Both the properties of polyethylene foam and its use are not widely known to many people.
In addition to being an insulating material, the use of poly ethylene foam is very broad.
Polyethylene foam – what is it?
Polyethylene foam, also known as PE foam, is an insulation material that is created from one of the most popular and, incidentally, cheapest artificial materials.
Polyethylene products can be found at every turn.
Everyday use is made of commercial and plastic bags, containers and even bottle caps.
Polyethylene is also used in fishing for fishing lines, sailing and even mountain climbing.
Although the properties of polyethylene may vary from industry to industry, products are created from the same basic material.
Polyethylene foam – properties
Polyethylene foam is lightweight, flexible and easy to mold, making it a versatile material with a wide range of applications.
It is available in a variety of densities, thicknesses and colors to suit individual needs and project requirements. The properties of polyethylene foam are many and make it a versatile material.
It is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and use.
Applications for polyethylene foam will be found in many industries, such as construction, packaging, automotive, sports, medicine and many others.
Applications of polyethylene foam
Applications for polyethylene foam are extremely diverse and include:
- Thermal and acoustic insulation in construction
- Protection of packaging during transport
- Protective inserts in the electronics industry
- Liners and mats in the sports industry
- Carpeting for automobiles and the automotive industry
- Packaging and containers in the food industry
- Gaskets and washers in various applications
Types of polyethylene foam
Polyethylene foam is a plastic material that can come in various forms.
There are several types of foam, based on their density:
- LDPE polyethylene foam – low density, soft and flexible
- LLDPE polyethylene foam – low density linear polyethylene with increased mechanical and thermal strength
- MDPE polyethylene foam – medium density
- HDPE polyethylene foam – high density
- UMHWPE polyethylene foam – ultra-high density foam.
- PEX polyethylene foam – cross-linked polyethylene foam
What are the advantages of polyethylene foam?
Polyethylene foam is very lightweight, making it easy to transport and use in various applications.
The lightness of foam also makes it easier to reduce the weight of final products, which can lead to cost savings.
Properties of polyethylene foam also include high thermal insulation and resistance to chemicals.
An important advantage of polyethylene foam is also its environmental friendliness, as it can be recycled.
It absorbs shock and vibration and does not absorb water or moisture.
It is easy to cut and mold, so it can be used to protect goods of different shapes and sizes.
Polyethylene foam vs polyurethane foam
Polyethylene foam and polyurethane foam are two different types of foam that have different properties and applications.
Polyethylene (PE) foam is made of polyethylene and has a cellular structure with closed air bubbles.
It is lightweight, flexible, resilient and has good thermal insulation properties.
Polyurethane (PU) foam, on the other hand, is made of polyurethane polymers and has a cellular structure, both closed and open.
Polyurethane foam is much denser and stiffer than polyethylene foam.
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