Polyethylene Foam Plastic
Polyethylene foam has been around since the mid-1940's when it was developed as a flotation device for military applictions. It's still used by the military today, but primarily as a cushion packaging material for heavy and fragile items. Its applications also include toys, water sport items, protective body padding, life vests, and numerous construction applications. It is a very versatile material.
Polyethylene comes in a wide range of densities, colors, thicknesses, and properties. Polyethylene is a closed cell material with a low water absorption rate. Densities range from a low 1.2 lbs./cu.ft. to a high 9 lbs./cu.ft.
Polyethylene is considered a semi-rigid fully resilient cushioning material. Typical loading ranges are from .75 lbs./sq.in. to 12 lbs./sq.in. Antistatic grades are also available in both plank and roll stock.
Polyethylene foam is typically used on moderate to heavy weight items with a low fragility rating. Computers and electronic equipment weighing over 10 pounds typically use polyethylene foam. Its high strength supports greater levels of weight with repeat impact performance. Its excellent resiliency means the same performance every time the unit is dropped... a cushion packaging "insurance policy"! If repeat impact resistance and high strength are what your product needs, think about polyethylene foam. Houston Foam Plastics has a wide range to choose from.
| Nominal Density | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 pcf | 1.7 pcf | 2.0 pcf | 4.0 pcf | |
| Compressive Strength (psi) | 2 | 5 | 7 | 12 |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | 26 | 28 | 45 | 60 |
| Buoyancy (pcf) | 55 | 58 | 58 | 58 |
| "K" Factor BTU - in/hr ft2 | .5 | .4 | .4 | .4 |
| Tear Strength #/in | 18 | 18 | 15 | 21 |
| Water Absorption #/ft2 | <.1 | <.1 | <.1 | <.1 |