Pour Foam
Contents
General Description
X30 pour foam can be handy for non-structural components that need to be shaped by hand and then glassed. This 2-part system is mixed in a 1 to 1 ratio, and it expands to about 30 times it's original liquid volume, and becomes quite warm as it does. WARNING: This product is considered toxic and is a skin sensitizer.
Velocity Use
Pour foam has any number of uses, but I used it to fill my hollow canard tips to prevent them from filling with rain water, as well as building plugs for "long-range" fuel tanks in my strake cut-outs.
Foaming Long-Range Tank Plug
Foam Mixing Cups
Product Description
From the Aircraft Spruce website: This system consists of two components - "X-30" Resin and "X-30" Catalyst. When the resin and catalyst are mixed in equal volumes they expand into a rigid closed-cell foam of 2 pound density. Thorough mixing of the two components is essential. "X-30" Foam expands approximately 40 times its liquid volume. Small-batch mixes are recommended. Cured foams can be easily trimmed, cut and shaped with common woodworking tools. Use toluene or MEK for cleanup. "X-30" Foam contains a highly reactive agent and is classified as a toxic material. It is combustible, a strong skin sensitizer and eye irritant. Avoid contact with the skin. Use rubber gloves when handling. Used for: Flotation, thermal and acoustical insulation reinforcement and miscellaneous void filling. Most small pleasure boats can be made "sink-proof" with approximately two gallons of "X-30". Data sheet available. "X-30" Foam contains a volatile fluorocarbon and should be stored at 70°F. or lower. "X-30" is used on the Osprey II bottom hull, canopy, nose cone, etc., requiring about four gallons of material (two gallons of each). Shelf life at least six months. Users have reported "more than two years shelf life".
Product Specifications
From the Manufacturer's website: TAP X-30 Polyurethane Foam
A rigid 2 lb density polyurethane foam that expands up to 30 times its original liquid volume, adding strength and buoyancy to your craft! Just mix equal parts of TAP X-30 resin and hardener and pour into an enclosed area, leaving plenty of room for expansion. It comes in two equal parts: Part A-Resin and Part B-Catalyst (hardener). Ideal for pour-in-place buoyancy or insulation, like under seats and in bulkheads. Since X-30 is not affected by petroleum products, it is can be used in boats or floats. Neither polyester nor epoxy resins will effect X-30, which makes it easy to fiberglass. Also excellent for tooling and mold-making. Can also be used for its superior sound and thermal insulation properties.
See Tap plastic's product website.
Packaging Weights
| Kit Size | Approx. Foamed Vol. (Cu.Ft.) | Weight (Lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Quart Kit (1 Pt.. ea. component) |
1-1/4 | 3 |
| 2 Quart Kit (1 Gal. ea. component) |
2-1/2 | 6 |
| 2 Gallon Kit (1 Gal. ea. component) |
10 | 22 |
| 10 Gallon Kit (5 Gal. ea. component) |
50 | 110 |
Directions for Use
Estimating Volume Requirements
Determine cubic feet (volume) needed to fill area with ‘X-30’ Foam by using this formula:
length x width x height = volume
Example: A rectangle (or square), such as a box, measuring 18ʺ x 24ʺ x 36ʺ = 15,552 cubic inches.
One cubic foot (12ʺ x 12ʺ x 12ʺ) contains 1728 cubic inches.
(15,552 divided by 1728 equals 9 cubic feet)
To determine volume in an irregular area, fill with water (or other measurable substance) to measure gallons needed. Convert determined gallons to cubic feet (71⁄2 gallons per cubic foot) and divide number of gallons in area by 71⁄2 to establish cubic foot volume needed. Area to be foamed must be completely dry before filling with ‘X-30’ Foam.
Measure
Stir or shake the contents of ‘X-30’ Foam, both Part ‘A’ and Part ‘B’ thoroughly. Measure equally Part ‘A’ and Part ‘B’ by volume. Use individual containers (with graduated markings) for measuring each component.
Mix
Use a mixing container larger than the combined ingredients of ‘A’ and ‘B’ to allow room for vigorous mixing. Mix thoroughly until material is free of streaks. Pour immediately as foaming action will be rapid. Thorough mixing of these components is essential to achieve a good quality foam of uniform cell structure.
Manual Mixing
A small volume (up to a pint of combined ingredients, ‘A’ and ‘B’) can be mixed by hand. Use a spatula or a flat stir stick in a straightsided container. Before pouring, mix combined components swiftly and thoroughly until the mass is homogeneous.
Mechanical Mixing
For large batches (1/2 gallon and up), components must be blended using a high-speed mixer with a suitable size agitator like TAP’s Squirrel Mixer. Dip agitator to bottom of mixing container and start motor. Mix 15 to 20 seconds. Moving along bottom, sides, center, and top of the mass in that order. Pour before foaming starts. It may be helpful to chill components separately to 50 or 60°F before mixing to extend available mixing time. Note: Chilling can reduce the yield. Large batches should be mixed by someone who is experienced in the use of foam.
Pour
Pour measured and mixed ‘X-30’ Foam into a contained (but factors, however, such as: bulk, configuration of the cavity, and temperature which affect density and amount of materials required. If the foam is allowed to expand freely without restrictions, a density of two pounds per cubic foot will be obtained. A higher density can be obtained if the pour of foam is several cubic feet or is restricted in a closed mold. (See Caution 1 in the right column.) Foaming in confined cavities usually results in higher foam density and less volume. Elevated temperature has the effect of decreasing the density and increasing the volume.
Safety and Handling
Here are the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheets.
Media:MSDS_TAP_X30A.pdf
Media:MSDS_TAP_X30B.pdf
