Rubber Foam, U foam and Coir foam.

Explain the terms Rubber Foam, U foam and Coir foam.

ANS.  

          i. Rubber Foam:

            This is made out of natural rubber and while rubber is getting solidified, air is entrained. These are available in slabs measuring 2m x 1m and thickness varying from 12mm to 100mm. In addition to the air entrained minute cavities, it has half holes on one side of about 10 mm to 25mm diameter and in section it looks like an inverted U.

Rubber foam is used as cushioning material for sofas, chairs, padding and beds. It was the most popular foam in earlier days, but with the evolution of plastics, the ‘U’ foam has almost replaced Rubber foam. Rubber foam helps to some extent in absorbing sweats. Rubber foam has a life of 5 to 10 years and starts crumbling to powder later. It does generate marginal sag on sofa seats or beds due to a prolonged use.

       ii. U Foam or Flexible PU foam:

            U foam is artificial foam used in cushioning & padding. It is Synthetic and plastic product created by entraining air in Synthetic resins. It is available in various densities and it can be softer or harder to any extent. It does not deform due to repeated use. It is nonabsorbent and hence does not absorb sweat. It is available in slabs measuring 2m x 1m and thicknesses available are from 6 mm to 100mm. It has an infinite life.

         iii. Coir Foam:

            Coir foam is made by mixing molten rubber and coir. Thus the slabs made are a mixture of Rubber & Coir. The slabs of size 2m x 1m are available in thickness ranging from 25mm to 100 mm. This has a larger deformation coefficient and is used in cheap sofas / beds etc. It sags in one year only.