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Natural Therm® Light

1 of 8 products in this brand
Natural-Therm® Light is a 100% water blown, two-component, semi-rigid spray polyurethane foam insulation with a nominal 0.40 pcf in place density. This product provides superior energy efficiency and air infiltration control as a high performance building envelope insulation system. NaturalTherm® LIGHT offers a self-adhering, seamless insulation that can be used in many areas of the building envelope, including, open wall cavities, crawlspaces, perimeter rim joists, cathedral ceilings and garage ceilings. Natural-Therm® LIGHT offers higher yields for greater coverage and a wider processing window when compared to typical low density foam systems.

Foam Type: 2K System, Open Cell Foam

Density: 6.41 - 6.41 kg/m³

Chemical Family: Polyurethanes (PU)

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Identification & Functionality

Chemical Family
Product Type

Features & Benefits

Applications & Uses

Application Method
Surface Preparation

Surfaces to receive NATURAL-THERM® LIGHT must be clean and dry, free of dirt, oil, solvent, grease, loose particulates, frost, ice and other foreign matter which could inhibit adhesion. Moisture content and substrate condition are critical to adhesion of NATURAL-THERM® LIGHT and need to be verified by the installing contractor in small test areas before proceeding with full application. Plywood, OSB, and lumber shall not have greater than 18% moisture content. Generally, a primer is not required for these surfaces. On substrates where the moisture content cannot be determined or exceeds 15%, a suitable primer is recommended. Adhesion spray tests may be performed with insulating foam and the interface line checked upon cure for good cell structure and adhesion. Warming of these surfaces during winter conditions may increase adhesion. CMU, structural and poured-in-place concrete must have a minimum 28-day cure and moisture content below 18%. Residential footings, stem-walls, and basements generally do not require priming. Commercial controlled atmosphere structures, cold storage, and freezer buildings require an appropriate primer to insure adequate adhesion where curing agents may have been used. Recommend using, a two-component epoxy primer designed to seal and provide adhesion to concrete surfaces. Contact a Natural Polymers representative for suggested primer options.

Painted Steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum panels: check surfaces for mill oil used in the manufacturing process. All oil must be removed and the surface clean and dry before priming. Washed and dry painted steel panels may not require priming. All aluminum and galvanized panels must be primed using Cardinal 4860-420 or Sherwin Williams® DTM Wash Primer.

Processing Characteristics

Machine Mix at recommended processing temperatures,

Cream Time Seconds 1 - 2
Tack Free Time Seconds 5 - 6
Initial Cure Time max. 1 Hour**

The nominal physical properties reported were achieved using a Graco H25 Proportioner and Fusion gun with #02 module with a static proportioner pressure setting of 1200 psi. Older equipment may be upgraded with “Arctic Booster Pack” heaters or minimum E-20 proportioners are required to adequately pre-heat the components. Spray guns such as; D-gun, GAP gun, GX-7, Fusion gun, or Probler guns fitted with smaller output tips (15-18 lbs./min.) for better spray control for stud wall applications at recommended processing temperatures are recommended.

** Complete cure will depend on temperature, humidity and degree of ventilation. Complete cure usually occurs within 24-72 hours. 

Product Application

Natural-Therm® Light should only be applied to approved substrates in 1-inch to 6-inch lifts.

Climatic Conditions and Humidity

Moisture in the form of rain, dew, and frost can seriously affect the quality and adhesion of the NATURAL-THERM® Light to the substrate or itself. Natural Polymers does not recommend the spraying of this system when the relative humidity (RH) exceeds 85% or within 5°F of the dew point. When heating the interior of a building the relative humidity can change dramatically and should be constantly monitored.

Initial Processing Recommendation (Ambient)
  30-65°F 65-80°F Above 80°F
Component A 140°F 135°F 120°F
Component B 140°F 135°F 120°F
Hose 140°F 135°F 120°F

These temperatures are typical of those required to produce acceptable product using conventional Gusmer or Graco equipment. It is the responsibility of the applicator to determine the specific temperature settings to match the environmental conditions and specific spray equipment. 

Recommended Processing Temperature
Component A 120 - 145°F
Component B 120 - 145°F
Hose 120 - 145°F

Processing temperatures are critical to achieve viscosity to allow balanced pressure during spraying. Balanced chemical output pressures are important to producing good mix. Foam output pressures greater than 50 psi differential indicate either improper chemical temperatures or worn gun/packing parts. Unequal pressures will cause poor chemical mixing through the module and uneven backpressure. A critical requirement for good spray mixing requires appropriate tip/ module sizing to the proportioner and adequate heating capacity. Unequal pressure ( >50 psi) can cause excessive pump wear. 

Equipment

The proportioning equipment must be manufactured specifically for heating, mixing, and spray application of polyurethane foam and be able to maintain 1:1 metering with a +2% variance and ad-equate main heating capacity to deliver heated and pressurized materials up to 150°F. Heated hose must be able to maintain pre-set temperatures for the full length of the hose. Minimum 2:1 on the A side and 1:1 on the B side ratio feeder pumps are required to supply stored materials through minimum ½-inch supply hos-es. Pressurized and heated tanks systems may be used if sized appropriately to provide adequate flow at maximum operating capacity and temperatures. Guns such as D-gun, Gap Pro, Fusion-gun, Probler with tip size approximately 16 lbs./min are suitable for most residential appli-cations. Commercial cold storage, freezer applications, and large metal buildings may utilize higher output guns.

Spraying

Thin passes (1/2”) can be done when the substrate moisture or adhesion is less then desired. It is recommended that the total design thickness be completed each day. This spray system should be applied in uniform minimum pass thickness of 1-inch, maximum pass thickness 6-inches. Application temperatures below 32°F may require reduction in single pass application thickness. Additional thickness may be applied with a 5 to 10 second waiting period bewteen lifts. 0.50 will cool down fast so you may spray multiple pass over the same lift. Yield and in-place-density is dependent upon the temperature of the substrate, ambient air temperature, gun speed of application, gun tip size, and the output of the proportioning unit. NATURAL-THERM® Light is designed to provide maximum yield when sprayed in 6” thick passes. Excessive pass thickness can reduce density and physical properties, and cause local overheating and possible fire. Re-circulating the ‘B’ component is recommended if the drum temperature is below 65°F. The re-circulating of the ‘B’ component can be used as a means of warming the material. If recirculating the ‘B’ component the material must be agitated with a mixer while the material is being re-circulated. When recirculating do not set preheaters above 90°F. Polyurethane foams will burn when exposed to fire. Caution during application must be observed with signs posted for other trades, “Caution Combustible Insulation, No Welding or Hot Work Allowed”. On a daily basis remove all debris and shavings from the job site leaving a clean work area. In freezing conditions [below 32°F], jobsite air temperature must be maintained above 32°F during the cure cycle so extreme temperature drops to the curing [green] foam is not experienced.

Job Site Ventilation

During SPF application a minimum of 30-60 ACH is recommended. Cross ventilation is required with negative pressure in the spray area and exhaust to a secured empty area. For increased ventilation rates a commercial unit is recommended.

Yield

To obtain maximum yield and performance character- istics, foam should be sprayed onto a flat surface and measured for shrinkage by inserting a measuring stick into freshly sprayed foam and marking the edge of the stick at the point where the surface of the foam has cured. Wait two minutes after final cure and inspect for shrinkage. If shrinkage occurs, the hose heat should be reduced by two degrees F and another sample should be sprayed and checked again for shrinkage. If the foam continues to shrink, the primary A & B heaters should be reduced by two degrees F. This alternating proce- dure of reducing hose heat and primary heat should be repeated until the foam shows no sign of shrinking.

Properties

Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Density0.4lb/ft³ASTM D-1622
Compressive Strength23.0lbfASTM D-1621
Tensile Strength6.0psiASTM D-1623
Dimensional Stability (0.20°F, By Volume)-0.8-ASTM D-2126
Dimensional Stability (158°F, By Volume)-0.6-ASTM D-2126
Dimensional Stability (158°F, 100% R.T. Humidity, By Volume)-0.96-ASTM D-2126
Vapor PermeanceClass III-ASTM-E96
Sound Transmission Class39.0-ASTM-E90
Sound Transmission Class75.0-ASTM C-423
Open Cell Contentmin 90%ASTM D-6226
Air LeakageMeets Criteria-ASTM E-283
VOC ContentExceeds Criteria-CA 01350
Fungi ResistanceNo Growth-ASTM C-1338
Bio Based Content15.0%ASTM D-6886
Thermal Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
R-Value (1")R-3.7-ASTM C-518
R-Value (Per Inch, max. 4)R-14.8-ASTM C-518
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Flame Spreadmax. 15-ASTM E-84, Class A (Class 1)
Smokemax. 300-NFPA 286 Appendix X
Smoke (Without a Coating)Meets Criteria-NFPA 286
Smoke (with 14 mils DC-315)Meets Criteria-NFPA 286
Recommended Substrate Temperaturemin. 32°F-
Recommended Substrate Temperaturemax. 120°F-
Blowing AgentWater--
Cure Time20.0seconds-
Operating Pressure1200.0PSI-
Ignition Barrier Testing50 - 50A--

Regulatory & Compliance

Certifications & Compliance

Safety & Health

Precautions

Polyurethane foam may present a fire hazard if exposed to fire or excessive heat (i.e. cutting torches). The use of polyurethane foam in interior applications on walls or ceiling presents an unreasonable fire risk unless protected by an approved fire resistant thermal barrier with a fire rating of not less than 15 minutes. When using fuel fired heating units the exhaust must be vented directly outdoors to prevent unsafe carbon monoxide conditions in the work area. Electric heating units are preferred. All heaters must be turned off before the application of foam begins.

Worker Exposure Hazards

Both Components A and B can cause severe inhalation and skin sensitization. For interior applications, full body protection is required.

Packaging & Availability

Country Availability
Regional Availability
  • USA

Storage & Handling

Storage and Shelf Life
  • Both components should be stored in their original containers and away from excessive heat and moisture, especially after the seals have been broken or some materials have been used
  • Drums must be stored indoors and jobsite tanks maintained between 50°F and 90°F
  • Containers should be opened carefully to allow any pressure buildup to be vented safely while wearing full safety protection
  • Excessive venting of the ‘B’ component may result in higher density foam and reduced yield
  • Materials stored at temperatures below 50°F will increase viscosity and some application equipment may not reach adequate spray temperature set points
  • Supply pumps and hoses must be sized to provide adequate supply when materials are cold and at a higher viscosity
  • Excessive low or high temperatures may decrease shelf life
  • When stored in the original unopened container at 50°F-90°F, the shelf life of the “Part B” component is six months
  • Temperature above 90°F decreases the shelf life
  • The “Part A” component has a shelf life of 12 months in unopened containers when stored at 50°-90°F