Manufacturer:  Fomo Products, Inc.
Address:  P.O. Box 1078, Norton, OH 44203
Phone:  (800) 321-5585
Web Site: www.fomo.com

Product Name:  Handi-Foam Quick-Cure Model II-12
Insulation Classification: Foam Insulation
Thickness As Tested: 1.00"
Claimed "R" Value: 8.33 (initial), 6.67 (aged)
Actual "R" Value (at product thickness): 6.64 (aged four weeks)
Equivalent "R" Value (per inch): 6.64

Product Overview
Fomo Products, Inc. produces a complete line of high-quality "Spray-on" polyurethane foams.  They are available in the standard Quick-Cure or "SR" (slow rise) formulations.  Additionally, there are single and two-part mixtures.   The product we tested was the one recommended for refrigeration box applications by the company - the two-part, quick-cure version of Handi-Foam. 

The cured foam exhibited excellent uniformity when sprayed at the recommended 75 degree F temperature.  The product technical literature claims a 90% closed-cell content and a water absorption of 2.3%.  This is similar to rigid urethane insulation board and should not be taken too literally.  While we have no reason to doubt the 90% closed-cell number, remember that even closed cells can eventually absorb water.  We have seen many examples of high-quality closed-cell urethane foams taken from marine refrigeration boxes that were so wet you could wring them out like a sponge

The designation "spray-on" differentiates the product from the somewhat better know "pour-in" type foams.  Unlike pour-in foams which come out of the mixing nozzle entirely liquid then quickly begin to rise, Handi-Foam leaves the nozzle already expanded about 30%.  This is due to the formulation and injection of pressurized gas.  The result is a foam which is both more consistent and of higher "R" value than generally seen with "pour-in" type foams.   Unfortunately, this expansion also makes it extremely easy to get air pockets in the space you are trying to insulate.  Don't expect to simply spray this foam in at the top of a gap and have it flow downward.  To fill a deep gap (such as between the hull and box liner) you'll need to have good enough access to be able to begin spraying at the bottom and slowly build to the top.

Test Conclusion
The thermal conductivity test results for Fomo Handi-Foam was very impressive.  As pointed out in the Fomo technical literature, all gas-blown foams (whether polyisocyanurate, polyurethane or polystyrene) loose "R" value as they age.  Fomo claims an initial "R" value of 8.33 which then declines to a claimed 6.67 once the insulation has "aged".   However, no specific time period is given for this aging.  In our testing we saw some decline for the first two weeks but the rate of decline reduced significantly and became relatively stable at the final test some four weeks after production. It is certain that the "R" value will continue to decline (however slowly) for this, and all foams as the years pass.

While we generally encourage the use of rigid foam board whenever possible, we feel that Fomo Handi-Foam represents a very acceptable alternative when access permits proper application.  All urethane foams (including Fomo Handi-Foam) is  far more hygroscopic (moisture absorbent) than extruded polystyrene but considerably less so than polyisocyanurate.  In is therefore suggested that when urethane foam is used in a marine refrigerator box installation, a minimum on a 1/2" air gap be left between the foam and any surrounding cabinetry or hull.  Further, no moisture barrier of any kind should be used since this (unless it is 100% hermetically sealed) will only make the problem worse.

As you can imagine, our recommendation to leave this air gap significantly complicates the use of Fomo Handi-Foam to insulated refrigerator box liners than cannot be removed.

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