Optimizing Performance and Indoor Air Quality with Bio-Based Gasketing Solutions
How much of your day do you spend indoors? And how about the average person? If you live a typical lifestyle in a developed country, the answer is likely “most of the day.” According to the National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS), a key resource for evaluating exposure to environmental pollutants, Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors—whether in buildings or vehicles.
This statistic may be surprising, but what’s even more eye-opening is the concept of the “indoor generation.” A study by Velux on air pollution revealed that 80% of Americans are unaware that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Many assume air pollution is an outdoor issue, tied to factories or urban traffic, but the reality is different.
As we spend increasing amounts of time indoors, maintaining good air quality becomes a challenge. Fortunately, there is growing attention on sustainable construction practices, energy efficiency, and advanced gasketing solutions to create healthier indoor environments.
Sealing, energy efficiency, and air quality are now essential considerations for buildings, vehicles, and public transportation. This brings us to an exciting innovation: bio-based tape materials that deliver exceptional performance while reducing environmental impact.
In this article, we’ll delve into these innovative bio-based tape materials and their applications in construction and the automotive industry. Our focus is on gasketing solutions that enhance indoor air quality and energy efficiency, offering both durability and performance. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these materials can elevate your projects while aligning with sustainability goals.
Advanced Bio-Based Tape Materials: Combining Performance and Sustainability
A common misconception is that sustainable materials fall short of the performance of traditional alternatives. While many alternative materials face challenges in meeting high-performance demands, the ideal solution strikes a balance between exceptional functionality and reduced environmental impact.
One example of this balance is Saint-Gobain® Norseal® AGP200, a polyurethane foam designed for superior sealing performance. It offers resistance to water, dust, wind, and noise, even in extreme environmental conditions. With low fogging, minimal VOC emissions, and flame resistance (FMVSS 302), it’s an excellent choice for interior applications in buildings, automotive settings, and mass transportation. This material not only supports good air quality but also includes sulfur-free formulations.
Norseal AGP200 stands out for its thermal insulation (λ = 36mW/m.K) and excellent sealing capabilities, achieved with just 30% compression. Its conformability reduces material usage and costs while maintaining superior performance for demanding gasketing applications in HVAC systems, construction, and automotive environments.
What truly sets this material apart is its sustainability. Free of plasticizers, Norseal AGP200 is partially composed of bio-based polyol. Let’s explore what bio-based materials mean and why they matter.
What Does “Bio-Based” Mean?
Unlike traditional materials that primarily use petrochemical ingredients, bio-based materials are derived from renewable resources such as plants or animal by-products. For Norseal AGP200, the bio-based content is verified through ASTM D6866 testing, which measures the percentage of carbon derived from natural sources versus synthetic ones.
The results are expressed as “percent modern carbon (pMC),” comparing the sample to a modern reference standard. Norseal AGP200 contains 61% renewable carbon, highlighting its commitment to sustainability without compromising performance.
Applications and Benefits of Bio-Based Materials
For engineers prioritizing indoor air quality and environmental sustainability, Norseal AGP200 offers significant advantages. Its low VOC emissions, high sealing efficiency, and bio-based composition make it ideal for HVAC systems, window and door sealing, and modular construction. Beyond performance, it supports sustainability goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions, potentially unlocking cost savings and regulatory benefits.
Where Do Bio-Based Materials Fit Into Your Projects?
The combination of high performance and bio-based innovation offers immense potential for improving indoor environments, particularly for the “indoor generation.” These materials provide opportunities across industries—from construction to automotive and beyond—where health, well-being, and sustainability are key priorities.
Do you have projects or applications where bio-based materials could make an impact? Contact your tape expert today to explore how these innovative solutions can benefit your next endeavor and contribute to a more sustainable future. Together, we can make the world a better place—inside and out.
Matrix Technology is an authorized distributor of Saint Gobain’s products across North America and the number one partner for Saint Gobain in Canada. We have been working with engineers and technology companies across the continent for 45 years as North America’s premier engineered materials partner. With manufacturing and converting capabilities in Texas, Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta our team is ready to convert your engineering ambitions into streamlined solutions.
