UV resistant foam is crucial for any industrial applications where foam will be regularly and consistently exposed to sunlight. Foam that’s not treated for UV resistance will degrade and discolor more quickly, which can negatively impact performance and longevity. Let’s take a closer look at some benefits of and key applications for UV resistant foam.
What Is UV Resistant Foam?
UV resistant foam is foam that is immune to or protected against ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Some rubber compounds are naturally resistant to UV rays while others must be treated with a UV stabilizer that selectively absorbs UV light for better performance.
Some examples of foams that are naturally UV resistant include ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and silicone foam. Some foams, like extruded polyethylene (PE), are not naturally UV resistant but can be made resistant through various treatments.
Applications of UV Resistant Foam by Industry
UV resistant foam is vital in specific applications where the foam is often exposed to sunlight and must retain its character to maintain the structural integrity of the application. Here are a few examples of common applications across major industries:
Aerospace Applications
In the aerospace industry, UV resistant foam is commonly requested for gaskets and seals for windows, doors, and hatches. Since these components are both internal and external, their respective seals and gaskets may receive consistent exposure to sunlight, making UV resistant foam a top choice for these components.
Automotive Applications
UV resistant foam is ideal for automotive applications like weatherstripping, lighting gaskets, dashboard and instrument panels, heat shields, and more. In these applications, UV resistant foam directly enhances performance and ensures longevity.
Medical Applications
Within the medical space, UV resistant foam can be useful for applications like prosthetic devices and packaging. In addition, for facilities that use UV light disinfection, UV resistant foam can be beneficial for a wide range of foam applications, especially in equipment or medical devices that are close to the sources of UV light.
Other Industries
UV resistant foam is also helpful for industries such as electronics, construction, HVAC, consumer goods, footwear, and sporting equipment. Generally speaking, any foam application that is at least partially exposed to light is a good candidate for UV resistant foam.
Benefits of UV Resistant Foam
The key benefits of UV resistant foam include:
- Longevity: Polyurethane UV resistance helps the foam product last longer when regularly exposed to sunlight.
- Preservation of color: UV resistant foam discolors more slowly and less noticeably than non-resistant foam.
- Reduced surface degradation: UV resistant foam is less prone to chalking, cracking, and brittleness over time.
Partnering with an Expert Foam Fabricator
Wondering if you really need UV resistant foam or how it could improve your application? At Merryweather Foam, our experts are here to help you navigate material selection and manufacturing considerations with custom foam solutions built to perform in demanding environments. Request a quote and tell us about your needs to get started.
