeting stringent fire safety standards.
Discover our range of flame-retardant foams today and let their outstanding performance and versatility convince you. At Novapor, we are happy to help you choose the right material for your specific needs and offer you customized solutions. Invest in safety and quality with NOVAPOR.