Rohacell IG / IG-F (PMI closed-cell foam)
Where to buy| Property | 31 | 51 | 71 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density, lb/ft³ (kg/m³) | 2.00 (32) | 3.25 (52) | 4.68 (75) | 6.87 (110) |
| Compressive strength, psi (MPa) | 58 (0.4) | 130 (0.9) | 217 (1.5) | 435 (3.0) |
| Tensile strength, psi (MPa) | 145 (1.0) | 275 (1.9) | 406 (2.8) | 507 (3.5) |
| Shear strength, psi (MPa) | 58 (0.4) | 116 (0.8) | 188 (1.3) | 348 (2.4) |
| Shear modulus, psi (MPa) | 1,885 (13) | 2,755 (19) | 4,205 (29) | 7,250 (50) |
Evonik sheet, January 2014; typical values for nominal density. IG-F has a finer cell structure with the same properties and takes up less resin at cut cells. The sheet allows infusion and RTM up to 130 °C and 0.3 MPa; check the current Evonik sheet for the grade and process.
Foam against honeycomb at about 3 lb/ft³
| Core | Density | Compressive, psi | Plate or core shear, psi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomex HRH-10 – 1/8 – 3.0 | 3.0 lb/ft³ | 300 | 175 L / 100 W |
| Rohacell 51 IG-F | 3.25 lb/ft³ | 130 | 116 |
Two manufacturers, different test methods (ISO and ASTM for Rohacell, honeycomb plate shear for HRH-10): a rough guide only.
Foams named by the FAA (p. 7-11)
Polystyrene (aircraft-grade, tightly closed cells, no voids): high compressive strength, good water resistance, can be hot-wire cut to airfoil shapes. Phenolic foam: very good fire resistance and very low density, but relatively low mechanical strength. Foam cores are not commonly used on commercial aircraft.
Limits — when NOT to use this
- Not a substitution table.
- Process limits. Foam crushes or distorts under cure pressure and temperature above its rating.
Where to buy
AmericaDistributor coming soonOur partner for this region is on its way
EuropeDistributor coming soonOur partner for this region is on its way
OceaniaDistributor coming soonOur partner for this region is on its way
Distributors coming soon.
Sources
- Evonik, ROHACELL IG and IG-F mechanical properties (January 2014) — density, compressive, tensile and shear properties of 31, 51, 71 and 110 grades.
- Hexcel HexWeb HRH-10 Product Data Sheet (inch) — designation, density tolerance, mechanical properties table.
- FAA-H-8083-31B, AMT Handbook — Airframe, Volume 1 (2023), Chapter 7 — foam cores: polystyrene and phenolic (p. 7-11).
Educational reference only. not approved data. Always consult the applicable SRM, AMM, or AC 43.13-1B and your certifying authority.