Viscoelastic PU Foam
ASTM D3574 Type V
Viscoelastic PU foam is an open-cell flexible polyurethane (ASTM D3574 Type V) whose temperature- and pressure-sensitive cell structure conforms slowly under load and recovers slowly on release.
Reference datasheet — Viscoelastic PU Foam is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the VE50 condition
Viscoelastic PU Foam grades and fills
Viscoelastic PU Foam is supplied in 9 conditions, soft to hard. VE50 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 9 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low-density viscoelastic, ~35–45 kg/m³ | Choose for cost-driven thin laminated parts — insoles, earplugs, packaging liners and thin mattress comfort toppers — accepting tensile strength of only 0.07 MPa. | 0.07 | 120 | ||
Open-cell / high-airflow faster-recovery viscoelastic | Choose the open-cell, high-airflow version for summer mattress layers, automotive seats and sports protection where breathability and faster recovery matter most. | 0.09 | 140 | ||
Flame-retardant viscoelastic | Choose the flame-retardant formulation required for export mattresses, public furniture and transport seating under 16 CFR 1633, BS 5852 or GB 17927; feel is firmer and cost higher. | 0.09 | 120 | ||
Partially bio-based polyol viscoelastic | Pick the partially bio-based soy or castor polyol version for projects with carbon-footprint or eco-label needs such as CertiPUR-US; mechanicals stay close to the standard type. | 0.09 | 140 | ||
VE50Default Standard viscoelastic slabstock, ~50 kg/m³ | Default density for mattresses, pillows and seat cushions, balancing pressure distribution against cost at 50 kg/m³. | 0.1 | 150 | ||
Graphite / copper / phase-change filled conductive-cooling viscoelastic | Use graphite, copper or phase-change filled foam to conduct body heat away in high-end mattresses; conductivity reaches 0.055 W/m·K but the fillers slightly lower tear strength. | 0.1 | 130 | ||
Gel-infused / gel-bead viscoelastic | Pick the gel-infused version for mattress comfort layers and pillows that must reduce heat build-up; density rises to 70 kg/m³ and conductivity to 0.05 W/m·K at higher cost. | 0.11 | 140 | ||
Medium-high density viscoelastic, ~55–65 kg/m³ | Pick for mid- to high-end mattresses, pillows and office seating where ~55–65 kg/m³ adds support and durability over the standard density at higher cost. | 0.13 | 170 | ||
High-density viscoelastic, ≥75 kg/m³ | Use at ≥75 kg/m³ for heavy users, sustained loading and medical anti-decubitus pads: highest durability and indentation resistance, but slowest recovery and noticeable heat build-up. | 0.18 | 190 |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways Viscoelastic PU Foam is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
MED | Medical / antimicrobial pressure-redistribution grade | Certification |
What is Viscoelastic PU Foam?
Viscoelastic PU foam is an open-cell flexible polyurethane (ASTM D3574 Type V) whose temperature- and pressure-sensitive cell structure conforms slowly under load and recovers slowly on release. It is chosen for pressure distribution and vibration damping, and is supplied as slabstock, cut sheet, convoluted pads and gel- or graphite-modified variants at about 0.05 g/cm³ density, 0.1 MPa tensile strength and 150 % elongation. Limits are very low load-bearing strength, a 90 °C maximum service temperature and stiffening when cold; thermal conductivity of 0.042 W/m·K means heat builds up under a body. High-resilience flexible PU foam is the alternative where fast rebound is needed. Viscoelastic PU Foam has a density of 0.05 g/cm³ (0.0018 lb/in³), lighter than 88% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 15°C (59 °F). Viscoelastic PU Foam has a tensile strength of 0.1 MPa (0.0145 ksi), weaker than 99% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 150% and the elastic modulus is 2.5×10⁻⁴ GPa (3.63×10⁻⁵ Msi).
What is Viscoelastic PU Foam used for?
- mattresses and pillows
- orthopedic and medical cushions
- helmet and protective padding
- acoustic insulation panels
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 91% of polymer grades
- Lightweight — 0.05 g/cm³ (0.0018 lb/in³), better than 88% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 2.5×10⁻⁴ GPa (3.63×10⁻⁵ Msi), worse than 99% of polymer grades
- Degrades in UV without stabilisers — 20/100, worse than 88% of polymer grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 62/100, worse than 87% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.04 W/m·K (0.0243 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of polymer grades
Viscoelastic PU Foam properties
Typical room-temperature values for Viscoelastic PU Foam-VE50; bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical2
Viscoelastic PU Foam has a density of 0.05 g/cm³ (0.0018 lb/in³), lighter than 88% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 15°C (59 °F).
Mechanical9
Viscoelastic PU Foam has a tensile strength of 0.1 MPa (0.0145 ksi), weaker than 99% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 150% and the elastic modulus is 2.5×10⁻⁴ GPa (3.63×10⁻⁵ Msi).
Thermal7
Viscoelastic PU Foam is rated for continuous service to 90°C (194 °F). It conducts heat at 0.04 W/m·K (0.0243 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of polymer grades.
Electrical2
Viscoelastic PU Foam has an electrical resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), worse than 87% of polymer grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Viscoelastic PU Foam takes about 103 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 54% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 2%.
Manufacturability5
Viscoelastic PU Foam's machinability is good (60/100, better than 51% of polymer grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability excellent (90/100).
Common Calculations3
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the polymer family
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade FabDigit runs. Viscoelastic PU Foam is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with Viscoelastic PU Foam
Is Viscoelastic PU Foam easy to machine?
Cut with band saw, horizontal splitting/peeling machines, CNC oscillating knife, hot wire or waterjet. The slow-recovery hysteresis keeps cut faces dimensionally stable, but blades must be kept sharp to avoid tearing and cell crush.
Can Viscoelastic PU Foam be welded?
Thermoset foam cannot be melt-welded; bond with water-based or hot-melt adhesive, flame lamination, or high-frequency welding of the fabric facing.
Can Viscoelastic PU Foam be formed, bent or molded?
Continuous slabstock is cured 24–72 h before cutting; alternatively cold-cure moulded at roughly 35–65 °C tool temperature, with de-skinning or crush rolling after demould to open the cells. Finished parts can be compressed and vacuum roll-packed for shipping.
Viscoelastic PU Foam chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| polyether polyol ( / Tg)polyol blend sets Tg near room temperature for slow recovery | 50 – 62 | 57 |
| TDI / MDI polyisocyanateTDI-80/20 or TDI-MDI blend | 30 – 42 | 36 |
| water (blowing agent)reacts to generate CO₂ for blowing | 1 – 2.5 | 1.6 |
| silicone surfactantcell stabilization and open-cell control | 0.5 – 1.5 | 1 |
| amine + tin catalystgel/blow balance | 0.2 – 1 | 0.5 |
| crosslinker / chain extender | 0 – 2 | 0.8 |
| flame retardant / gel / graphite additivFR, GEL and GR variants only | 0 – 15 | 0 |
What surface finishes work on Viscoelastic PU Foam?
Normally covered with fabric, TPU waterproof film or an antimicrobial treatment; plating and anodizing do not apply, spray coatings must be flexible water-based systems, and a light stabilizer is required to limit yellowing under prolonged sunlight.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Viscoelastic PU Foam in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- D3574 Type V
- Also called
- Memory Foam
How much does Viscoelastic PU Foam cost?
Viscoelastic PU Foam is a premium-cost polymer ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Viscoelastic PU Foam — frequently asked
What is Viscoelastic PU Foam used for?
Viscoelastic PU Foam is typically used for mattresses and pillows, orthopedic and medical cushions, helmet and protective padding and acoustic insulation panels. In short: slow-recovery pressure relief; lowest-rebound flexible foam; body-conforming cushioning layer.
What is the tensile strength of Viscoelastic PU Foam?
Viscoelastic PU Foam has a typical tensile strength of 0.1 MPa (0.0145 ksi) — weaker than 99% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.
Is Viscoelastic PU Foam easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, better than 51% of polymer grades). Cut with band saw, horizontal splitting/peeling machines, CNC oscillating knife, hot wire or waterjet. The slow-recovery hysteresis keeps cut faces dimensionally stable, but blades must be kept sharp to avoid tearing and cell crush.
Can Viscoelastic PU Foam be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Thermoset foam cannot be melt-welded; bond with water-based or hot-melt adhesive, flame lamination, or high-frequency welding of the fabric facing.
What surface finishes work on Viscoelastic PU Foam?
Normally covered with fabric, TPU waterproof film or an antimicrobial treatment; plating and anodizing do not apply, spray coatings must be flexible water-based systems, and a light stabilizer is required to limit yellowing under prolonged sunlight.
Can Viscoelastic PU Foam be formed, bent or molded?
Continuous slabstock is cured 24–72 h before cutting; alternatively cold-cure moulded at roughly 35–65 °C tool temperature, with de-skinning or crush rolling after demould to open the cells. Finished parts can be compressed and vacuum roll-packed for shipping.
What is the maximum service temperature of Viscoelastic PU Foam?
Viscoelastic PU Foam is rated for continuous use to about 90°C (194 °F), and briefly to 120°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does Viscoelastic PU Foam cost?
Viscoelastic PU Foam is a premium-cost polymer ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM D3574 — Standard Test Methods for Flexible Cellular Materials—Slab, Bonded, and Molded Urethane Foams — ASTM International (2017)
- 16 CFR 1633 Standard for the Flammability of Mattress Sets — US CPSC (2007)
- Handbook of Polymeric Foams and Foam Technology (2nd ed.) — Hanser (2004)
- Cellular Solids: Structure and Properties (2nd ed.) — Cambridge University Press (1997)
- Viscoelastic slabstock foam technical data (Carpenter Co., FoamPartner/Recticel, Sinomax ) (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.