Closed Cell Expanded Foam is a versatile material known for its durability, water resistance, and insulating properties. Its unique closed-cell structure prevents the absorption of water and air, making it ideal for a wide range of applications across industries. From cushioning and sealing to thermal and acoustic insulation, closed cell expanded foam offers reliable performance in demanding environments.

At Delta Rubber, we proudly offer Neoprene/EPDM closed-cell expanded foam, a premium-grade product designed to meet the highest standards of quality and functionality. Whether you’re looking for sheets, rolls, or custom-fabricated gaskets, this material provides the perfect solution for your sealing and insulation needs. 

In this blog, we’ll explore what closed cell expanded foam is, its properties, advantages, applications, and why our Neoprene/EPDM variant is a superior choice.

What is Closed Cell Expanded Foam?

Closed cell expanded foam is a dense, engineered material widely used in industries that demand durability and reliability. Its defining characteristic is its closed-cell structure, where the cells are entirely sealed off from one another. This design prevents the infiltration of liquids, gases, or contaminants, making it exceptionally water-resistant and long-lasting.

Unlike open-cell foam, which is softer and more absorbent, closed cell expanded foam provides superior structural integrity and resistance to compression. Typically made from high-performance materials like Neoprene and EPDM, it combines flexibility with robustness, standing up to challenging conditions such as extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and chemical contact.

This foam is not just about resistance—it also excels in providing insulation and cushioning. Its versatile properties make it suitable for applications ranging from protective packaging to sealing components in industrial machinery.

Key Properties of Closed Cell Expanded Foam

Closed cell expanded foam offers a wide range of properties that make it a versatile and reliable material for various applications. Below are its key properties:

  • Water Resistance – The closed-cell structure prevents water absorption, making it ideal for sealing and insulation in wet or humid environments.
  • Thermal Insulation – With excellent insulating capabilities, closed cell expanded foam minimises heat transfer, making it suitable for temperature control applications.
  • Durability – Resistant to wear and tear, this foam maintains its integrity under mechanical stress and prolonged use, ensuring long-lasting performance.
  • Flexibility – Despite its dense structure, closed cell expanded foam is flexible enough to conform to irregular surfaces, making it versatile for various uses.
  • Chemical Resistance – Materials like Neoprene and EPDM offer robust resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals, making the foam suitable for industrial and automotive applications.
  • UV and Ozone Resistance – The foam withstands prolonged exposure to sunlight and ozone without degrading, making it perfect for outdoor applications.
  • Compression Set Resistance – Closed cell expanded foam recovers its shape after compression, ensuring consistent sealing and cushioning performance over time.

These properties make closed cell expanded foam a go-to material for industries requiring high-performance sealing, insulation, and protection solutions.

Applications of Closed Cell Expanded Foam

Closed cell expanded foam is used in a wide range of industries, thanks to its ability to offer durability, excellent insulation, and resistance to environmental factors. Below are its key applications by industry:

Construction

In the construction industry, closed cell expanded foam is commonly used for sealing joints, gaps, and cracks in walls, roofs, and flooring. It provides effective weatherproofing, prevents water ingress, and helps to improve energy efficiency by offering excellent thermal insulation in buildings.

Automotive

Closed cell expanded foam plays a crucial role in automotive manufacturing, where it is used for producing gaskets, seals, and cushioning components. It resists oils, fuels, and chemicals commonly found in automotive environments, ensuring long-lasting protection and reliable performance.

Marine

In the marine industry, closed cell expanded foam is used extensively for flotation devices, seals, and insulation. Its water-resistant properties make it ideal for boat and shipbuilding, providing buoyancy and durability in harsh marine environments while ensuring protection against water damage.

General Industrial Use

For general industrial purposes, closed cell expanded foam is utilised for insulation, soundproofing, and protective packaging. Its ability to absorb shock and vibrations makes it an ideal choice for protecting sensitive equipment during transport, while its thermal insulation properties ensure energy efficiency in various industrial applications.

Neoprene/EPDM Closed Cell Expanded Foam 

Expanded Neoprene/EPDM sponge rubber combines the durability of Neoprene with the excellent weather resistance of EPDM, making it an ideal material for a wide range of applications. This combination offers superior sealing properties, making it highly effective for use in weatherstripping for doors and windows, where it provides excellent protection against moisture and drafts. Additionally, its resilience and strength make it suitable for use in automotive and aerospace gaskets and seals, ensuring reliable performance in harsh conditions.

Key Properties of Expanded Neoprene/EPDM Sponge Rubber:

  • Hardness: 36 ± 5° Shore A
  • Temperature Range: -40°C to +70°C
  • Elongation at Break: >180%
  • Compression Set: 19.1%
  • Tensile Strength: >500 MPa

These properties contribute to the material’s flexibility, durability, and long-lasting performance across various sealing applications.

Buy Closed Cell Expanded Foam Online

At Delta Rubber Limited, we stock and sell a wide range of closed cell expanded foams, including Expanded Neoprene/EPDM Foam, HT800 Silicone, Acoustic Foam, and Viton Sponge. These high-quality materials are available to purchase online in sheet form, rolls, or custom-cut rubber strips, providing flexibility to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a standard or bespoke solution, we offer convenient online purchasing options. Browse our selection and place your order today by clicking here. 

In addition to our range of closed cell expanded foam sheets and rolls, we also offer custom fabrication services. We can produce bespoke components such as washers, gaskets, and seals tailored to your specifications. If you have a unique requirement or need a custom part, simply contact a member of our team, and we’ll be happy to assist you with your inquiry.