Polyethylene Foam

Polyethylene foam, also known as PE and PEF, is a semi-rigid, closed-cell type of foam with a near-infinite amount of applications due to the following characteristics:

Thermal conductivity
Recyclability
Cushioning
Flexibility
Durability
Buoyancy
Odorless
Lightweight
Non-dusting
Non-abrasive
Cost/labor efficient
High load bearing capacity

CFC free
Ozone friendly
Sound absorption
Dimensional stability
Uniform cell structure
Shatter Proof
Tear/puncture-resistant
Impact/shock/vibration absorption
Excellent compressive creep properties
Bacteria/chemical/grease/mold/oil /solvent-resistant

Types of Polyethylene Foam Available

1 LB
1.2 LB
1.7 LB
2.2 LB
4 LB
6 LB
9 LB

Types of Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam Available

2 LB

Types of Expanded Polyethylene Foam Available

1.3 LB
1.5 LB
1.9 LB
2.3 LB
2.8 LB
3.7 LB
4.2 LB

Polyethylene Foam

Polyethylene foam products are durable, reusable and 100% recyclable. Polyethylene foam is renowned for its ability to withstand great amounts of pressure without losing its original cushioning properties making it the ideal foam for applications where durability is crucial.

In addition to fabricating polyethylene foam products to custom designed specifications, New England Foam stocks polyethylene foam in plank, roll and sheet forms, in densities ranging from 1 to 9 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) and those colors most requested: white, green, pink, blue, gray, black and charcoal. Additional densities and colors are available upon request. Anti-microbial, anti-static, conductive and/or electrostatic dissipative (ESD) types of polyethylene foam are also available upon request.

Polyethylene Foam's Cell Structure

Polyethylene foam is closed-cell, meaning it consists of cells so tightly packed together that it gives the appearance of one uniform structure. The reality is the individual cells within polyethylene foam do not physically connect to one another. This cellular formation is similar to fish caught in a fisherman's net. From a critical distance, the net appears to be one massive object. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that there is numerous individual fish packed tightly together that the result is the aforementioned appearance of singularity.

Manufacturing Polyethylene Foam

The structure of polyethylene foam is neither entirely solid nor entirely empty. Produced via a three-step extrusion process (mixing, expansion and cooling), polyethylene foam can be manufactured to satisfy a specific range of desired performance benchmarks such as comfort, support and/or durability. It is during this manufacturing process that flame retardant additives can be introduced to meet various fire code standards, as well as anti-microbial, anti-static, conductive and/or electrostatic dissipative (ESD) additives.