Standard Test Methods Bring Consistency and Reliability to One-Component Foam Market

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – April 2, 2014 –Standard test methods developed specifically for one-component foams (OCFs) are being used by manufacturers to deliver accurate and reliable product quality data for the first time. The new test methods are being developed by the one-component foam Technical Working Group of FEICA (the Association of the European Adhesive and Sealant Industry). The first of the series of test methods was published in February 2013 and the most recent one –for the determination of the tack-free time of an OCF canister foam – was published in October 2013.

Prior to the publication of these test methods, there had been no official standards for the verification and comparison of OCF products. Existing standards for polyurethane (PU) foams are not appropriate for OCFs because they were developed for manufactured, cured PU foams. Consequently, they do not give reliable results because they do not take into account the application process, which has a huge influence on the ultimate quality of the OCF.

FEICA's OCF Technical Working Group took up this challenge and started developing a new range of standard test methods which deliver realistic, reproducible results for OCF products. All the companies represented in FEICA's Technical Working Group (Dow, Hanno-Werk, Henkel, Krimelte, Polypag, Selena, Soudal, TKK Srpenica and Tremco Illlbruck) have committed to using these standard methods to evaluate and communicate the various properties of their products.

As a result, customers can rest assured that the data they read on product packaging and in literature provides an accurate and honest representation of the product performance, allowing a reliable comparison of different OCF products. These standard test methods are publicly available for review and download on the FEICA website.

Commenting on these developments, FEICA Secretary General Bernard Ghyoot said, "FEICA welcomes these developments, which represent an important milestone for the OCF industry in Europe. Achieving internationally recognized standards and implementing standardized test methods will help reassure customers of FEICA's OCF members that they are getting consistent quality products, measured in the most transparent and reproducible way."

About FEICA: FEICA, the Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry is a multinational association representing the interests of the A&S industry throughout Europe. In this regard, FEICA aims at establishing a constructive dialogue with legislators in order to act as
a reliable partner to resolve issues affecting the European Adhesive and Sealant Industry. To learn more about FEICA, please use the contact information and link provided below.

About One-component Foams: One-component foam manufacturers representing more than 90% of the market in Europe are members of FEICA. These one-component foam manufacturers work together within FEICA to develop standards and professionalize the industry. "One-component foam" is a generic term for moisture curing one-component foams dispensed from pressurized containers ("aerosol cans") as well as self-curing two component foams dispensed from pressurized containers ("1.5 component foams").

Notes: One-component foams (OCFs) play an important role in the construction industry. They improve energy efficiency and help create a more pleasant living environment. One-component foams connect, provide thermal and acoustic insulation and render joints airtight, while still allowing water vapor to migrate. They bring significant benefits to window and door installation tasks in particular. Quick and easy to use, they are typically supplied in convenient pressurized containers and extruded onsite. Application takes a matter of minutes and they usually cure in little over an hour.