Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: Zotefoams | Subject: Zotek N
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 17 July 2006
Nylon foam has novel combination of
properties
Low-density closed-cell cross-linked polyamide foam is claimed to provide an unmatched combination of high temperature performance and resistance to hydrocarbons.
Zotefoams is claiming another important "world first" with the commercial introduction of a lightweight foam based on polyamide-6 (Nylon 6) Branded Zotek N, this low-density closed-cell cross-linked polyamide foam is claimed to provide an unmatched combination of high temperature performance and resistance to hydrocarbons
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 5 Jul 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Brochure details automotive foam applications
Zotefoams' 4pp colour brochure features high-purity polyethylene foams under the Azote brand and Zotek N polyamide foams.
Foam survives temperature changes
Zotek N B50 has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, reducing dimensional changes and the likelihood of warpage, particularly in bigger parts, during large changes in temperature.
Polyamide is known for its strength, toughness and durability at higher operating temperatures and it is particularly resistant to swelling by oils and fuels.
Zotek N foam combines these properties and the ability to be thermo-formed with low weight, thermal and acoustic insulation, good energy absorption and buoyancy.
It has a density of 50kg/m3 but a wider range of densities is envisaged as applications develop.
Zotek N foam has greater structural rigidity than low and medium density polyethylene foams and retains much higher rigidity at elevated temperatures and when dry.
This new polyamide foam can be fabricated by the same methods as polyolefin foams.
This includes thermoforming processes such as vacuum forming and heat impression moulding, die and water jet cutting.
Zotek N foam has a significantly higher upper operating temperature limit than most common foams.
The exact limit depends on the application and duration of exposure but thermal shrinkage is reported to be not significant (5%) at 210C over 24 hours.
Upper temperature limits for long term, continuous use will be far higher than those for polyethylene or polypropylene foams but their suitability should be determined for each individual application.
Zotek N is thought to be an ideal material for use in under bonnet applications in the automotive industry where polyamide is already used extensively, as well as for seals, gaskets and high temperature insulation in the engineering sector.
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