Performance Polymers

Elastofoam^® I: A Combination of a Flexible Foam Core and a Compact, Tough Skin

Elastofoam^® I is especially distinguished for its decorative surface finish. The integral foam is extensively employed in the automotive and furniture industries producing steering wheels, gear shift knobs, seat shells, armrests as well as in engine compartment heavy duty uses for cable encapsulation, engine covers, oil pan covers, grommets and gaskets in filter elements.

Benefits

Advantages of Elastofoam^® I:

Decorative surface finish, high abrasion resistance
Resistant to mechanical stress and chemicals
Elastic even after continuous stress
Added layer of water-based in-mold coating can be incorporated to provide UV-stability and multi-tone color options
Low thermal conductivity
Cost-effective, One-shot processing for foams with integrated, attractive surface

Elastofoam^® I is a two-component polyurethane integral foam system that combines a lightweight flexible foam core with a compact, tough skin, in one single-step. Elastofoam^® I‘s high abrasion resistance, elasticity and superior mechanical properties helps decorative surface finish achieve its pleasant soft touch.

Applications

Chairs

Thanks to the flexibility as well as decorative, insensitive surface, Elastofoam^® I is the perfect material for the manufacture of armrests and seat shells. Inserts made of wood or metal give the necessary stability to the molded part.

Container Casing

The polyurethane system protects the inserted metal containers against dents and transport damage and offers additional design options. Colour coding can be implemented as well as smooth or textured surfaces. Polyurethane-fixed cable harness shapes and substantially facilitate mounting.

Cable Encapsulation

PU-fixed cable harness shapes and orientations substantially facilitate mounting which also brings down maintenance and repair costs. Complete cable sheathings ensure reliable humidity insulation even under extreme conditions.

Buttons and Switches

High-grip, abrasion-resistant switches in flexible PU integral foams provide touch-friendly surface textures and give designers a host of options for particularly attractive solutions.

Air Filter Gaskets

High-quality engines demand especially clean air for 'respiration'. This is an interesting example of how BASF facilitates production and simultaneously complies with all engineering requirements: a foamed edge precisely fixes and reliably seals the filter medium at the same time.

Steering Wheels

High-grip steering wheels with integral airbag covers feature surface textures that are pleasant to the touch, impact-resistant at low temperatures and compliant with all necessary safety requirements made by engineers. Moreover, they permit designers to select from a variety of attractive options.

Engine Covers

Elastofoam^® I provides engines with a nice-looking cap distinguished by high durability and media resistance combined with acoustic properties to reduce noise from the engine. Elastofoam^® I can be manufactured in a one-shot foaming process. Since its surface is soft, Elastofoam^® I contributes to reducing head impact in case of an accident with pedestrians.

Armrests and Handles

Especially in utility vehicles the extraordinary durability of Elastofoam^® I parts is appreciated. Pleasant flexibility and haptics are combined with easily cleanable, abrasion-, scratch- and impact-resistant surfaces. Parts can be produced in a cost-effective one-shot process with IMC coating (in-mold coating)

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More Information

All information in one place: From technical articles, case studies and brochures, to data sheets and certificates.

Information & Certificates

Elastofoam^® Application Range

The applications are as manifold as its product properties: Explore the various application possibilities of Elastofoam^®!

Successful Customer Projects

Proven in practice: These case studies demonstrate the successful use of Elastofoam^® in customer projects.

Our Service Package

We offer our customers a comprehensive range of services with leading technologies and products. Find the service that matches your needs!

Tailor-made Solutions

Tailor-made for individual needs: We support our customers in developing application-oriented solutions.

Processing of Elastofoam^®

The following methods can be used for the processing of Elastofoam^®.

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Elastofoam® I: A Combination of a Flexible Foam Core and a Compact, Tough Skin

Advantages of Elastofoam® I: