With its great flexibility, polyethylene foam or PE foam is one of the most useful materials available in the market. It is a kind of a closed-cell foam made up of millions of little bubbles that makes it resistant to moisture and water. It also provides resistance to solvents and prevents the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew. Being a resilient material, PE foam returns to its form even after compression, while still providing enough cushion and security when needed. All of these amazing properties, together with the options for customization, make polyethylene foam beneficial for a multitude of applications.
PE foam is created by heating polymer compounds. It is also formulated with additives to modify its properties before being heated and extruded into its solid form. It is available in anti-static and fire retardant varieties. Such additives are already included in the formula, as opposed to adding afterwards, enabling the features to work consistently all the way through the material. Same with other kinds of foams, it comes in different densities for various purposes. The bigger the density of polyethylene foam, the smaller and thicker the cell walls are, making it become a stronger material.
Additionally, the anti-static property of PE foam helps in the handling, packaging, and transportation of sensitive electronics by disappearing the electrostatic charges that may damage its intricate parts. Though fire retardancy can make polyethylene foam resistant to heat, higher grades even have the ability to self-extinguish once ignited compared to untreated materials making them a great choice in insulation and construction. Some types of foams also contain both of these great characteristics for a highly specialized job such as in delicate machinery. To top it all, with its range of densities, formulations and styles, along with its multiple applications, polyethylene is one of the most versatile foam products offering broad possibilities.
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