UL-94 10 PPI Reticulated Foam — Technical Overview & FAQs

Product Overview

UL-94 10 PPI Reticulated Foam is a coarse open-cell polyurethane foam designed for applications requiring maximum airflow, low pressure drop, and enhanced flame safety. With a large-cell 10 pores-per-inch (PPI) structure, this material excels in high-flow filtration, air intake systems, HVAC pre-filters, and acoustic dampening where coarse particulate capture or unrestricted ventilation is required.

Engineered to meet the UL 94 HF-1 flame rating, the foam produces low flame spread and is self-extinguishing, making it suitable for electronics, appliances, and industrial systems where fire safety is mandatory.
The reticulated structure also provides excellent shock absorption, vibration damping, and chemical resistance when coated or laminated.

Applications

High-flow HVAC intake or pre-filters
Equipment ventilation and cooling systems
Automotive and power-equipment air filtration
Acoustic baffling and coarse sound management
Electronics and appliance panels requiring UL-rated foam
Dust screens, fan guards, and compressor housings

Key Properties

Base Polymer: Polyether polyurethane reticulated foam
Cell Structure: 10 PPI (coarse, high-airflow open-cell foam)
Flame Rating: UL 94 HF-1 (self-extinguishing)
Density: ~1.8–2.2 lb/ft³ (ASTM D3574)
Airflow: Very high, low restriction (ideal for intake systems)
Tensile Strength: ~18–25 psi (typical for reticulated PU foam)
Elongation at Break: ~80–120%
Compression Deflection (25%): 0.5–1.5 psi
Temperature Range: –40 °F to +200 °F (–40 °C to 93 °C)

Color: Black or charcoal

Structure: Fully reticulated, open-cell network

Compliance: UL 94 HF-1 | RoHS | REACH

FAQs

What is UL-94 10 PPI Reticulated Foam used for?

This foam is used for high-airflow filtration, ventilation, and cooling systems in HVAC, electronics, automotive, and appliance applications requiring UL-rated flame resistance.

What does 10 PPI mean?

PPI means pores per inch.
A 10 PPI foam has very large cells, allowing maximum airflow and coarse filtration — ideal for pre-filters, air intakes, and dust screens.

Why is UL 94 HF-1 important?

UL 94 HF-1 ensures the foam:

self-extinguishes,
has low flame propagation, and
meets safety requirements for electrical/electronic housings and appliances.

This certification is required in many OEM and industrial designs.

Can 10 PPI foam be die-cut or fabricated?

Yes — it can be die-cut, laminated, PSA-backed, or CNC-shaped for filters, pads, baffles, vents, and custom assemblies.

Is this foam suitable for outdoor or chemical environments?

Polyether reticulated foam provides excellent humidity resistance and good stability with oils and cleaning agents, especially when PVC-coated.

Contact H-O Products to request UL-94 10 PPI Reticulated Foam samples, technical data sheets, or custom-cut filtration and acoustic components tailored to your system’s airflow and safety requirements - contact us.

Learn more about choosing the right reticulated polyether foam for your application in our blog.