Polyurethane and Polyester Reticulated Foam
Open-Cell Foam
Open-cell foams have an interconnected cell structure that allows air, water, and sound to pass through — the opposite of closed-cell materials. We stock polyether-PU and polyester-PU reticulated foam in sheet and roll form (die-cut parts available to order) for dust filtration, acoustic dampening, and light cushioning applications where breathability or fluid absorption is the goal.
At a Glance
Temperature Range
Polyether-PU -40 °C to +90 °C continuous; polyester-PU -40 °C to +100 °C continuous (+120 °C peak); reticulated polyether to +116 °C
Thickness Range
3 mm to 100 mm
Available Forms
Colours
Technical Properties
Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.
Physical Characteristics
Density
25–80 kg/m³ (sealing/filtration grades; lower 16–25 kg/m³ ester-PU is packaging only)
Tensile Strength
80–250 kPa
Chemical Resistance
Resistant To
- Water (absorbs but does not degrade)
- Dilute detergents and cleaning solutions
- Most mineral oils (polyester grades)
- Air and non-reactive gases
Limited Resistance
- Petroleum fuels (polyurethane swells, whereas polyester grades perform better)
- UV radiation (degrades over time without protection; use polyester for outdoor service)
Not Recommended
- Strong acids or alkalis, which hydrolyse the polyurethane polymer
- Aromatic and chlorinated solvents (these dissolve the foam structure)
- High-temperature service above ~90 °C (polyether-PU) or ~100 °C (polyester-PU), where foam degrades and discolours
- Pressure-sealing applications. Open-cell foam is not a barrier material; use closed-cell foam instead.
Environmental Ratings
Flame Rating
Combustible. Standard polyurethane foam is flammable; fire-retardant grades available on request.
Standards & Certifications
Standards Compliance
Common Applications
- Air intake and dust pre-filters
- Electronic enclosure ventilation filters
- Speaker grille and microphone wind filters
- Acoustic absorption panels and linings
- Paint roller and applicator foam
- Medical and orthopaedic cushioning
- Packaging inserts (light-duty cushioning)
- Fluid wicking and absorption pads
Not Recommended For
- Not a sealing material. Open-cell foam is permeable to air, water, and vapour, so for pressure or environmental sealing, use closed-cell neoprene or EPDM foam.
- Standard polyurethane is flammable, so fire-retardant grades must be specified for any application near ignition sources
- Polyurethane degrades in UV sunlight; for outdoor filtration use polyester reticulated foam
- Low mechanical strength: foam is for filtration, cushioning, and sound absorption, not structural loads
- Absorbs and retains water, so it is not suited to sealed enclosures where moisture accumulation is a problem
Available Grades
Polyurethane Foam (PU): Standard
General-purpose open-cell polyurethane foam in 20–60 kg/m³ densities. Our standard recommendation for cushioning, packaging, and light-duty filtration up to 70 °C.
Polyurethane Foam, Fire Retardant
Fire-retardant polyurethane foam meeting FMVSS 302. Used in automotive, electrical, and building applications where flammability compliance is required.
Polyester Reticulated Foam
Open-cell polyester foam with controlled pore structure (10–80 PPI). Superior oil, solvent, and UV resistance compared to polyurethane. Our recommendation for filtration, fuel system breathers, and outdoor applications.
Acoustic Foam
Profiled or plain open-cell foam optimised for sound absorption. Available in flat, egg-crate, and wedge profiles for studio, plant room, and enclosure lining applications.
Need Open-Cell Foam?
We supply open-cell foam in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.
Disclaimer
This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.