Design of Experiment (DOE) to simultaneously study and evaluate multiple variables in open cell foams considered as possible key contributors to achieving watertightness and other critical performance requirements.

Exploration of alternative chemicals for enhancement of watertightness in impregnated foam sealants.

Comparison of compression set characteristics of varieties of closed versus open cell foams under simulated achievable field conditions.

Comparison of tendency to bleed in wax, asphalt, or other chemicals compared to acrylic based and other alternative impregnation chemistries under simulated field conditions.

Analysis of ability of silicone-coated, high-movement hybrids to handle racking (shear) and other movements.

Comparison of force to compress as well as active backpressure of impregnated versus saturated open-cell foam alternatives.

Development of an improved system for bridging and sealing large and seismic expansion joints.

Development of an improved system for joint-face-adhered treatment of horizontal-plane expansion joints.

Development of non-chlorine based fire retardants for incorporation into impregnated foam sealants.

Development of improved extrusions for blockout-mounted deck expansion joints to eliminate flange-wave and to enhance labyrinth sealing.

Validation of hybrid sealants ability to withstand extreme hurricane-strength wind forces.

Development of improved mounting adhesives for assembly-line processing OEM applications.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the stresses induced by a vehicles skidding across the coverplate of seismic joint system.

FEA of stresses induced in seismic joint system by point loads of wheels of loaded forklift.

This aggressive, creative and innovative R&D process has, in the past 5 years, brought to market a paradigm shifting new impregnation (microsphere-modified acrylic) that is more stable and temperature tolerant than any predecessor or competitive technology.  On this foundation, EMSEAL has launched breakthrough products including:

SJS SYSTEM--watertight, high-movement, seismic coverplate systems for larger joint openings;
DSM SYSTEM--non-invasive trafficable joint for new and retrofit deck applications;
Double-Sided SEISMIC COLORSEAL--for treatment of multiple sides of a wall joint in a single installation;
EMSHIELD DFR2--UL 2079 certified, 2-hour fire rated, trafficable, watertight, high-movement deck joint;
UNIVERSAL-90's--factory fabricated transition and termination units to ensure continuity of seal at plane changes;
CHEMSEAL--polysulfide coated, chemical resistant system for waste water, chlorine and other chemical environments;
DSF SYSTEM--NSF compliant system for potable water; and
BEJS SYSTEM--bridge expansion joint system;
EMSHIELD WFR2--UL 2079 certified, 2-hour rated, wall expansion joint for gypsum and concrete wall assemblies;
SecuritySeal SSW2--UL 2079 certified, 2-hour rated, pick-resistant, wall expansion joint for concrete walls.
 

In addition to the pursuit of breakthrough sealing technologies, EMSEAL actively pursues product improvements, product evolution, process improvements; and standards and performance testing.

The mission of Research and Development is to promote technology innovation that enables EMSEAL to retain its leadership in providing expansion joint sealing and bridging solutions to its marketplace. The R&D engineering staff is united by a core set of professional values and practices. Chief among these are rigorous standards of technical excellence, genuine curiosity, and intellectual integrity.

Activities within the R&D unit include:

• Research

• Product Development

• Product Improvement

• Process Improvement

• Testing

• Performance Validation

The goal is to continually seek better, more efficient, and more effective ways to manufacture existing products as well as to enhance the performance capabilities of existing products while simultaneously seeking breakthroughs resulting in the creation of new products altogether.

In-house INSTRON capability allows testing and information gathering on material properties.

R&D initiatives are managed in a cooperative input environment on EMSEAL's intranet.

This instrument is a repository for ideas as well as a management tool for tracking tasks and progress on active R&D projects. 

Identification of market needs, customer feedback, and employee generated ideas are gathered and logged in the in the same way that paradigm breaking brainstorming based on chemical technology breakthroughs discovered through research by dedicated R&D staff.

Based on market driven performance requirements and demand-urgency, projects are scheduled and given priority.

Custom-built testing equipment allows for experimental analysis of foam properties in consideration of variables for achieving watertightness and other performance characteristics in impregnated, open-cell foam sealants.