Crest Crest FilterCrest reticulated polyurethane foam is a unique, environmentally friendly, extraordinarily versatile material that can be fabricated (or combined with other materials) into virtually any configuration, for use in hundreds of different products and applications. To meet a brood spectrum of requirements, proprietary manufacturing processes permit precise control of pore sizes. Through special thermal reticulation techniques that we've developed over the years, we are able to produce a family of flexible skeletal foam structures without cell membranes. The resultant "open pore" foam exhibits many unique characteristics and offers many special advantages, particularly for filtration applications of all kinds.

Filtercrest, for example, contains void volumes of up to 98%. and surface areas up to 2,000 square feet per cubic foot. The different polymer types available, combined with a range of pore sizes within each type, provide unprecedented applications versatility, controlled permeability, design flexibility, and a pleasing aesthetic appearance FilterCrest materials are strong, consistent in quality, and resistant to most chemicals.

Crest FilterCrest reticulated foam

Typical advantages

When compared to conventional filter media such as synthetic fiber mats, woven and non-woven fabrics, fiberglass, forest paper, and metals, Crest FilterCrest foams may exhibit superior properties, and offer substantial advantages:

• FILTERCREST IS STRONG, EASILY FABRICATED, AND DEPENDING ON GRADE, RESISTANT to many chemicals, cleaning agents, solvents, acids, and alkalis (see chemical compatibility).

• OUTSTANDING PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FILTERCREST FOAMS include high tensile, elongation, and tear properties, allowing a variety of fabrication techniques such as cutting, shaping, stapling, tacking, stitching, cementing, laminating, and grommeting, among others.

• FILTERCREST MATERIALS ARE CONSIDERED "NON-NUTRIENTS"- they are not ingested by microbial organisms and are available with permanent fungicidal/bactericidal additives for enhanced antimicrobial activity.
  
  
• STANDARD AND CUSTOM COLORS are offered for virtually any grade.

• UNUSUAL FILTRATION REQUIREMENTS - FilterCrest foams may be used in combination with each other or with other types of media for special needs

• TYPICAL CONFIGURATIONS INCLUDE BUNS, SHEETS, ROLLS, AND DIE-CUTS -complex compound shapes are easily obtained; virtually any size or shape to meet a precise requirement.

• BROAD SELECTION OF PORE SIZES combined with the endless configurations available allows for complete design freedom with wide function and performance latitudes.

Typical applications

FilterCrest reticulated foam is used on, in, or around thousands of products serving consumers, business, industry, health core, research, and armed forces around the world. Typical filtering applications are found in automotive, appliance small engine, and ceramic filters, among others.

FilterCrest materials are also used for microphone windscreens, supermarket refrigerated counter mats, fluid applicators, demisters and coalescers sewage treatment (microbial substrate), and in literally hundreds of other products or processes.

Crest FilterCrest reticulated foam

Chemical compatibility

All Crest FilterCrest foam materials can be safely used with water, soaps, detergents, most cleaning solvents, and dilute bleaches. As with all flexible polyurethane foams, most solvents will cause some swelling and weakening of the polymer. Chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons may cause swelling of all grades, but generally to a lesser degree for the polyester S-grades. Swelling from aliphatic hydrocarbons also occurs but to a much lesser degree than with the aromatics. Once the solvent is removed, the foams will return to their original size and strength. Polyether A-grades, C-grades and T-grades are generally not attacked by acids and alkalis, and ore hydrolytically stable. Polyesters grades are attacked by acids and alkalis, and ore not hydrolytically stable. Chlorine is detrimental to all grades. As with any product, the user is urged to thoroughly test the product to determine its suitability for the intended purpose.

Typical physical properties

Physical properties of FilterCrest such as tensile and tear strengths, and elongation, are two to three times - or more - greater than conventional polyurethane foams. The combination of controlled cell size (pores per inch) and reticulation allows for a wide selection of FilterCrest materials of varying air or liquid flow resistance properties. Click here to view our Typical Physical Properties of FilterCrest Industrial Foams chart.

Typical air flow properties of FilterCrest foam materials, S-Grades

Safety considerations for FilterCrest materials

When used properly, FilterCrest polyurethane foams offer outstanding advantages for a wide variety of applications. However, as with all polyurethane foams, when ignition exposed to intense heat, open flame, or other ignite sources, these materials can burn rapidly. Care should be taken to properly handle, store, and process these materials. Consult factory for additional information.