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Here are the answers to the questions we are most frequently asked. If you have a different question, you can ask it by completing the form at the bottom of this page. Please complete all fields, to ensure that you receive an answer. (We respect your privacy and will not share your information with anyone outside of Sekisui Voltek.)

Are chloro-fluorocarbons used in the manufacturing process?

Do Volara®, Volextra® and Minicel® comply with FDA regulations?

Do Volara, Volextra or Minicel contain latex?

Do Volara, Volextra or Minicel outgas?

How do the different densities affect the foam properties?

What adhesive are used in the Volextra process?

What are the differences between open-cell and closed-cell foam?

What are the standard tolerances for the thickness of Volara?

What colors are available?

What is crosslinking?

Are chloro-fluorocarbons used in the manufacturing process?: No. The foaming agents we use produce nitrogen in the manufacture of Volara, Volextra and Minicel. Nitrogen is not known to be hazardous to the environment.
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Do Volara®, Volextra® and Minicel® comply with FDA regulations?: Volara Type A and EO, irradiation crosslinked polyolefin foam comply with Food and Drug Administration regulations for use in contact with food. Specifically, Volara Type A and EO are manufactured from polyolefin resins complying with 2.1 and 21 CFR 177.1520(c) and meet CFR 178.3010. Also Volara Type A and EO comply under CFR 177.1210, “Closures with sealing gaskets for food containers.”

Volara makes it possible to develop a whole new world of food container and food contact applications.
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Do Volara, Volextra or Minicel contain latex?: Sekisui Voltek’s products do not contain natural rubber latex (NRL). In addition, NRL is not used, in any manner, with the processing equipment to manufacture any of Sekisui Voltek’s products.
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Do Volara, Volextra or Minicel outgas?: Volara and Minicel are closed-cell, crosslinked polyethylene foams and are stable and inert materials. During manufacture, the cell walls are filled with nitrogen as the expansion occurs. However, gas exchange begins almost immediately and the nitrogen is replaced by air. Volara and Minicel will outgas when punctured and then compressed; the gas given off is air.
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How do the different densities affect the foam properties?: Structural properties improve proportionally with increasing density. However, softness, insulation value and flexibility generally decrease.
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What adhesive are used in the Volextra process?: No adhesives are used; the various coatings are extruded directly onto Volara in the process.
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What are the differences between open-cell and closed-cell foam?: Open-cell foams have an interconnecting cell structure much like a scaffold. Consequently, open-cell foams absorb liquids and are generally softer than closed-cell foams.

Think of closed-cell foams as a number of balloons stuck together in a structure. The water absorption is low and the structural integrity is greater than open-cell foams.
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What are the standard tolerances for the thickness of Volara?: 1/8" or greater: +/-10%
1/16": +/- 15%
1/32": +/- 20%
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What colors are available?: White is standard for Volara. Natural is standard for Minicel. Ocean blue, black and charcoal are also available. Special colors can be produced provided there is a sufficient order quantity.
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What is crosslinking?: Crosslinking is a process that bonds the molecules of the polyolefin resin into a structure, giving the polymer increased strength and resulting in superior properties. Crosslinking can be achieved by physical (irradiation by an electron beam) or chemical means.
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