Foam Rubber vs Sponge Rubber

18th December, 2023

Sponge rubber is a versatile and reliable material suitable for a wide range of projects. Sponge rubber was developed to meet the need for a soft, compressible, and flexible material with good shock absorption and cushioning abilities. In this article, we’ll cover the development of sponge rubber, its unique structure and what sponge rubber is used for.

 

Development of Sponge Rubber:

In the early 20th century, the rubber industry saw significant advancements in the compounding of rubber materials. The process of mixing rubber with various additives, such as sulphur and accelerators, became a key development.

As researchers experimented with different manufacturing processes, they discovered that introducing certain foaming agents during the rubber compounding process resulted in the formation of a cellular structure.

In the 1920s and 1930s, efforts were made to refine the process of creating a foamed or sponge-like structure in rubber. This involved the addition of foaming agents that would release gases during vulcanization, leading to the formation of open cells within the rubber.

 

Cell Structure:

Sponge rubber can be made in an open-cell or closed-cell structure. An open cell structure contains many open holes that allow air to fill the material, this makes it a far less dense material. Open cell structures allow gases and liquids to pass through and are ideal for water absorption. In a closed-cell structure, the holes within the material are closed off from each other, which creates a dense material full of tiny vacuums. Closed cell structures will block liquids and gases from passing through and are ideal for water resistance.

 

What is Sponge Rubber Used For?

Since sponge rubber can be manufactured in a closed-cell or open-cell structure it is a versatile material with a wide range of uses. At Aquaseal our own flagship product is a form of sponge rubber, designed to be used as a door seal in high-pressure environments. Sponge rubber can also be used for gaskets in the automotive and marine industries.

Sponge rubber is also commonly used to provide a barrier against the elements. It helps seal gaps in windows and doors, contributing to energy efficiency in buildings.

Due to its shock-absorbing properties, sponge rubber is used in the production of cushions, pillows, mattress toppers, and padding for furniture and upholstery.

Sponge rubber is also used to isolate vibrations in machinery and equipment. It helps reduce the transmission of vibrations and noise in automotive components and industrial machinery.

 

Sponge Rubber at Aquaseal:

Aquaseal Rubber manufactures a wide range of seals and gaskets, as well as related foam and rubber products. If you think sponge rubber could be the right material for your bespoke application, get in touch with a member of the Aquaseal team here. To learn more about our products click here.