Industrial Benefits and Uses of Polyethylene Foam

 Polyethylene foam (PE foam) is one of the most versatile materials used across a myriad of industries. From manufacturing to product packaging applications, PE foam is well-suited to meeting the needs of a large range of applications.

Today we’ll briefly discuss why PE foam is so favourable across multiple industries, in addition to 3 of its most common applications.

The Practical Benefits of Utilizing Polyethylene Foam

PE foam offers a number of properties that are suitable for a range of industry applications:

·         Impact and Vibration Absorption: PE foam offers enhanced dimensional stability, which is optimal for protective or cushioning applications in the event of impact.

·         Thermal and Chemical Resistance: PE foam is able to perform consistently in both high and low temperatures. PE foam also provides excellent resistance to water, grease, or chemical solvents.

·         Durable and Lightweight: PE foam is known as a closed-foam cell foam, which allows for more durability in comparison to alternative open-cell type foams. PE foam is also lightweight – making the foam optimal for floating device applications.

The following are 3 common industrial applications of polyethylene foam.

Packaging and Transportation

PE foam is often used for packaging applications due to it’s durable, light-weight, thermal and chemical resistant properties. PE foam is especially useful for packaging fragile items and goods due to its ability to effectively dampen any sort of external vibration resulting from impact.

Construction

PE foam tubes are commonly used in the construction industry, as backer rods – used between concrete slabs; and as building or structural insulation. In both instances, PE foam is favourable within the construction industry due to their closed-foam capabilities i.e. the prevention of mildew, and thermal insulation and chemical resistant properties.

Automotive

Use of PE foam in the automotive industry can be found as insulation for automotive components and equipment. From insulation for engine compartments, carpet backings, to head and armrests – it is highly likely you’ll find the material somewhere in your own vehicle.