Why Silicone Foam is the Smart Choice: Advantages over PU Foam

  • , by Rob Collaris
  • 4 min reading time
Waarom Siliconenschuim de Slimme Keuze is: Voordelen ten opzichte van PU-schuim

Discover why silicone foam is superior to PU foam: extreme temperature resistance (-60°C to +200°C), permanent elasticity, UV and weather resistance, and fire-safe options. Perfect for electronics, batteries, cushions, and industrial applications.

Silicone Foam: The Sustainable Solution for Demanding Applications

When choosing foam material for your project, you often face the choice: silicone foam or polyurethane (PU) foam? While PU foam is a commonly used material, silicone foam offers significant advantages that make it the superior choice for professional and demanding applications.

The Key Benefits of Silicone Foam

1. Exceptional Durability and Longevity

The biggest difference between silicone foam and PU foam is their durability. While PU foam crumbles, hardens, or loses its elasticity over time, silicone foam retains its properties for years. This is because silicone is inherently resistant to UV radiation, ozone, and weather conditions.

Practical advantage: Products made with silicone foam do not need to be replaced regularly, which saves money in the long run and results in less waste.

2. Extremely Wide Temperature Range

Silicone foam remains functional in extreme temperatures, from -60°C to +200°C (depending on the product line). PU foam, on the other hand, loses its properties at temperatures above 80-100°C and becomes brittle at low temperatures.

Applications: This makes silicone foam indispensable for electronics, automotive applications, battery gaskets and industrial insulation where temperature fluctuations are normal.

3. Chemical and Weather Resistance

Where PU foam is sensitive to moisture, oils and many chemicals, silicone foam offers excellent resistance to:

  • UV radiation and ozone
  • Moisture and water
  • Oils and many chemicals
  • Weather conditions

This means that silicone foam will not degrade in challenging environments where PU foam would fail.

4. Lasting Elasticity and Resilience

Silicone foam returns to its original shape after compression. PU foam loses this characteristic over time and remains dented or deformed. The low compression set of silicone foam ensures that gaskets, cushions, and damping materials continue to perform their function.

5. Fire safety

For applications where fire safety is crucial, silicone foam offers a significant advantage. Our silicone foam collection includes flame-retardant versions with UL94-V0 and UL94-HB certifications, ideal for electronics and battery applications. PU foam is naturally flammable and often requires chemical additives for flame retardancy.

Our Silicone Foam Product Line

We offer a comprehensive range of 2-component platinum silicone foam products, each developed for specific applications:

Closed Cell Silicone Foam

Perfect for seals, gaskets and protection of electronics and batteries:

  • Closed Cell 2 - Foaming up to 2x volume, Shore C 12, ideal for moderate expansion with good density
  • Closed Cell 3 - Foaming up to 3x volume, Shore A 30-85, versatile for various applications
  • Closed Cell 5 - Foaming up to 5x volume, Shore A 20, lightweight with good resilience
  • Closed Cell 3 Spreadable - Paste variant, flame retardant UL94-HB, perfect for plate production
  • Closed Cell 6 Spreadable - High expansion in spreadable form, flame retardant UL94-HB

Open Cell Silicone Foam

Ideal for cushioning, comfort and absorption:

  • Open Cell 6 - Foaming up to 6x volume, Shore A 20, excellent for pillow fillings
  • Open Cell 7 Spreadable - Highest expansion (7x), flame retardant UL94-V0, perfect for comfort applications

Areas of Application Where Silicone Foam Excels

Electronics and Batteries

The combination of thermal stability, flame retardancy and durability makes silicone foam the first choice for:

  • Encapsulation of electronics
  • Lithium battery packs (EV and energy storage)
  • Thermal insulation and damping
  • Protection against moisture and vibrations

Cushions and Comfort

For high-quality pillow fillings, mattresses and comfort products, silicone foam offers:

  • Lasting softness without sagging
  • Hygienic (no mold or bacterial growth)
  • No crumbling as with PU foam
  • Long lifespan

Industrial Applications

  • Gaskets and seals for extreme conditions
  • Vibration damping in machines
  • Insulation in HVAC systems
  • Props and set pieces that must withstand intensive use

Processing: Simple and Predictable

Our 2-component silicone foam products are easy to use:

  1. Mixing: Mix components A and B in a ratio of 100:100 (weight)
  2. Application: Pour or spread within the pot life (2-9 minutes depending on type)
  3. Curing: Allow to cure at room temperature or elevated temperature (spreadable variants)
  4. De-moulding: After complete curing (1-4 hours at room temperature)

Pro tip: Work in a closed mold for a more uniform foam structure and better foaming effect. Provide adequate ventilation for delicate parts.

Why Choose Silicone Foam?

Choosing silicone foam over PU foam is an investment in quality and durability. While the initial cost may be higher, the benefits far outweigh the potential:

  • ✓ No replacement required due to degradation
  • ✓ Reliable performance in extreme conditions
  • ✓ Safety through fire-retardant options
  • ✓ More environmentally friendly due to longer lifespan
  • ✓ Professional appearance that lasts

Getting Started with Silicone Foam

Browse our complete silicone foam collection and choose the one that best suits your application. Do you have questions about which type is best suited for your project, or would you like advice on processing and expansion? Feel free to contact us for personalized advice.

Invest in durability, performance and reliability – choose silicone foam.

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