Polyethylene foam, also referred to as PE, is a type of foam that is very rigid and made primarily through an extrusion process. Polyethylene foam is a strong, resilient, closed-cell type of foam. Polyethylene foam, unlike polyurethane foam, has the capability of being reheated in order to change its shape.
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Polyethylene Foam
Polyethylene foam is the material produced as a result of the polymerization of ethylene. It is lightweight, flexible and resilient to mildew, mold, rot and bacterial growth, making it an extremely popular manufacturing choice in a wide range of applications. Polyethylene foam is made up of ethylene chains connected by weak forces. It can be created with different densities or material properties, however is usually able to be broken apart without much force as the cell bonds are relatively weak. Using different catalysts during polymerization will result in slightly adapting the properties of the foam, allowing it to be more useful in certain applications. Most types of foam however are non-abrasive materials and thus are widely used in packaging and protecting goods during storing, transportation and shipping. Another popular use for polyethylene foam is in foam cushioning and furniture. It is a lightweight material with buoyancy, and therefore flotation devices, nautical equipment and some sports equipment use polyethylene foam to construct products that will float. The foam is also impervious to moisture and resists the growth of mildew, mold and bacteria. This is important in terms of product life span and reliability, as it will extend the lifespan of an object and reduce the costs of maintenance, repair and replacement. Fabricating foam is a relatively easy process. It is typically cut into its desired shape or dimensions using abrasion, heat, water jet cutting or foam cutting blades. Often shapes have to be joined to create the final desired product, and adhesives are used fairly often to achieve this.
Foam, especially polyethylene foam, is one of the cheapest artificially fabricated materials to produce. The investment into the required processing energy is worth the initial costs as the resulting material is extremely versatile and useful. Common items such as pool "noodles", packaging materials, gymnastic mats and sporting goods are constructed from the flexible and lightweight material. Other useful applications of polyethylene foam can be found in the appliances, aerospace, packaging and flotation industries. As with other types of foams, polyethylene foam provides an excellent material for vibration absorption and dampening and so is used in insulation and cushioning of areas. The foam can also be used to minimize static in certain applications by providing a wave absorbing material. Polyethylene, or PE foam is also CFC-free, recyclable and odorless, therefore providing an environmentally friendly solution for foam and packaging needs. Environmentally friendly choices are becoming increasingly important, even for large scale industrial processes such as foam fabrication.
