What Is Reticulated Foam: Where To Use

Various and diverse industries use reticulated foam for everything from air filtration to chemical processing and water purification. Lightweight and durable, its open-cell structure and high porosity allow air and liquids to pass through freely, making it ideal for applications that require breathability, moisture resistance, and effective filtration.

Sur-Seal offers custom-cut foam solutions, including high-quality reticulated options, for whatever application you have in mind. We regularly supply the materials for businesses in the healthcare, industrial, aerospace, climate control, and alternative energy industries.

To learn more about our reticulated foam offerings or to place an order, call our team at 513.574.8500 today.

Reticulated Foam: A Guide

Unlike traditional foam, which has mostly closed cells, reticulated foam has interconnected pores that permit air and liquids to flow through effortlessly. Its name literally means “structured or arranged like a net.”

Usually made from polyurethane, polyether, or polyester materials, its distinctive structure is crafted through a unique manufacturing process that can be adjusted to control the size and density of its pores:

1. It starts out similar to “regular” foam.
2. A process called “thermal reticulation” involves placing the foam in a controlled environment and subjecting it to high temperatures.
3. The high temperature burns away the cell walls or “windows” in the foam, leaving a skeletal structure of interconnected strands.

Chemical reticulation uses various substances to dissolve the cell walls to achieve a similar open-cell structure. Each technique transforms the base materials into reticulated foam that can be used for cushioning, packing, sound absorption, and more.

Along with being lightweight, the benefits of reticulated foam include:

• Low odor
• Anti-microbial properties
• Doesn’t easily disintegrate when exposed to chemicals
• High tensile strength
• Tear-resistance
• Affordability

Reticulated foam is easy to cut, shape, and fabricate into many products. It can also be supplemented with various additives during the manufacturing process to make it more flame retardant, static dissipative, and antistatic.

Applications & Uses for Reticulated Foam

Now that we’ve covered what it is, let’s cover how to use reticulated foam. Applications and uses for reticulated foam are extensive and varied, including:

• Reticulated polyurethane foam provides resilience and strength, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture and air filtration systems.
•  Reticulated polyether foam is highly resistant to moisture and mildew and is often used for marine and medical applications.
• Reticulated foam sheets come in various densities and sizes and are frequently used for automotive, HVAC, and acoustic applications.

Reticulated foam is used in many commercial and consumer applications, including:

• Air filtration
• Water purification and filtration
• Sponges and scrubbers
• Packaging and cushioning
• Medical applications
• Cosmetics

Choose Sur-Seal for Reticulated Foam Production

Sur-Seal will help you choose the proper reticulated foam for your business’s unique needs. Our skilled team has the design and fabrication expertise to shape the foam into sheets, rolls, or custom shapes for specific products or new prototypes. We’re dedicated to providing superior quality products and exceptional service to our clients and customers and are committed to following strict quality and safety standards.

To learn more about how articulated foam can be used for your business, call us at 513.574.8500 or contact us online today.