? about DYNAMAT

[Tom Welch]

I did some testing today and the results are interesting. I evaluated some heat shielding that was a peel and stick product advertised to be effective to 1000 degrees. It was tested with direct and indirect heat once placed upon a metal panel. This was the most scientific of tests. My stove, a piece of sheet metal, some peel-n-stick vibration damper and 2 other insulation products for a layered approach just for fun. The direct heat test got up to about 500 degrees. Almost no 'shielding' was noticed. Indirect testing had similar results. The peel-n-stick vibration damper butyl rubber melted and made a sticky mess. The other insulation products did provide some positive results. I tested a nonwoven insulation fabric with aluminum facing that was about 3/8" thick and, a foam insulation with aluminum facing that is about 1" thick. The nonwoven fabric became fairly warm to the touch but was not uncomfortable at all. The foam became slightly warm and was obviously much better at insulating against heat. As for the heat shield it delaminated and began turning black. These test results were done under controlled conditions and the theory that if it burns me its too hot was the standard I used. I did this in my kitchen on my stove. The temps hovered around 500 degrees. The foam will under go some more testing in Dexter's Lab. I will be testing for durability. I have tested for water retention already and both the nonwoven material and the foam failed miserably. Both products absorb water like the thirst a guy running across the desert with his mouth open would have. However, if the foam can be sealed this may not be an issue. More samples of products are coming in and testing continues. It appears that this endeavor may take longer than I predicted. On we go...