Polyethylene is a durable, chemically stable, closed-cell foam with a wide variety of shock-absorption, vibration-dampening, and insulation properties depending on the product spec. PE foams cut, carve and bond easily, with only the heaviest densities requiring power saws to cut. They will not off-gas, and are widely considered viable interior materials for long-term storage containers. PE foams are recyclable.
Crosslinked PE foam a high-density polyethylene with cross-linked bonds in the polymer structure, changing the thermoplastic into an elastomer. Crosslinked PE foams share the qualities listed above, but have ultra-fine cells for soft, skin-like surfaces suitable for direct contact with most stable object surfaces. Unlike non-crosslinked PE foams, they are not recyclable.
Thinner products like Volara are crosslinked by irradiation while thicker products like Plastizote and Minicell are chemically crosslinked.
See the brands below for product lines and specifications.
Polyethylene Foams (Non-Crosslinked)
Planks:
Ethafoam™ Polyethylene Foam
PolyPlank® Polyethylene Foam
Polyfoam
Rolled Sheeting:
Astro-Foam
Crosslinked Polyolefin-Based Polyethylene Foams
Planks:
MicroCell® Crosslinked Polyolefin Foam
Volara® Crosslinked Polyethylene Foam (Laminated)
Plastizote
Minicell
Rolled Sheeting:
Volara® Crosslinked Polyethylene Foam
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