Polyethylene Foam Properties, Types & Applications.
Polyethylene foam offers a range of potential applications, but selecting the right type for your specific requirements can be challenging.
Ensuring you make the most effective choice is key to maintaining efficiency, reducing costs, and staying ahead in a competitive market. It plays an essential role in applications ranging from packaging to insulation, making it a key component for businesses in various sectors. This article will cover what polyethylene foam is, its properties, the different types available, and their applications, highlighting why this material is a popular choice.
What is Polyethylene Foam?
Polyethylene foam (PE foam) is a versatile, closed-cell material that is lightweight and highly durable. Made from polyethylene, it is well-known for its resistance to environmental factors and its non-absorbent surface. These properties make PE foam an ideal choice for a variety of uses, from insulation to protective packaging, where durability and moisture resistance is important.
What are the Properties of Polyethylene Foams?
Physical Properties
Density Variations
Polyethylene foam is available in a variety of densities, allowing for many uses depending on the requirements of a specific application. Low-density PE foam is often used in packaging due to its cushioning properties, whereas high-density foam is better suited for protective and structural applications.
Flexibility and Resilience
PE foam is known for its flexibility and resilience. It can withstand repeated compression without losing its shape, making it a durable material for cushioning and impact absorption.
Thermal Properties
Insulation Capabilities
Ideal for temperature-sensitive environments, polyethylene foam provides exceptional insulation, helping to maintain stable temperatures. This makes it an excellent choice for use in HVAC systems and thermal packaging, where maintaining consistent temperatures is important.
Temperature Resistance
PE foam is resistant to a wide range of temperatures, which allows it to perform well in both cold and warm environments. This makes it suitable for applications that require stable performance under fluctuating temperatures.
Chemical Properties
Resistance to Solvents and Chemicals
PE foam is resistant to most chemicals, solvents, and oils, making it an effective choice for industrial applications where exposure to chemicals is common. This resistance enhances its durability and longevity in harsh environments.
Water and Moisture Resistance
Thanks to its closed-cell structure, polyethylene foam is highly resistant to water and moisture. Its resistance to water absorption makes it well-suited for marine and outdoor environments, where maintaining moisture resistance is essential.
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength
Polyethylene foam has good tensile strength, allowing it to resist pulling forces without tearing. This is particularly beneficial in applications where structural integrity is important, such as packaging and padding materials.
Impact Resistance
PE foam has excellent impact resistance, which makes it ideal for absorbing shocks and impacts. This property makes it a popular material for protective packaging and sports equipment.
Environmental Properties
Recyclability
Polyethylene foam is recyclable, which makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to some other materials. It can be reprocessed and reused, which reduces the need for new raw materials and helps minimise the overall waste produced.
Additionally, improvements in recycling methods have made it possible to better integrate recycled polyethylene foam into new products, contributing to a more sustainable life cycle.
Environmental Impact Considerations
Although polyethylene foam is recyclable, it still poses environmental challenges due to its reliance on petrochemicals and non-biodegradability. Proper recycling can reduce its impact, but limited recycling facilities make it difficult to ensure responsible reuse, potentially leading to landfill waste.
What are the Different Types of Polyethylene Foams?
Chemically Cross-Linked PE Foam
Chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam is produced by adding a chemical agent to create a strong and uniform structure. This type of PE foam is characterised by its fine cell structure and enhanced durability.
At AS Rubber, we offer different types of chemically cross-linked PE foams, each with distinct properties and applications:
AS625 PE Foam.
AS625 is a low-density chemically cross-linked PE foam that provides excellent shock absorption and insulation. It is suitable for use in packaging delicate items, thermal insulation, and cushioning applications.
AS630 PE Foam.
AS630, a medium-density chemically cross-linked PE foam, is valued for its durability and smooth finish. It serves well in protective cushioning roles, including medical packaging, automotive parts, and sports equipment.
AS645 PE Foam.
AS645 is used in a wide range of applications, including camping mats, thermal insulation, flotation devices, and protective cushioning. This closed-cell polyethylene foam is known for its uniform cell structure, providing consistent physical and mechanical properties. It is available in roll or sheet format, offering versatility for different uses.
What are the Common Uses of Chemically Cross-Linked PE Foam?
Chemically cross-linked PE foam is commonly used in applications that require superior durability and aesthetic appeal, such as automotive components, medical packaging, and high-end protective gear. With insulation and thermal properties, it makes it suitable for thermal insulation, buoyancy aids, sound insulation, and various sports and leisure matting applications.
Non-Cross Linked PE Foam
Non-cross-linked polyethylene foam, also known as standard PE foam, is produced without chemical cross-linking agents. It has a more open cell structure than chemically cross-linked foam, making it softer and more flexible.
What are the Common Uses of Non-Cross Linked PE Foam?
Non-cross linked PE foam is widely used for display packaging, cushioning, and insulation. It is also used in applications where flexibility and lightweight properties (such as expansion joints for concreting) are more important than rigidity.
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Physically Cross-Linked PE Foam
Physically cross-linked polyethylene foam is produced through a radiation process that creates cross-links within the material. This type of PE foam has a uniform cell structure and excellent resilience.
At AS Rubber, we offer different types of physically cross-linked PE foams, each suitable for certain applications and providing distinct benefits:
AS633 PE Foam.
AS633 Alveo is a medium-density, physically cross-linked PE foam with a fine, regular cell structure and smooth skin surfaces. Its properties include: UV and ozone resistance, thermal and sound insulation, and low water permeability. It is commonly used in, flotation devices, protective clothing inserts, and sports mats.
AS667 PE Foam
AS667 is often used for gasketing, moisture-resistant cushioning, and mounting applications. It is a firm-density, closed-cell PE foam available in 1mm thickness, making it suitable for applications that require thin, firm foam with excellent ageing properties and moisture resistance.
Click here to see our whole range of physically cross-linked Polyethylene Foam.
What are the Common Uses of Physically Cross-Linked PE Foam?
Physically cross-linked PE foam is often used in demanding applications where precision and uniformity are required, such as medical devices, automotive interiors, and sports equipment.
Polyethylene foam's versatility and distinct properties make it a popular material. Understanding its various types, properties, and applications can help you determine the best fit for your application. If you're unsure which type of polyethylene foam is best for your application, our friendly team is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice and to ensure you select the ideal material for your specific applications.