What is polyethylene foam and where is it used?

Polyethylene is a widespread, popular and demanded material that is used in a wide variety of areas of human activity. However, not every person knows that there are a large number of different types of polyethylene. Today in our material we will talk about the foamed type of material, get acquainted with its distinctive features.

First of all, you need to understand what the material is. So, foamed polyethylene (polyethylene foam, PE) is a material based on traditional and well-known polyethylene. However, unlike the standard variety, the foamed type has a special closed-porous structure. In addition, it is important to note that the foam is classified as a gas-filled thermoplastic polymer.

If we talk about the time of the appearance of the material on the market, then this happened about fifty years ago. Since then, polyethylene foam has been gaining popularity among users. Today, the production of goods complies with all international standards, which are spelled out in the corresponding GOST.

Before you decide to purchase and use the material, you must evaluate and analyze all the available distinctive characteristics of polyethylene. It should be borne in mind that these properties are not only positive, but also negative. Nevertheless, they all constitute a set of distinctive features of the material.

So, certain qualities can be attributed to the most important characteristics of foamed polyethylene.

First of all, it is necessary to say about the high flammability of the material. So, in the event that the air temperature reaches +103 degrees Celsius, the polyethylene will begin to melt (this indicator is the so-called "melting point"). Accordingly, during operation, you must definitely remember this quality of the material.

The material is resistant to low temperatures. So, experts report that even when the ambient temperature drops below -60 degrees Celsius, polyethylene still retains such important characteristics as strength and elasticity.

The level of thermal conductivity of polyethylene is very low and is at the level of 0.038-0.039 W / m * K. Accordingly, we can talk about a high level of thermal insulation.

During the operation of polyethylene foam, one should take into account the fact that the material itself is capable of absorbing sound. In this regard, it is often used to equip recording studios, clubs and other premises that require mandatory sound insulation.

PE does not contain any components that can harm the human body. Accordingly, the material can be used without fear for health and life (both your own and your loved ones). In addition, even during combustion, the material does not emit toxic components.

The most important characteristic of polyethylene, thanks to which it is popular and in demand among a large number of users, is the fact that the material can be very easily transported. Also, an important role is played by the fact that polyethylene foam can be easily mounted.

PE is a material with a high level of wear resistance. Accordingly, we can conclude that it will serve you for a long period of time. If we try to roughly estimate the service life of the material, then it is approximately 80-100 years.

During the operation of the material, it is imperative to take into account the fact that it is destroyed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Respectively, direct use of the material must be carried out in a protected environment.

Great variety in terms of color, shape and type of decoration. The most popular and demanded are rectangular sheets in black and white.

The thickness of the polyethylene can vary. This indicator plays a decisive role in the choice of material. So, depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose PE with a thickness of 10 mm, 50 mm, 1 mm or 20 mm.

In addition to the functional characteristics of PE, it is important to study in detail the chemical and physical properties of PE (for example, properties such as density, ability to absorb moisture, etc., play an important role). Among the distinctive chemical and physical properties of the material are:

• the recommended temperature range for using the material is in the range from -80 degrees Celsius to +100 degrees Celsius (in other temperatures, the material loses its characteristics and quality);
• strength can be in the range from 0.015 MPa to 0.5 MPa;
• the density of the material is 25-200 kg / m3;
• thermal conductivity index - 0.037 W / m per degree Celsius.

Due to the fact that foamed PE appeared for a long time in the construction market and is in great demand among users, a large number of manufacturers began to produce PE. In order to standardize the material release process, a general production technology was adopted, which all companies and firms must follow.

First of all, it should be noted that the technology of manufacturing foamed polyethylene consists of several stages. At the same time, within the framework of some of them it is necessary to use gas, while others do without it.

The general production scheme includes the following elements:

• extruder;
• compressor for gas supply;
• cooling line;
• packaging.

For the direct production of the material, specially designed granules of LDPE, HDPE are used (various elements based on them can also be used). In some cases, primary raw materials can be combined with so-called regranulates. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that foamed polyethylene can also be produced from recycled materials. Moreover, it must meet certain requirements, namely, it must be free of any impurities, and the raw material itself must have an average molecular weight and be uniform in color.

Foamed polyethylene is a material that is sold in rolls. At the same time, in the process of acquiring it, you should be as careful as possible, since there are several varieties of PE, which differ in their qualitative properties, and are also used to perform various tasks.

Foamed uncrosslinked polyethylene is produced using the technology of the so-called "physical foaming". This manufacturing method allows you to preserve the original structure of the material. As for the strength characteristics of this type of PE, they are relatively low, which must be taken into account in the process of purchasing and using the material. In general, it is believed that uncrosslinked material is relevant to use in cases where it will not be subject to significant mechanical stress.

With regard to cross-linked PE foam, there are two types of such material: chemically and physically cross-linked. Let's consider the characteristics of these types in more detail.

The production of chemically crosslinked material is carried out step by step. First of all, the procedure of mixing the feedstock with special foaming and crosslinking elements is carried out. After that, the initial workpiece is formed. The next step is to gradually heat the cooked mass in the oven. It should be noted that the process of temperature treatment of the composition affects the appearance of special cross-links between the polymer threads (this process is called "stitching", from which the name of the material comes from). After this, gassing occurs. As for the direct properties of the material, which is obtained through the use of this method, it should be noted such characteristics as a fine-pored structure, a matte surface, high strength and stability, elasticity, etc.

Unlike the material described above, no special additives are used to create the final product, which is produced by the physical crosslinking method... In addition, there is no heat treatment step in the production cycle. Instead, the prepared mixture is processed by a stream of electrons, which facilitates the crosslinking process.

Due to the fact that foamed polyethylene is in high demand among users, a large number of companies are engaged in its production, release and sale. Consider several popular material manufacturers. First of all, these include:

• PENOTERM - the materials of this brand correspond to all the latest scientific and technological developments;
• "Polyfas" - this company is distinguished by its wide assortment;
• Siberia-Upak - the company has existed on the market for over 10 years, during this time it has managed to win the love and trust of a large number of consumers.

In the process of choosing a material, it is very important to pay attention to the manufacturer. Only if you choose a trusted company, you can count on purchasing such material that meets all international regulations and standards.

As mentioned above, polyethylene foam is a popular and demanded material. First of all, such a wide distribution is due to the fact that PE can be used in various areas of human life.

PE is traditionally used as an insulating material. At the same time, he can protect the user from heat, sound or water. Thus, we can conclude that foamed polyethylene is actively used in the construction industry in the process of erecting various types of fundamental structures.

In addition to the construction industry, the insulating properties of the material are actively exploited in the framework of automotive and instrument engineering. For example, PE is used to create products such as carpets and underlays.

Foamed polyethylene is often used to seal doors, windows and other elements (for example, corners or profiles are constructed from it).

Another area of ​​use is the manufacture of a variety of sports equipment.

Thus, we can conclude that Polyethylene foam is a popular material that has many unique characteristics and is used for a wide variety of applications.

The following video explains what polyethylene foam is.