SIF® Z reticulated polyester polyurethane filter foam 3–110 ppi

Country: USA · Model: SIF Z

Reticulated flexible polyester polyurethane foam with a fully open cell structure, pore size 3–110 ppi. About 97 % of the volume is free space, so the foam passes air and holds more than three times its own mass of dust. It is the main grade for air filters, mist eliminators and evaporative media.

Material: reticulated flexible polyester-based polyurethane foam (fully open cell, membranes removed)
Pore size: 3–110 ppi (pores per linear inch); standard grades 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 80, 100 ppi
Density: nominally 2 pcf (≈32 kg/m³); 1.9 pcf (≈30 kg/m³) per the typical properties table
Free volume: ≈97 %

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Technical specifications

Material	reticulated flexible polyester-based polyurethane foam (fully open cell, membranes removed)
Pore size	3–110 ppi (pores per linear inch); standard grades 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 80, 100 ppi
Density	nominally 2 pcf (≈32 kg/m³); 1.9 pcf (≈30 kg/m³) per the typical properties table
Free volume	≈97 %
Specific surface	up to 2300 ft²/ft³ (≈7500 m²/m³)
Tensile strength	20–35 psi (≈138–241 kPa) depending on porosity
Elongation	315–415 %
Compression set at 50 % compression	8–12 %
Compressive stress 25 % / 65 %	0.40–0.48 / 0.65–0.72 psi
Temperature	short-term up to 250 °F (121 °C); decomposition above 500 °F (260 °C); no cracking at −40 °C
Thickness	from 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) to the full block height in steps of 1/16 inch (1.6 mm)
Filtration test	ASHRAE 52-76, 20 ppi 1/2 inch, 500 fpm — average arrestance 69 %, dust holding capacity 330 g; oiled 20 ppi — 82 %, 220 g
Versions	SIF®, SIF® with PVC coating, with flame retardant or antimicrobial additives; Protectair® — polyether 15–80 ppi
Test methods	ASTM D3574 (physical), ASHRAE 52-76 (filtration)

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer’s technical documentation. Updated 11/09/2026.

Description

During production the cell membranes are removed from the foam, leaving a skeleton of thin strands that form dodecahedral cells, fully interconnected. The membranes are removed by chemical etching in an alkaline bath or thermally, by igniting a hydrogen-oxygen mixture in a vacuum chamber. The nominal density is about 2 pcf (≈32 kg/m³), the standard range is 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 80 and 100 ppi, and non-standard values are made to order. Per ASTM D3574 tensile strength is 20–35 psi, elongation 315–415 %, and compression set after 50 % compression 8–12 %. The specific surface reaches 2300 ft²/ft³. The material briefly withstands 121 °C, decomposes above 260 °C and does not crack at −40 °C. Water, detergents, oils, greases and most solvents do not damage it, while strong acids, alkalis and chlorine do.

How to choose

The pore size is set for the task, since more ppi means finer pores. For aggressive environments a version with a PVC coating is made, which raises tear resistance. Sheets are supplied from 1/8 inch thick to the full block height, and they are sewn, glued, stapled and installed in frames. A cheaper alternative is Protectair® on polyether with pores of 15–80 ppi. For sound absorption look at AEROFONIC® or Hyfonic™, and for compressed foam SIF® Felt.

Request a price and lead time

SIF® Z reticulated polyester polyurethane filter foam 3–110 ppi. We reply within one business day.

Or email office@usk.ua or call +38 (044) 339-50-20.

FAQ

Which ppi values are standard for SIF Z?

Pore size is 3–110 ppi, the standard range is 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 80 and 100 ppi. Non-standard values are made to order.

What is the dust arrestance of SIF Z per ASHRAE 52-76?

A 20 ppi sheet 1/2 inch thick at 500 fpm gives an average arrestance of 69 % and a dust holding capacity of 330 g. An oiled sheet arrests 82 %.

What temperature does SIF Z foam withstand?

Briefly 121 °C, it decomposes above 260 °C. At −40 °C it does not crack when bent on a mandrel whose diameter equals the thickness.

Is the foam resistant to oil and chemicals?

It is not damaged by water, detergents, oils, greases and most solvents. Aromatic hydrocarbons swell it strongly, and strong acids, alkalis and chlorine destroy it.

What are the specific surface and free volume of SIF Z?

The specific surface is up to 2300 ft²/ft³, and the free volume is about 97 %. The uniform structure prevents channeling in the filter.