How to identify acoustic foam

[rocket888]

I just picked up some charcoal eggshell foam about 2"- 2.5" thick. It appears to be open cell, and is unlike other "common" types of foam, such as mattress covers, etc.

 

Is there any way of determining if it is acoustic foam?

[MikeRivers]

I just picked up some charcoal eggshell foam about 2"- 2.5" thick. It appears to be open cell, and is unlike other "common" types of foam, such as mattress covers, etc. Is there any way of determining if it is acoustic foam?

All foam is "acoustic," just some is better than others. Play some music at it and listen to what comes back. Then try to light a piece with a match. If it burns easily, you don't want to use it in a home that's insured.

[elsongs]

Is there any way of determining if it is acoustic foam?

 

Look at the price tag. If it looks ridiculously expensive...IT'S ACOUSTIC FOAM!!

[Ethan Winer]

 

Is there any way of determining if it is acoustic foam?

 

 

Yes. The best way is to "talk into" it and listen for what comes back. If it sounds like you're talking into a total void, it's probably acoustic foam. It helps to do this with known-good foam a few times first, so you know what good foam sounds like. Cheap foam reflects more back at you than good foam.

 

--Ethan

[myfipie]

I would track down who is the company and see if they have any lab numbers on it. If not then I would not even think about using it.

 

Glenn

[MrKnobs]

Yes. The best way is to "talk into" it and listen for what comes back. If it sounds like you're talking into a total void, it's probably acoustic foam. It helps to do this with known-good foam a few times first, so you know what good foam sounds like. Cheap foam reflects more back at you than good foam. --Ethan

 

Another good answer!

 

Also, try this (if you can afford it):

 

Take a fist sized piece, squeeze it and put it in water. Take it out and squeeze it again. If a {censored}load of water comes out (similar but not as much as a sponge), it's probably open cell foam.

 

If you got your sample from a life jacket, throw the jacket away!

 

Terry D.