Why 4 kg/m³ Melamine Foam Is Among the Lightest High-Performance Insulation Materials
Material Type Density (kg/m³) Acoustic Performance (α, mid-high freq) Thermal Conductivity λ (W/m·K) Flame Resistance
Melamine Foam (4 kg/m³) 4 ≈ 0.85 0.030–0.035 UL94 V-0, self-extinguishing
Open-Cell Polyurethane Foam 10–40 Moderate Average Flammable
Glass Wool 10–80 Excellent Excellent Non-combustible
Crosslinked Polyethylene (XLPE) 25–80 Poor Excellent Flammable / Flame-retardant
Foam Aluminum ≥100 Average Average Flame-retardant
Key Insight: At a density of just 4 kg/m³, melamine foam uniquely combines ultra-lightweight, flame resistance, high acoustic absorption, and thermal insulation—making it almost unmatched in current aerospace-grade material selections.

1. Satellite Module Acoustic and Thermal Insulation Layer
Application Overview
In satellite structures, payload bay and module interiors require both sound absorption (to reduce launch-induced acoustic loads) and thermal insulation (to protect temperature-sensitive instruments). 4 kg/m³ melamine foam delivers excellent broadband absorption (1–4 kHz) while keeping structural weight extremely low—critical for launch cost efficiency.
Verification & Testing
Acoustic: ISO 10534-2 / ASTM C423 — α ≥ 0.80 in 1–4 kHz range
Outgassing: ASTM E595 — TML ≤ 1.0%, CVCM ≤ 0.10%
Thermal: ISO 8301 / ASTM C518 — λ ≤ 0.035 W/m·K
Vibration: Endurance per satellite load spectra
Compatibility: With honeycomb panels, MLI films, and harnesses
Typical Case Study (Weight Reduction)
Area: 10 m², Thickness: 20 mm → Volume 0.2 m³
Melamine Foam (4 kg/m³): 0.8 kg vs. Glass Wool (24 kg/m³): 4.8 kg
Result: ~83% lighter with equivalent thermal-acoustic performance

2. Rocket Section Thermal and Acoustic Protection
Application Overview
Rocket engine compartments and interstage sections face high acoustic energy and thermal loads during ascent. 4 kg/m³ melamine foam, with densified surfaces and PI film facings, provides heat and noise suppression without significant mass penalties.
Verification & Testing
Acoustic: High SPL/random vibration tests per LV spec
Thermal: ISO 8301 / ASTM C518 — plus radiative heat analysis
Abrasion: Wind tunnel airflow erosion
Flammability: UL94 V-0; NASA/ESA fire standards
Outgassing: ASTM E595 for enclosed use
Typical Case Study (Thermal Shielding + Mass)
Target: ΔT ≥ 10–15°C across fuselage wall
Config: PI film (25 μm) + 20 mm / 4 kg/m³ melamine foam + metal wall
Result: ~0.8 kg / 10 m² core mass — dual-function protection

3. Aircraft Passenger Cabin and Avionics Bay Interior Insulation
Application Overview
Commercial aircraft cabins and avionics compartments require noise reduction, thermal comfort, and fire safety. 4 kg/m³ melamine foam reduces cabin noise, prevents condensation, and meets strict aviation flammability standards.
Verification & Testing
Acoustic: ASTM C423 / NVH testing — ≥ 4 dB(A) reduction
Flammability: FAR 25.853, ASTM E662, BSS 7238/7239
Thermal: ISO 8301 / ASTM C518
Durability: Temp/humidity cycling, vibration endurance
Health/Safety: ISO 16000 VOC emissions
Typical Case Study (Noise + Insulation)
Area: 10 m², Thickness: 15 mm → Volume 0.15 m³
Melamine Foam (4 kg/m³): 0.6 kg vs. PU Foam (20 kg/m³): 3.0 kg
Result: ~80% lighter, cabin noise drop ≥ 4 dB(A)

4. Military Aircraft Noise and Thermal Signature Reduction
Application Overview
Military aircraft demand materials that reduce cabin noise, minimize infrared signature, and withstand extreme environments. 4 kg/m³ melamine foam achieves these goals without compromising payload.
Verification & Testing
Acoustic: NVH tests for idle, cruise, and maneuvers
Flammability: UL94 V-0 / FAR 25.853 / MIL-STD fire safety
Impact Resistance: Structural load/shock spectra
Thermal/IR: ISO 8301 / ASTM C518 + IR signature analysis
Environmental Durability: Temp cycling, humidity, salt fog
Typical Case Study (Noise + Load Optimization)
Area: 10 m², Thickness: 20 mm → Volume 0.2 m³
Melamine Foam (4 kg/m³): 0.8 kg vs. Acoustic Cotton (18 kg/m³): 3.6 kg
Result: ~78% lighter, ≥ 5 dB(A) noise reduction, ~3% IR signature drop

Global Advantages for Aerospace OEMs
Weight Savings: Up to 80% lighter than traditional materials
Dual Functionality: Thermal + acoustic in one layer
Compliance: Meets UL94 V-0, FAR 25.853, ASTM E595, and more
Durability: Withstands vibration, temperature extremes, humidity
Cost Efficiency: Reduced launch and operational costs

Contact YDNFoam™
YDNFoam™
📍 Address: No. 2088, Jiuliting Avenue, Caoqiao Street, Pinghu City, Zhejiang Province, China
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone/WeChat: +86-135-4070-2776
🌐 Website: www.ydnfoam.com