BASF now offers a new and patented version of the foam Neopolen P (EPP: expanded polypropylene) for devices used in heating, ventilation and sanitary systems. The metallic-gray Neopolen P 9335 mg is noted for its thermal insulation which is 10 percent better than standard EPP.
BASF now offers a new and patented version of the foam Neopolen® P (EPP: expanded polypropylene) for devices used in heating, ventilation and sanitary systems. The metallic-gray Neopolen P 9335 mg is noted for its thermal insulation which is 10 percent better than standard EPP. The foam serves as packaging for transportation, supports the device as constructive carrier and replaces the metal housing because it can be processed into thermally insulating housings with an aesthetic surface (see insert). Photo: BASF - The Chemical Company, 2009
Thanks to the versatile properties of the new product, foamed Neopolen P molded parts are able to perform several functions at the same time: The foam serves as efficient shock-absorbing packaging for transportation, supports the device as constructive carrier and replaces the metal housing because it can be processed into thermally insulating housings with an aesthetic surface. Neopolen P 9335 mg thus helps to meet the energy standards of low-energy houses and for the renovation of older buildings.
Several functions in one
This presents new design options for devices such as heat exchangers and solar storing units. Neopolen P 9335 mg can be used to foam highly resilient, elastic molded parts which replace conventional metal or injection-molded housings. Without any elaborate mold design, undercuts can be produced in the foam component easily and cost-effectively. This provides new options for integrating additional functions into the housing such as airflow channels or assembly fixings. As a result, the required number of components can be reduced to a minimum. The thermal and electronic units are fastened directly into the viscoplastic Neopolen P housing. Thus, they cannot be damaged during transportation.
When in use, the device is also thermally insulated in an efficient way. The polymer matrix of Neopolen P 9335 mg contains infrared absorbers which reflect thermal radiation like a mirror and thus considerably reduce the heat transfer compared to conventional EPP. Neopolen P is temperature-resistant from -40°C to +100°C.
Designed surfaces
Thanks to new tooling technologies, the foam can be processed in such a way that high-quality surfaces are produced without the typical particle foam look and without nozzle imprints. The foam beads which expand uniformly adapt to the modified mold surface and as a result generate a homogeneous, aesthetic designed surface, for example with a leather look.
Neopolen P - versatile and environmentally friendly
Neopolen P 9335 mg is a specialty foam from the tried-and-tested Neopolen P product range. The expanded polypropylene (EPP) is noted for its very good shock absorption characteristics, low weight and high temperature resistance. The particle foam combines high energy absorption - even after several impacts - with excellent resilience and isotropic deformation performance. This interesting combination of properties, which also includes low water absorption and good resistance to chemicals, opens up a broad range of applications: from vehicle construction, packaging and transport containers to sports and leisure applications. Neopolen P is 100 percent recyclable. It is manufactured and processed without any CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).