SHOCKtec Gel & Air2Gel Testing / White Papers

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TESTING / WHITE PAPERS

Independent testing has been done by the following groups:

1.   SHOCKtec^®vs Leading Open Cell Commercial Padding- White Paper
2.   SHOCKtec^® GASKET White Paper
3.   Snell Memorial Foundation (nations leading independent impact testing authority)
4.   Michigan State University
5.   General Motors
6.   Florida State University (2008 Blunt Force Trauma testing for the US Armed Forces)

WHITE PAPER

SHOCKtec^® vs Leading Open Cell Commercial Padding

Property Comparison of Kemmler SHOCKtec^®Air2Gel HD, SHOCKtec^®Air2Gel HD FR and Leading Padding

PROPERTY

Kemmler SHOCKtec^®Air2Gel HD & HD FR

Leading Padding

Method

Density (lb./ft³) +10%

18

20

ASTM 3574

Compression Set

<2%

4%

ASTM 1667

Compression Set

<10%

10%

ASTM 3574

Tear Strength (lbs/in min.)

10

3

ASTM D-624

% Elongation

80%

100%

ASTM 3574

Tensile Strength (psi)

55

30

ASTM 3574

Hardness (Asker C)

34

32

Asker C

Compression Force Deflection (psi)

9 + 2

3-8

ASTM 3574

Impact Absorption (g)

21

50

Drop Weight Impact Test

% Energy Returned
(input energy – lost)/input energy

35-41

Not Available

Drop Weight Impact Test

A comparison of Kemmler SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD, HD FR and the Leading Padding , based upon readily available literature data, has been completed. The table above lists relevant data for these two materials. Based upon this data, the following conclusion can be drawn.

Density of the two materials is essentially identical and helps to insure that the comparisons being made are with comparable materials.

Compression Set in Kemmler SHOCKtec^®Air2Gel HD is less than half of that exhibited by the Leading Padding material, indicating an improved ability to withstand repeated compressive forces.

The Tear Strength of Kemmler SHOCKtec^®Air2Gel HD and HD FR is more than three times that of the Leading Padding , making Kemmler SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD and HD FR superior in situations where the material needs to give rather than rip. This Tear Strength can be coupled with the lower % Elongation to demonstrate that Kemmler SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD and HD FR won’t tear AND won’t stretch to the point where the material becomes ineffective for its intended purpose. In other words, Kemmler SHOCKtec^®Air2Gel HD and HD FR won’t disappear from underneath you.

Kemmler SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD and HD FR exhibits nearly twice the Tensile Strength of the Leading Padding . Once again, durability is a necessity for this type of material, and the Kemmler SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD and HD FR outperforms the Leading Padding .

Hardness, Compression Force Deflection, and Impact Absorption need to be considered together in order to understand the comparison. The Kemmler SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD and HD FR shows a higher Hardness value and a higher Compression Force Deflection, suggesting the material is "hard" and might not be as good. In reality, the Hardness and Compression Force Deflection being higher leads to a firm material, which also is capable of significant Impact Absorption. In fact, the Impact Absorption of Kemmler SHOCKtec^®Air2Gel HD and HD FR are more than twice that of the Leading Padding. Impact Absorption is measured in g’s, and the lower the value the better.

In all areas, the Kemmler SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD and HD FR have been shown to outperform the Leading Padding .

GASKET WHITE PAPER

SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD for Gasket Applications

PROPERTY	SHOCKtec® Air2Gel HD	Method
Density(lb./ft³) +10%	18	ASTM 3574
Compression Set	<2%	ASTM 1667
Tear Strength (lbs/in min.)	10	ASTM D-624
% Elongation	80%	ASTM 3574
Tensile Strength (psi)	55	ASTM 3574
Hardness (Asker C)	34	Asker C
Compression Force Deflection (psi)	9 + 2	ASTM 3574
Impact Absorption (g)	21	Drop Weight Impact Test
% Energy Returned (input energy – lost)/input energy	35-41	Drop Weight Impact Test
Temperature Variance	-60° to 240° F

A gasket is simply a deformable material that prevents passage of matter through or across a joint when clamped between stationary members. That may sound like a simple task, but there are a number of criteria which must be addressed. Joint design, gasket design, temperature, pressure, media compatibility, permeability, sealing forces, cutting and forming properties, and cyclic requirements are all factors for consideration.

With all of these factors to consider, testing in specific applications is always warranted. However, certain materials aspects can be evaluated to begin the selection process.

Compression Force Deflection is often used to evaluate a material for gasket use. This value represents the force required to compress the material to a particular amount, often 50%. If the CFD is too low, the material will “squish” but provide little force back into the assembly and hence a potential leak. If the CFD is too high, the assembly must be tightened to higher torque values to achieve sufficient compression, which may require stronger fasteners. SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD exhibits a Compression Force Deflection of ~9 psi, which is higher than many competitors, while not requiring excessive forces on the fastener.

Compression Set is a second criterion to consider. The lower the compression set, the less the gasket “gives up”. At <2% compression set, SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD retains more of the initial material properties than its competitors. This low compression set also makes SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD ideal for gasket situations that must be broken and remade.

Tensile strength is a measure of durability for gasket materials. SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD has a higher tensile strength than the competition making SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD a better choice for critical applications.

Most gasket applications require the material to be formed or cut into a specific shape. With a tear strength of 10, SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD outperforms the competitors. This makes gasket cutting and installation significantly easier.

SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel HD can outperform traditional gasket materials. Give us your application.

SHOCKtec^® is a registered trademarks of Kemmler Products Inc.

SHOCKtec^® Air2Gel is manufactured by Kemmler Products Inc. www.shocktec.com

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