Elastomeric Foam: for all your Insulation Needs

The Elastomeric Foam market size was valued at US$3.294 billion in 2020 and is anticipated to increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 6.17% over the predictive period to reach US$5.008 million by 2027. Elastomeric foam insulation, also known as closed-cell elastomeric foam insulation or rubber insulation is a synthetic rubber with a closed-cell structure that comes in factory-made tubes, sheets, or rolls. Due to its outstanding capacity to manage condensation on cold (below-ambient) mechanical systems, closed-cell elastomeric foam insulation is best recognized as an insulator for HVAC, refrigeration, and piping systems.

Due to immense awareness of indoor air quality, demand for elastomeric foam has expanded dramatically during the previous two decades (IAQ). Elastomeric foam is popular among IAQ proponents because it contains no formaldehyde or fibers and emits extremely few volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Elastomeric foams are free of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), making them appropriate for even the most stringent environmental requirements.

Types of Elastomeric Foams

Natural Rubber/Latex: – Latex foam rubber is a lightweight sort of liquid latex that contains bubbles known as cells. The foam is usually made using the Dunlop or Talalay technique, which involves foaming liquid latex and then curing it in a mold to extract the foam. Structural upgrades can be added to foam by changing the polymers used in the foam or adding fillers. Latex foam's energy absorption, thermal conductivity, and compression qualities make it ideal for a variety of commercial uses, including upholstery, soundproofing, thermal insulation (particularly in construction), and goods transportation.

Ethylene Propylene Dien Monomer (EPDM): – Propylene Ethylene Diene Monomer is made up of a number of chemical compounds in various quantities, with Ethylene accounting for the most. EPDM is a synthetic polymer with a flexible expanded closed-cell structure that is utilized in a variety of applications. EPDM closed cell sponge rubber has been progressively prevalent, owing to its exceptional resistance to damage, cuts, and rips. EPDM has a variety of properties that make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications, including chemical resistance, waterproofing, and high-temperature tolerance. Because of its high density, simplicity of application, and stability, it is widely utilized in the automotive and construction industries.

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR): – Nitrile Butadiene Rubber is a synthetic rubber made from butadiene and acrylonitrile (ACN). NBR is used to create gasoline and oil handling hoses, seals, grommets, and self-sealing fuel tanks in the automotive and aerospace industries. It's utilized to produce protective gloves in the nuclear sector. The great temperature stability of NBR, which ranges from 40 to 108 degrees Celsius (40 to 226 degrees Fahrenheit), makes it a perfect material for aviation applications.

Applications

Elastomeric foam has been known for its exceptional insulating qualities and thermal protection. Elastomeric foam, which comes in a variety of forms and thicknesses, can be conveniently adjusted to fit snugly around a variety of equipment, from domestic plumbing to big commercial chillers. Closed-cell elastomeric foams that fulfill all code requirements, fire ratings, noise blocking, and efficiency norms can be used. This makes it a perfect material for insulating refrigeration systems, piping systems, HVAC systems, interior or exterior duct systems, industrial insulation, marine and offshore insulation, automotive insulation systems, solar module systems, pharmaceutical mechanical systems, etc. Moreover, Elastomeric foams do not contain any traces of CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs, making them suitable for even the most rigorous environmental standards.

Asia Pacific region to lead the market

The Asia Pacific market has been reported to have the largest market share in the elastomer foam market. Owing to the increasing industrial developments and the demand for HVAC systems in manufacturing units, the market is expected to rise. Also, the increasing construction industry and rising disposable income among people in the region have positively influenced the elastomeric market. The growing population and climate changes in the region have increased the demand for HVAC systems in the region. Moreover, owing to the growing automotive industry in the region, and the developments in automotive technology, the elastomeric foam market is expected to rise in demand.

Daikin group, one of the largest air conditioning companies, reported an increase of about 40% in net profit, over the previous year (2021). Sales figures grew by about 25% in the period. With the technological growth in the sector, the company anticipates a strong growth in the Asia Pacific market. This promises a robust market growth for the elastomer market in the Asia Pacific region.

The United Kingdom has pledged to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, according to the Climate Change Act 2008. To reduce heating-related emissions, the United Kingdom has begun to invest heavily in low-carbon heating solutions. The low carbon heat pump is one of these heating choices. Low-carbon heat pumps have long been viewed as a cost-effective and efficient way to address climate change. The UK government has stated that 600,000 heat pumps will be installed by 2028. This would boost demand for elastomer foam insulation in the European market.

Covid-19 Insight

The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus led to a worldwide downturn in the economy. With most major countries implementing lockdown regulations, the elastomeric foam market suffered significant losses. Due to the closure of industries and manufacturing units, the market saw a lack of raw materials for the manufacture of elastomeric foam. Polymers, elastomers, and propylene were among the few materials that faced a lack of supply.  The country-wide lockdown measures in China, and it being one of the largest industrial and manufacturing hubs, led to a decrease in the elastomeric foam market.

However, the market has been reported to be recovering, as most countries have lifted their lockdown protocols. Furthermore, with regions throughout the world reporting rising temperatures as a result of climate change, the HVAC industry is likely to grow in demand. This would also contribute to an increase in demand for elastomeric foam.