ZOTEK® F is a high performance, closed cell, cross-linked fluoropolymer foam available in densities from 30 kg/m³ to 150 kg/m³. Manufactured by Zotefoams, a leading provider of advanced foam solutions, Zotek F offers outstanding properties that qualify it for a wide range of applications in the automotive, aviation, electronics and construction industries, among others.
As a partner of Zotefoams, we at NOVAPOR process this unique material into a variety of shapes and products that meet the specific requirements of our customers. But what exactly makes Zotek F so special, and what does the term PVDF foam mean?
What is ZOTEK F?
ZOTEK F is a foam based on PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) , a high-quality fluoropolymer. PVDF is known for its excellent chemical resistance, high temperature stability and exceptional mechanical properties. As a cross-linked foam, ZOTEK F is particularly robust and durable, making it ideal for demanding environments.
PVDF foam is characterized by a closed cell structure, which not only ensures excellent insulation values, but also offers high resistance to chemicals, UV radiation and mechanical stress. This makes this material particularly suitable for applications where durability and reliability are important.
Applications of ZOTEK F
ZOTEK F is used in a variety of industries due to its high chemical resistance, thermal stability, light weight and flame retardant properties. These include aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical, chemical, energy, construction and pharmaceutical industries. This flexibility makes this foam an optimal material for demanding applications where performance and durability are important.
Here are some detailed examples of the application of this foam in the industrial sector:
Automotive industry
ZOTEK F is a versatile high-performance foam that is used in a wide range of industries and applications. ZOTEK F is particularly impressive in the Automotive industry The foam impresses with its outstanding properties, which make it ideal for safety-critical areas. The material meets the strict requirements of the UL94V-0 (Standard for Safety of Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances), which means that it is flame-retardant and prevents the spread of flames in the event of a fire. This property makes ZOTEK F an ideal choice for applications in which fire protection plays a central role.
In addition to its flame retardancy, ZOTEK F also offers excellent compressive strength, which ensures that the material can withstand vibrations and shocks. This property is particularly important in the automotive industry, where components are constantly exposed to mechanical stress. In addition, ZOTEK F is stable up to temperatures of 160°C and retains its physical properties even under extreme thermal conditions. This makes the foam ideal for use in parts of vehicles that are exposed to high temperatures, such as the engine compartment.
Another outstanding feature of ZOTEK F is its excellent thermal insulation. Thanks to its closed cell structure, the material effectively seals out heat, making it a preferred choice for applications where effective thermal insulation is required. In addition, this foam is resistant to a variety of chemicals and solvents, which underlines its suitability for use in aggressive environments.
Aviation
ZOTEK F also plays a significant role in the aviation industry. It is used in commercial, business and military aircrafts and spacecrafts, where its special properties are particularly valued. For example, the ZOTEK F OSU foam was specifically developed to pass the rigorous OSU flammability tests. The OSU test, short for "Ohio State University Heat Release Rate Test", is an important fire safety test used in the aviation industry. It evaluates the heat release rate of materials and is crucial for the approval of materials in aircraft cabins.
In addition, this foam allows weight savings of up to 70%, which not only contributes to the efficiency of aircrafts, but also reduces the carbon footprint of air traffic. The foam is also resistant to UV radiation and other types of radiation, ensuring its longevity even under extreme conditions.
In aircraft interiors ZOTEK F is valued for its high dielectric strength, which makes it ideal for use in aircraft electronics. Typical applications include soft-touch panels, carpet underlays, trims and finishes, composite panels and window seals. These properties make ZOTEK F an indispensable material for the modern aviation industry, where it helps improve both the performance and safety of aircrafts.
Electronics and medical technology
ZOTEK F also offers convincing advantages in electronics. The material is UL94V0 compliant and is therefore ideal for use in semiconductor and pharmaceutical cleanroom environments, where there are strict requirements for material purity and safety. In the electronics industry , this material protects sensitive electronic components from external influences, while it is used in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical production and medical devices to ensure safe and reliable insulation.
In medical devices that require reliable sealing and thermal insulation, ZOTEK F is used to produce seals that are chemically resistant and durable. The foam is also suitable for the production of sterile packaging for medical instruments and devices, thanks to its resistance to sterilization processes such as autoclaving, and offers a safe and contamination-free storage of medical products.
Construction industry
Zotek F is also used successfully in high-quality building and construction projects. Thanks to its closed cell structure, Zotek ensures effective thermal insulation for walls, roofs and facade composite systems, which reduces the energy consumption of buildings and improves temperature comfort. The material can also be used for sound insulation of interior walls, ceilings and floors to reduce noise and improve the acoustic quality of rooms.
The variant with flame-retardant properties can be integrated into buildings as a fire barrier. The foam often meets strict fire protection regulations and helps prevent or slow the spread of fire. Thanks to its resistance to UV radiation, ozone and weather influences Zotek foams are well suited for outdoor use, where they remain durable even in harsh conditions.
In summary, ZOTEK F is a high performance foam that is indispensable in many areas. Its unique combination of flame retardancy, mechanical strength, thermal stability, chemical resistance and low weight makes it a preferred material in demanding industries such as the automotive and aviation sectors, Construction industry and electronics.
ZOTEK F flammability credentials
| Test | FAR | Airbus | Boeing |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Verticals (12s) |
FAR/CS 25.853 (b) App F Pt I (a), (1), (ii) |
AITM2-0002B
|
BSS7230F2 |
|
Verticals (60s) |
FAR/CS 25.853 (a) App F Pt I (a), (1), (i)
|
AITM2-0002A |
BSS7230 F1 |
|
HeatRelease |
FAR/CS 25.853(d) App F Pt IV |
AITM2-0006 |
BSS7322 |
|
Smoke Density (Flaming & Non-Flaming) |
FAR/CS 25.853(d) App F Pt V |
AITM2-0007 |
BSS7238 |
|
Radiant Heat Panel
|
FAR 25.856(a) App F Pt VI |
AITM2-0053 |
BSS7365 |
Interview with Julian Mühlenberg
To find out more about the processing and benefits of ZOTEK F, we conducted a short interview with Julian Mühlenberg, a NOVAPOR expert in foam processing.
Julian, what makes ZOTEK F so unique in the world of foams?
Julian Muhlenberg: ZOTEK F is truly a remarkable material. It combines the outstanding properties of PVDF, such as chemical resistance and high temperature stability, with the advantages of a cross-linked foam. This makes it extremely durable and versatile. I am particularly impressed by the weight savings we can achieve with it, especially in the aviation industry where every ounce counts.
How does NOVAPOR, as a partner of Zotefoams, support customers in processing this high-performance foam?
Julian Muhlenberg: We offer our customers customised solutions that are precisely tailored to their specific requirements. From moulding to final processing, we can shape the material into almost any desired form, be it for automotive components, aircraft interiors or highly specialised insulation materials. Our aim is to utilise the full potential of ZOTEK F for every application.
Are there any specific projects with this foam that you are particularly proud of?
Julian Muhlenberg: Yes, we recently worked on a large project for the aviation industry in which we used ZOTEK F OSU XR. By using this material, we were able to significantly reduce the weight of the installed components, which has led to improved energy efficiency and therefore lower CO2 emissions. This is a real breakthrough in the industry.
Conclusion
ZOTEK F is more than just a foam - it is a high-performance material that excels in a wide range of demanding applications. Thanks to its unique properties, such as high durability, excellent insulating properties and the ability to achieve significant weight savings, it is an ideal choice for industries looking for innovative and sustainable solutions. As a partner of Zotefoams, we are proud to process this exceptional material and offer our customers customised solutions that meet their individual requirements.