30 Jul Polydamp Melamine Foams: The Solution for Effective Sound Absorption
Polydamp melamine is an open-cell, acoustic-type foam made from melamine resins developed by Polymer Technologies. It has a three-dimensional design and an open-cell structure containing microscopic cells that block waves by reflection, scattering, and absorption. The material is exceptionally lightweight, flame resistant, easy to customize, and less toxic to the environment. Furthermore, Polydamp melamine foam absorbs noise and vibrations, ensuring you eliminate unwanted sound waves where a high noise level is of great concern.
Polydamp melamine foam comes in two primary forms; Standard Polydamp Melamine Foam and Polydamp Hydrophobic Melamine Foam. Depending on density, water resistance, and thermal conductivity, the two variants acoustic foams are further split into different product types.
Standard Melamine Foams
Standard melamine foam is an excellent acoustic insulator. It is not readily flammable and exhibits superior sound absorption properties. Standard melamine foam is also safe for the environment and doesn’t allow toxic mold growth on surfaces.
Polydamp Melamine Foam (PMF)
PMF is a standard insulation material with low flame propagation. It doesn’t drip when exposed to open flames and can’t burn without an external ignition source. Polydamp melamine foam also boasts adhesive backings and excellent acoustic properties, ideal for any insulation material.
Properties of PMF
- Density: 0.56 lbs/ft³.
- Tensile strength: 17.3 lbs/inch².
- Continuous temperature range: -300 °F to 356 °F.
- Thermal conductivity: 0.24 BTU in/ft²-hour at 68 °F.
Polydamp Ultra-Flex Melamine Foam (PMF-UF)
PMF-UF is a lightweight acoustic and insulation material under the family of Polydamp melamine foam. However, unlike standard Polydamp melamine, it’s highly flexible and resilient, hence suitable for long-lasting applications. You can use it to insulate HVAC systems, aircraft fuselages, ECS ducts, and mass transit vehicles.
Properties of PMF-UF
- Density: 0.44 lbs/ft³.
- Tensile Strength: 13.0 lbs/in² minimum.
- Compression set: 10% maximum.
- Continuous temperature range: -300 °F to 356 °F intermittent to 492 °F.
- Thermal conductivity: 0.24 BTU inches/ft²-hour at 68 °F.
Polydamp Ultra-Light Melamine Foam (PMF-UL)
PMF-UL is an extremely light version of PMF. It exhibits all the properties of Polydamp melamine foam, but its weight is 40% lighter than standard PMF. It’s beneficial in aerospace applications where weight, low flame spread and high heat resistance are of great concern.
Properties of PMF-UL
- Density: 0.375 lbs/ft³.
- Tensile strength: 13.0 lbs/in².
- Continuous temperature range: -300 °F to 356 °F intermittent to 492 °F.
- Thermal conductivity: 0.25 BTU inches/ft²-hour at 68 °F.
Hydrophobic Melamine Foams
Hydrophobic melamine foam is an enhanced compound with the same properties as standard Polydamp melamine foam. However, it is highly waterproof, easy to install, and doesn’t deteriorate when exposed to high moisture. Thus, hydrophobic melamine foam is ideal for applications where water or moisture might challenge sound absorption.
Polydamp Hydrophobic Melamine Foam (PHM)
PHM is an improved Polydamp foam with exceptional water resistance properties. It doesn’t drip near flames and can float on water without significant moisture absorption. Polydamp hydrophobic melamine foam is an excellent insulation material for aircraft, marine, aerospace, and architectural applications.
Properties of PHM
- Density: 0.56 lbs/ft³ +/- 15%.
- Tensile strength: 15 lbs/in².
- Elongation: 39% nominal.
- Compression set: 10% maximum.
- Continuous temperature range: -300 °F to 356 °F, intermittent to +400 °F.
- Thermal conductivity: 0.24 BTU inches/ft²-hour at 75 °F.
Polydamp Hydrophobic Melamine Ultra-Flex Foam (PHM-UF)
PHM-UF is extremely lightweight and has exceptional moisture-resistance capabilities. Its flexibility and resilience also make it ideal for cushioning, where durability is essential. It’s also applicable for insulating marine, aircraft, and aerospace structures against noise.
Properties of PHM-UF
- Density: 0.44 lbs/ft³.
- Compression set: 10% maximum.
- Tensile strength: 20 lbs/in² minimum.
- Continuous temperature range: -300 °F to 356 °F, intermittent to +492 °F.
- Thermal conductivity: 0.25 BTU inches/ft²-hour at 68 °F.
Polydamp Hydrophobic Melamine Ultra-Lite Foam (PHM-UL)
PHM-UL is a super light version of PHM. It exhibits all the properties of Polydamp hydrophobic melamine foam, but its density is 40% lower than standard PHM. It is also less toxic and highly resistant to water absorption. PHM-UL is highly effective in insulating ECS ducting, aircraft fuselage, bulkheads, and outboard interior panels.
Properties of PHM-UL
- Density: 0.375 lbs/ft³.
- Continuous temperature range: -300 °F to 356 °F, intermittent to +492 °F.
- Thermal conductivity: 0.25 BTU inches/ft²-hour at 68 °F.
Polydamp Melamine Foam in Real Life
Many industries use polydamp melamine foams as an effective sound absorption solution. Easier to install than materials such as fiberglass, melamine foam reduces manufacturing time and labor costs without sacrificing sound absorption, thermal insulation, or fire resistance.
Manufacturers in transportation industries such as aerospace, rail and mass transit particularly benefit from the acoustic and thermal properties of melamine foams. When it comes to improving passenger comfort by better controlling noise and temperature levels inside passenger compartments, melamine foam is a highly effective solution.
For example, aircraft manufacturers use these types of foam to insulate fuselages, bulkheads, and floors, effectively eliminating vibrations and noise transmission within the aircraft cabin. The public transport sector also uses Polydamp melamine foam to insulate the walls and ceilings of railcars and buses from engine noise and vibrations.
Melamine foams are also very useful to manufacturers of boats, heavy trucks, recreational vehicles, and power tools of all kinds, particularly for insulating engine compartments and walls.
Better Sound Absorption With Polydamp Melamine Foams
Available in standard and hydrophobic formats, Polydamp melamine foams have incredible acoustic and thermal qualities. They are lightweight, heat-resistant, flexible, durable, and have low smoke propagation. Due to their effective insulation and sound absorption, Polydamp melamine foams are widely used in aerospace, marine, aircraft, and mass transit applications.
Are you looking for a way to reduce weight, labor, and parts while improving performance and passenger comfort? The ID Group will happily assist you with solving your noise management challenges. We offer a variety of acoustic foams, including Polydamp standard and hydrophobic melamine foams, as well as vibration damping pads and sheets. Contact us to discuss your challenge or for more information on our products and services.