Re: Closed Cell Buoyancy Foam Test
Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:15 pm
Well the results are in and, I must say, I am left with more questions than answers.
Here are the results:
Non Cut piece: Starting weight 24 grams, ending weight 74 grams (208% increase in weight)
Cut piece: Starting weight 20 grams, ending weight 64 grams (220% increase in weight)
So I must admit, I did not expect these results. However, there may be some variables that could have negatively impacted the results of this test.
1) As Jaysen pointed out (and I didn't agree with), the string that was attached to the screw may have given the water a pathway into the middle of the piece of foam.
2) The foam was mixed in a plastic mixing cup and then pulled out of the cup once it was cured. The bottoms of both foam samples were not as smooth as the tops. This could have been due to being pulled from the cup.
Could this have given the water a pathway to enter the foam as well?
To confirm the water intrusion I cut each piece in half. I blotted the inside with a paper towel and then squeezed one half in a vice. Both paper towels were wet and both pieces that were placed in the vice produced puddles of water.
I think this test might have to be re-run to eliminate the variables. Maybe leave the foam in the mixing cup and simply weigh it down by placing something on top of the foam. This would eliminate the string in the middle.
As with any scientific experiment these results will be open to your comments, scrutiny, and constructive criticism.
Here are the photos of the results:
Here are the results:
Non Cut piece: Starting weight 24 grams, ending weight 74 grams (208% increase in weight)
Cut piece: Starting weight 20 grams, ending weight 64 grams (220% increase in weight)
So I must admit, I did not expect these results. However, there may be some variables that could have negatively impacted the results of this test.
1) As Jaysen pointed out (and I didn't agree with), the string that was attached to the screw may have given the water a pathway into the middle of the piece of foam.
2) The foam was mixed in a plastic mixing cup and then pulled out of the cup once it was cured. The bottoms of both foam samples were not as smooth as the tops. This could have been due to being pulled from the cup.
Could this have given the water a pathway to enter the foam as well?
To confirm the water intrusion I cut each piece in half. I blotted the inside with a paper towel and then squeezed one half in a vice. Both paper towels were wet and both pieces that were placed in the vice produced puddles of water.
I think this test might have to be re-run to eliminate the variables. Maybe leave the foam in the mixing cup and simply weigh it down by placing something on top of the foam. This would eliminate the string in the middle.
As with any scientific experiment these results will be open to your comments, scrutiny, and constructive criticism.
Here are the photos of the results: