Komacel

==Description==
[Kommerling] A white, glossy, rigid foam board with a sandwich -like structure where the smooth outer skin and interior fine-cell foam are both composed of polyvinyl chloride. The lightweight Komacel® boards were designed for screen printing and lamination. They were first made in Europe in 1976 and manufactured in the U.S. since 1996. The company indicates the weatherproof, light-fast boards are chemically resistant and provide thermal and sound insulation. 
Some alternate products from the same company include:
* KomaCel® Plus (Semi-rough surface that gives finished digital print an 'aged look')
* KomaTex® (Free foamed sheet - no outer skin)
* KomaLite® (More economical form of KomaTex)
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
Similar Products: ePVC; Forex; Sintra (3A Composites); Komatex; Komacel Plus; Palight (Palram)
For comparison with alternates, see 
* PVC Boards and
* Foamboards/Support panels, 3A Composites
==Applications==
* Graphic substrate (screen printing, paintable, lettering enamels, vinyl lettering, direct printing)
* Laminating
* Case Furniture (plinths, flat panels, risers, etc.)
* Acoustics (good acoustic and sound insulation)
* Outdoor Use (weatherproof, Indoor/outdoor use without pretreatment)
==Personal Risks==
* According to the manufacturer, Komacel® is free of formaldehyde, asbestos, lindane, PCB, PCP, CFCs, cadmium, and lead and do not contain any monomers, biocides, or plasticisers.
* Can generate fine static cling dust when cut or sanded
* Komacel: SDS
==Collection Risks==
Rigid PVC boards often contain volatile heat stabilizers, and other additives that can pose risks to collection materials. According to research published in August, 2020, Komacel® boards do not contain harmful heat stabilizers that are present in several other PVC boards. [1] It is important to keep in mind that not all PVC products have the same properties and therefore they should not be used interchangeably. 
Komacel® has routinely passed Oddy tests (see below), but it is possible that low levels of hydrochloric acid will be released during the slow degradation of PVC products. Komacel® should be safe to use in most situations, especially for short term display. As an added precaution, avoid placing collection materials in direct contact with Komacel® without a barrier. [2] 
Links to Oddy Test results posted on AIC Wiki Materials Database Pages for individual materials
* MMA: Komacel White gloss (2019/09/24; Pass)
* MMA: Komacel (2018/08/03; Pass)
* MMA: Komacel Plus (2016/12/19; Pass)
* BM: Komacel (2012/06/29; Pass)
==Environmental Risks==
Although the company reports that this product is 100% recyclable this is probably pre-consumer at the manufacturing plant. In practice, there is little to no reported success in finding someone to recycle PVC.
== Physical and Chemical Properties ==
* White Colors: Whites 652 (to match RAL 9010) & White 654 (to Match RAL9016)
* Core is a noticeably different color for gloss finish despite homogeneous moulded-in color
* Fire Safety could vary depending on thickness (Fire-cell foam structure, Low flammability, fire behavior according to UL94-VO, 4 mm thickness)
* Weight Example: 4’x 8’ @ 19mm sheet: 72-76lbs
* Thermal Expansion: Dark colors are not recommended for outdoor use (fluctuations if subjected to 175°F or greater)
==Working Properties==
* Brittle when painted or finished
* Edges need to be sealed/sanded to appear clean and polished
* Subject to denting
* Working Guidelines PVC-U Sheets
* Material Storage Needs: 
# Order with optional protective film double-sided or single-sides. NOTE: Film-laminated sheets should be used within 6 months.
# Always store Kömacel sheets on a level surface in a dry, air conditioned environment at about 15–20 °C. The packaged sheets should not be exposed to weathering effects and direct sunlight.
# Do not exceed the maximum stacking height of a truck when storing.
==Forms and Sizes==
* Thicknesses: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 10mm, 19mm, 24mm, 28mm, 30mm 
* Widths: 1000mm, 1220mm, 1250mm, 1560mm 
* Lengths: 2440mm, 3000mm, 3050mm, 4000mm 
* Finishes: white-2 variations; black finish available. 
== Resources and Citations ==
*[1] Assessing the Suitability of Unplasticized Poly(Vinyl Chloride) for Museum Showcase Construction, Michael J. Samide and Greg Smith, 2020 Link 
*[2] CCI Technical Bulletin 32 - Products Used in Preventive Conservation Link
* Komacel: Integral Foam Sheet
* Kommerling PVC: Main brochure(pdf)
Category:Materials databaseCategory:MWGCategory: Board/Panel, PlasticCategory: Foams