Foamed thermal insulation. Foamed polyethylene: characteristics of the most effective insulation Foamed polyethylene installation of sheet thermal insulation

) refers to multi-layer specialized reflective type materials that are produced using polyethylene foam with (polished) foil.

As a basis for creating such insulation, polyethylene foam is used with various indicators of density, thickness and even structure (strictly according to GOST).

Foil-clad aluminum is specially polished to the so-called "reflectance" of 97%, and then heat-welded on one or both sides of the material.

1 Specifications

Foamed polyethylene materials have quite impressive technical, including compensation, characteristics. The most important ones to get acquainted with are the following:

Optimum operating temperature range from -40 to +120 degrees Celsius;
Coefficient for the parameter of thermal conductivity - 0.037 - 0.038 W / m * K;
Noise absorption coefficient - dB (A) 32;
The compressive strength limit is not less than 0.035 MPa;
Fire safety group "G1";
Appearance: exceptionally white;
Thickness of rolls of material: from 2 to 10 millimeters;
Dimensions of rolls of material: standard 1 meter width and 50 meters length as in.

1.1 Types of material

Foil insulation based on polyethylene foam has several different types, which are systematized by letter marking.

Foil insulation itself is divided into the following types:

Type "A". The product has a special aluminum coating on one side. It is used most often with other types of insulation, most often with foam or styrodur;
Sheet type "B". This product is aluminum coated on both sides. Application is exclusively autonomous (according to GOST standards);
Type "C". On one side, a product of this type has a special aluminum layer, and on the other - directly the polyethylene foam itself with a moisture-resistant contact adhesive mixture on it. Product application is possible without engaging additional tools installation;
Type "ALP" p. On the aluminum surface, on one side of the material, a polyethylene film is applied, which makes this product, based on the "GOST" standards, laminated. The product is applied in agriculture and, in more rare cases, for slightly aggressive environments;
Sheet type "R and M". Compensating materials of this type have a special embossed surface and have a foil coating on only one side;
Super NET type. Used to isolate networks. Such as pipelines, heating mains of various lengths and air outlets;
Sheet type "Penofol AIR" p. Compensation products of this type have the following specifications, which allow the use of this insulation to create air outlet elements (according to GOST standards).

According to GOST standards, there is not only the insulation itself, but also a bundle made of foamed polyethylene, as well as a backing made of foamed polyethylene.

1.2 Scope

The technical characteristics of this material allow it to be used in a wide variety of areas. Even soundproofing with foamed polyethylene is possible. Its compensatory properties are also pleasing. In general, this material is used for the following areas:

Warming on the inside and outside walls various buildings, attics, various basements and even attics;
Waterproofing and vapor barrier of baths and saunas, as well as, in more rare cases, shower cabins;
Insulation of the roof and so-called "warm floors";
Insulation of pipelines and technical expansion tanks;
Heat reflection of both domestic and industrial radiators ();
Noise insulation and insulation of complex ventilation systems, as well as air conditioning and sewerage systems.

1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages

The characteristics of foamed polyethylene with foil are quite high, therefore, based on them, as well as on the features of the production of this material, the most serious advantages of the described product should be emphasized:

GOST certification and standards. In addition, the material has a special conclusion from the epidemiological authority about its safety;
Rodent resistance. No creature can feed on this material;
Convenience in transportation. Considering that the insulation is made with thin layers, it is extremely easy to fold it into compact view and then carry it in your hands or fold it into the trunk of a car;
Absolute fire safety. The material can only catch fire when high temperatures ah, rarely seen in everyday life;
Ease of installation. It is possible to install the product as needed without the use of special construction clothing and appropriate tools. You can get by with ordinary nails, tape and a stationery stapler;
Excellent sound insulation and at the same time. This product, when installed on top of a frame of a certain design, is able to protect the room from acoustic and structure-borne noise of the surrounding world;
When using foamed polyethylene, it is not necessary to additionally install vapor barrier materials, since this product initially has a low vapor permeability;
Foamed polyethylene is extremely thin, especially in comparison with the closest analogs, but in terms of quality, with its subtlety, it is not inferior to them. A typical layer of 4 millimeters of this material in terms of quality and efficiency is 8 - 8.5 centimeters mineral wool or 3 centimeters of polystyrene foam.

However, any material in general, and any insulation in particular, have, in addition to their advantages, certain disadvantages. Among the disadvantages of foamed polyethylene with foil such "misses" should be noted, such as:

Softness. Polyethylene does not have the rigidity necessary for this kind of materials, therefore it is not suitable for finishing plastering works or for finishing wallpaper. Just a little pressure on the material - and it bends;
The insulation is difficult to fix, the only exception is type "C". Alas, to install such a heater, you need to additionally use various adhesive mixtures. Trying to nail insulation is unacceptable, as this will deteriorate the indicators of thermal insulation efficiency;
No matter how versatile and effective this insulation is, but it is used for thermal insulation external walls buildings only as an additional layer, in order to reflect the incoming thermal energy and protect the walls of the building from moisture.

Just three tips for laying polyethylene foam will help to significantly reduce the time for carrying out this kind of work without the necessary knowledge.

A reflective layer of insulation should be laid on the side where the heat source is located;
For the maximum possible reflection effect, a so-called "air space" of 1.2 - 2 centimeters in size should be left on both sides of the insulator;
Everything assembly seams must be glued with constructional aluminum tape in order to achieve the maximum possible tightness and waterproofing.

In general, given the characteristics of this insulating material, we can safely say that it meets the challenge and requirements of modern thermal insulation materials.

This material will effectively protect your home from cold, humidity and various extraneous noises.

At the same time, both the consumption of the insulation itself and the loss of space in the room where it is located will be reduced to an absolute minimum, which cannot but rejoice. In addition, foamed polyethylene is also distinguished by a relatively low price with a serious technical potential of this heat-insulating material.

2.1 Installation process of reflective foam insulation (video)

The name speaks for itself, polyethylene is foamed with a propane-butane mixture. Due to its structure and properties, it is often used in construction and renovation. In particular, it is often used for leveling floors when laying laminate flooring.

The widespread use of the material is observed in the packaging of various goods. For packaging, it is not particularly required to know all the characteristics of the material, except for the property of tolerating mechanical loads well. And in construction and repair, on the contrary, knowledge of all the technical characteristics and properties of the material helps to understand its correct application. Therefore, let's deal with all the characteristics foamed polyethylene and its application in construction and repair.

Properties and characteristics

Due to the molecular cellular structure of the material, the density varies from 30 to 180 kg / m³. This parameter is worth paying attention to when used in repairs. Thus, the polyethylene foam used for must be denser than for the ceiling.

The thermal conductivity of the material is 0.03-0.045 W / m ° C. This allows it to be used as a heater in many engineering systems in construction, in particular for the insulation of pipes, floors, ceilings, installation of mounting gaps.

Due to its low water absorption, polyethylene foam is often used to insulate walls when (damper tape). Depending on the density of the material, water absorption does not exceed 2%. At a density of 30 kg / m³, if it is placed in water for 24 hours, then the water absorption of one square meter will be 0.3 cm³ of water.

Foamed polyethylene is made in the form of rolls, pipes, tapes, hollow tubes of various sections. Properties such as environmental friendliness, durability, plasticity, high biological and chemical resistance have led to its widespread use.

Producer of foamed polyethylene "Izolon"

In addition to the fact that Izolon has all of the above properties, there are also several types of markings from this manufacturer. IPE- foamed polyethylene with uncrosslinked molecular structure. It can also be manufactured with a foil surface to reflect heat during the device.

PPE- physically cross-linked molecular structure of polyethylene foam. Produced by the manufacturer in various densities (25-200 kg / m³) and thicknesses (2-50 mm). A striking example of the use of PPE is tourist rugs.

Also on the market you can find blocks and plates made of foamed polyethylene waste of this manufacturer, the thickness of which can reach 100 mm.

Working temperature range - from -80 ° С to +100 ° С. The elasticity of the material allows you to maintain a useful surface area when used in construction. The use of foamed polyethylene for sound insulation can suppress up to 30 dC. noise.

Foamed polyethylene producer "Gemafon"

Foamed polyethylene from this manufacturer is widely used for heat and sound insulation of floors. Material thickness - from 3 to 5 mm., Is produced in rolls with a width of 1.5 m. It is laid under the floor covering as a substrate, i.e. polyethylene allows you to slightly level the surface.

Thermal insulation of pipes with polyethylene foam "Thermaflex"

Foamed polyethylene of this manufacturer is used to insulate pipelines for hot and cold water, in air conditioning systems, etc. When insulating pipelines hot water allows you to keep warm, and when used on the cold water piping prevents condensation.

The insulation tolerates mechanical stress well and can be reused after renovation works... Since the insulation must be put on the already installed pipeline, therefore it must be cut along, and then, already on the pipe, glue it back. For the installation of Thermaflex polyethylene foam, special glue and foil tape are used.

Advice: For a good joint of Thermaflex polyethylene foam, use K-FLEX K414 glue, but if the work is carried out at sub-zero temperatures, use K-FLEX K467.

Today we will help you understand the types and scope of polyethylene foam. This is modern material with a bubble structure. It is lightweight, does not allow water and steam to pass through, has good thermal insulation and noise absorption. Another advantage of this material is that it is very elastic. It is most widely used as insulation for pipes made of foamed polyethylene, underlay for laminate and IR-reflecting insulation. In addition to the above, damper tapes are made from this material, without which the screed cannot be poured.

Varieties of foamed polyethylene insulation

Polyethylene pipe shirts.

Polyethylene foam insulation is produced in sheets, long rolls and shells. The raw material for these materials is cross-linked or non-cross-linked polyethylene. Crosslinking is an increase in bonds in the molecular structure of a material, as a result of which it becomes denser and stronger. There are two types of increase in intermolecular bonds (crosslinking):

chemical - using reagents;
mechanical - through the flow of electrons.

Products made by cross-linking technology have a closed-cell structure, where the bubbles are small. Uncrosslinked polyethylene is produced by saturating the liquid mass with air. In this case, a less durable material with a lower density is obtained, since the air bubbles are much larger.

Types of materials based on this material:

insulation for pipes made of foamed polyethylene;
foamed polyethylene insulation;
thermal insulation based on polyethylene foam under the laminate;
mats;
rolls;
harness.

Material characteristics:

thermal conductivity - up to 0.4 W / m * K;
density - from 25 to 40 kg / m cube;
water permeability - no more than 1.9% per day;
vapor permeability - 0.001 mg / m * h * Pa;
operating temperature - from -65 to 85 degrees;
absorption of sounds - up to 18 dB.

Penofol production method.

Thermal insulation for pipes made of foamed polyethylene is produced in two-meter lengths with conditional passage from 12 to 114 mm and wall thickness from 6 to 20 mm. It is used both for cold pipes and sewers and for high-temperature heating systems. The color of the products can be different, but the most common is gray. There is a cut along the lengths of the insulation for the foamed polyethylene pipes so that the cover can be put on. A self-adhesive tape is applied to the cut edge, thanks to which the cover can be securely closed after installation.

In addition to its thermal insulation function, this material compensates for linear and volumetric thermal expansion of pipes. This is relevant when ... In addition, when laying pipes underground, this polymer acts as a protective layer against moisture, since, due to its structure, it does not allow water to pass through.

Relatively new insulation"Foamed polyethylene foil" is an IR-reflecting insulation, where a foil layer is applied to the polyethylene base. It bounces off heat radiation just like an ordinary mirror bounces off light. The principle of operation of this material cannot but affect the method of its installation. The people call the material "Penofol" - in honor of the manufacturer of the same name. Penofol happens:

with one-sided foil;
with double-sided foil;
with a glossy surface;
with corrugated surface;
with self-adhesive surface;
with additional lamination.

Warming plastic wrap with a foam structure is used when laying laminate. Such material can be from 1 to 60 mm thick, but generally spacers of 2-3 mm are used.

They are sold in rolls one meter wide. They are stacked end-to-end under the laminate and glued with tape. The lining not only insulates the floor, but also absorbs noise and vibration. It has a significant defect - it loses its original thickness during operation, and, accordingly, its characteristics.

The sealant made of polyethylene foam in mats and rolls can be combined into one group, since they differ only in size. That is, if you divide the roll into segments, you get mats. This material is available in thickness from 10 to 100 mm. They can insulate walls and ceilings, and also be used as a damper when laying underground utilities. In addition, it is used as a heat-insulating layer for plumbing and heating systems... Insulation of pipes with foamed polyethylene in rolls is advisable only for highways with a large cross-section, more than 114 mm.

The last one on our list is the tourniquet. It looks like an ordinary rope, only thick, which is used to seal cracks in window or door frames... For the same purposes, there is expanded polyethylene in narrow rolls with an adhesive base. This solution is appropriate if you have old-style windows without seals.

The use of insulation for pipes made of foamed polyethylene

Possible options for wall thickness of shirts for pipe insulation.

As we said earlier, polyethylene pipe insulation is used for:

wiring the contour in the wall;
wiring the contour in the floor screed;
insulation of the circuit in unheated rooms;
underground laying of communications.

Any materials that are used for the manufacture of pipes tend to increase in length and volume when heated, only the degree of expansion differs. So, which are used most often have the highest expansion ratio. Modern tendencies are such that everyone strives to hide communications in the walls or floor. If you do not use damper covers, then during the expansion, the pipe walls will simply burst. We talked about that in one of our previous articles.

Large-diameter pipes are insulated with mineral wool.

IN big houses a separate room is allocated for the boiler room, usually in the basement. There are no batteries in the boiler room and the temperature there is lower than in heated rooms. To prevent the coolant from losing temperature, pipe insulation made of foamed polyethylene is used. As a result, the efficiency of the boiler is increased and the heating costs of the house are reduced. The same situation occurs when the circuit passes through an unheated attic. This scenario is possible if:

in the House ;
the house has an open gravity heating system with .

The polyethylene sealant gives the same effect when laying underground pipes. In the absence of thermal insulation, the water supply, heating or sewage circuit can simply freeze. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that a high load acts on communications underground, since they are buried to a depth of freezing of the soil - not less than a meter. In addition to the land, everything that is on it also crushes: people, cars, farm buildings, and so on. Therefore, communications are protected with solid sleeves, in this capacity they are perfect sewer pipes with a large nominal bore.

Application of foamed polyethylene foam

Pay attention to the markings - they are needed for laying underfloor heating.

Wall insulation with polyethylene foam with an aluminum reflective surface is used only for the construction of internal barriers. We have already talked about in more detail earlier. Basic moments:

the insulation is applied with an aluminum film to the heat source (inside the room);
penofol is stacked end-to-end;
the joints are glued with aluminum tape;
between the aluminum foil and exterior decoration there must be a ventilation gap.

A buffer air zone in front of the aluminum foil is necessary in order for the insulation based on foamed polyethylene to fulfill its main task - to beat off heat rays, as well as for condensate to evaporate.

If there is no buffer zone, all moisture that accumulates on the foam will be absorbed into the finish. As a result, the likelihood of the appearance of mold increases significantly. As you know, penofol does not belong to vapor permeable materials, it does not breathe. In addition to the walls, reflective insulation is used when installing the underfloor heating system. They put her under metal-plastic pipes or electrical cable so that all the heat gets into the room.

Polyethylene gasket: summing up

What is good about the new insulation - foamed polyethylene? The characteristics of the material in terms of thermal conductivity are in no way inferior to foam, but this does not mean that they are interchangeable. You need to understand that for wall insulation, depending on the region, an insulation layer of 5 to 10 cm is needed. In this case, the material should be as resistant to compression as possible than foamed polyethylene cannot boast.

Regarding the insulation of pipes with it, then there is no more acceptable alternative. It is convenient and quick to work with special gray covers; this material is indispensable for bricking up communications in walls or in a floor screed. Penofol (reflective insulation) is somewhat overrated. As an independent insulation, it does not work well, only as an addition to polystyrene, its derivatives or mineral wool. Foamed polyethylene is almost vapor-tight, so use it with natural materials not recommended as it negates all of their characteristics. For example, if a tree does not breathe, then over time a lot of moisture will accumulate in it, it will turn black and begin to rot.

Foamed polyethylene is a modern material with excellent performance properties. It is widely used in construction: insulation of walls, floors, facades, ceilings, insulation of residential and industrial communications. The production of this material has been established recently. In a short period, he has successfully established himself in industry and in everyday life. The high popularity is due to the fact that the thermal conductivity of polyethylene foam is low, and the service life reaches 25 years.

Elastic polymer insulation is made of polyethylene high pressure... Fire-extinguishing additives are added to the main component, thanks to which the material becomes fire-resistant, and other elements. The production technology consists of several stages. First, the granules enter a special container and melt. Then liquefied gas is fed into the chamber. It is a foaming agent with which the structure of the future product is formed.

The form of release of products can be different: plates, sheets, rolls, tubular casings, bundles. Moreover, the material has different densities, thicknesses and sizes. Also, the insulation can be covered (on one or both sides) with aluminum foil, which effectively reflects heat. Foamed polyethylene foam does not contain toxic substances and is used for insulation of residential and industrial buildings, air ducts, cold rooms, ventilation systems.

Foil-clad polyethylene foam reflects 97% of thermal energy

The unique material has significant advantages:

high coefficient of thermal insulation;
resistance to water absorption - excellent hygroscopicity due to the absence of open-cell cells. This property is very appreciated because it prevents the appearance of mold, mildew;
firmness and elasticity;
environmental Safety;
good oil and petrol resistance;
excellent sound insulation - noise is reduced with the help of the material. That is why foamed polyethylene is used as a substrate when laying floors in apartment buildings;
chemical resistance to building materials - this means lime, cement;
ease of installation - the material does not need additional fastening. If necessary, people can use it on their own;
durability - physical and mechanical properties are maintained for a long period.

This is important to know: foamed polyethylene with an adhesive layer is used to insulate complex surfaces, on which there are bends, corners, drops.

Metallized polyethylene foam tape has an adhesive layer for easy installation

Polyethylene foam is the ideal underlay for floor coverings

The most the best material used as a substrate under parquet board, laminate, linoleum, polyethylene foam. Such products are manufactured at a number of Russian and foreign enterprises. Among the most common trade marks refers to:

"Izokom" - foamed polyethylene in rolls, produced on innovative equipment. The employees of the Russian company closely monitor the quality at all stages of the production of products. The material does not decay, has been used for decades and insulates noise well. The “Izocom” underlay does not allow moisture to pass through and is easy to fit;
"Teploflex" is a new generation of insulation, which does not contain substances hazardous to health. Due to its structure and elasticity, the substrate is easy to install. In order for the material to fully perform its functions, it must be laid according to the rules: adjacent canvases lie end-to-end, and the edges are fastened with reinforced tape;

Substrate "Teploflex" has a small thickness, but at the same time it has maximum thermal resistance

"Quick-Step" is a material that meets European standards. It is designed to drown out unwanted noise as efficiently as possible. Floor insulation with polyethylene foam "Quick-Step" - great solution because the substrates have been successfully tested for the absence of any harmful substances... Such material is actively used in offices and apartments. The Belgian manufacturer offers to the attention of buyers a collection of heaters that meet the specific requirements of any surface (cement floor, panel board);
Jermaflex is a synthetic gas-filled substrate with excellent physical, mechanical and acoustic properties. The material is recommended for use over a wide temperature range. It fits "joint to joint", and to create a complete hydro and vapor barrier, the seams are glued with tape.

Foamed polyethylene is an excellent insulation for walls and roofs

The development of the chemical industry and the need for high-quality materials gave impetus to the development of qualitatively new polymer materials. Foamed roll polyethylene is a demanded product that occupies a leading position in the insulation market. Ease of production, reasonable cost, reliability and practicality are the main criteria thanks to which the material has gained immense popularity.

What insulation materials have earned the trust of consumers? Good material Foamed polyethylene "Aflex" can be called. It is made from polymers, flame retardants, extinguishing agents and colorants. The material is produced in the form of rolls of different lengths and widths. The thermal conductivity coefficient of the insulation is 0.045 W / m, the density is 35 kg / cu. m, working temperature range - from -50 to + 90 degrees.

Polyethylene foam of this brand is characterized by many advantages:

increased elasticity;
excellent shock-absorbing properties;
resistance to decay;
environmental friendliness;
insignificant weight;
chemical resistance to aggressive substances.

Polyethylene foam "Aflex" insulates the outer walls of buildings, interior wall partitions, under-roof space. Insulation laying technology is simple:

the material is attached to wooden crate with a stapler. You can also use small nails with wide heads;
joints are glued with aluminum tape;

Seams are closed with 50 mm tape

between finishing material and the insulation is left air gap(1.5 cm).

Expert advice: many people are interested in the question of how foamed polyethylene can be glued. If the base is concrete or brick, you must use "88" glue.

Applying the "Aflex" insulation, homeowners provide themselves with comfort and silence. Foamed polyethylene creates reliable waterproofing, protects the structure from the influence of moisture, prevents mold. If main goal is saving money on heating, you need to use sheet polyethylene foam with double-sided metallization.

Pipe insulation is another application for polyethylene foam

Pipe sheaths made of polymer material with closed cells are not afraid of temperature changes and do not rot. Basically, they are covered with foil, metallized film and lavsan. Hollow cylinders are notched, which greatly simplifies the installation process. Thermal insulation of pipes made of foamed polyethylene is becoming more and more in demand, since the material eliminates a lot of problems: condensation, rust, fungus. Also, noises are "damped" and the loss of fertile heat is prevented.

Hollow tube shells have a calibrated bore

What brands are available on the market? Materials of the following brands are in good demand:

"Termocom" - insulation from this manufacturer extends the service life of pipes and has excellent technical indicators.
"Energoflex" - thermal insulation products highest quality... During their manufacture, a propane-butane mixture is used, not freon. Pipe shells have low moisture permeability and have a high coefficient of resistance to diffusion of water vapor. With the help of such materials, hot / cold water supply, ventilation and air conditioning, and heating systems are insulated.

This is important to know: the form of release in coils simplifies warehouse storage and reduces the cost of transportation logistics.

A few words must be said about the fact that polyethylene foam is also made in the form of bundles. Such material is used for sealing interpanel seams or joints when installing windows and doors. Solid cylindrical ropes have a finely pored internal structure due to which they exhibit superior strength and flexibility characteristics.

Foamed polyethylene harnesses are multifunctional and convenient to use

Foamed polyethylene is used as insulation in various fields. And although the installation of insulation is simple, it is better to entrust this process to professionals. They do their job well and do not make mistakes.

Video: installation of reflective insulation for walls Penoterm

Foamed polyethylene is a modern construction material, which perfectly retains heat by 70%, insulates against noise and moisture, tolerates vibrations and mechanical shocks well. The minimum service life and wear resistance is from 50 to 80 years, due to its durability and composition it is not subject to decay. It is used in many areas of construction and renovation.

This unique material possesses good value and excellent qualities, is safe for human health and life. Foamed polyethylene is successfully used in construction, medicine, mechanical engineering, in the manufacture of leather haberdashery and footwear.

Where to buy polyethylene foam? Here is one recommendation - we recommend buying polyethylene foam from manufacturers or trusted sellers. For example, at http://www.tecsound.com.ua/products_category/vspenenyi-polietilen-i-lenty/, representative office of the Spanish company "TEXSA" in Ukraine.

Foamed PE specifications:

Foamed polyethylene has properties that ignite and melt at temperatures exceeding + 102 0 С.
When the air temperature drops to - 60 0 С, foamed PE will retain its strength and elasticity.
The material has low thermal conductivity, which enhances thermal insulation many times over.
Even while burning, the product is non-toxic.
It does not make much effort in transportation and installation, has a light weight.
The material has good resistance to stress.
The minimum amount of waste in production.
Environmentally friendly safe material, no specific smell.

The technologies for the production of polyethylene foam at different enterprises differ little and have similar operating characteristics.

Methods for the production of foamed polyethylene

The production process of foamed polyethylene takes place by means of injection molding or extrusion. During production, the same qualities of various ethylene polymers remain - these are water resistance, resistance to temperature changes, plasticity, non-toxicity

Foamed PE production technologies:

The production of uncrosslinked polyethylene foam in the process of physical foaming is not required chemical reaction to preserve the molecular structure of the primary substance - foamed polyethylene. The process is divided into two stages: the first, when the raw material is melted in granules. The second - isobutane, propane or freon gas is fed into the chamber where the mass of the polymer substance is mixed.
Chemically crosslinked polyethylene foam using chemical reagents. The structure of polyethylene changed at the molecular level becomes a reticular type. To start the reaction, mix the granules plus mixing, foaming reagents, special additives and pigments. After for giving the desired shape, the molten mass passes through the extruder (melting and foaming).
Physically crosslinked foamed PE in production requires structural modification at the molecular level. The technology of the production process takes place with the participation of an additive for foaming and radiation. The heated molten mass of polyethylene moves through an electron accelerator.

A significant drawback is that the material is highly flammable; flame retardants are added during manufacture.

The production of cross-linked polyethylene foam has a more complex technology, and therefore advantages in comparison with non-cross-linked polyethylene:

The microbiological endurance of the material is more durable.
Withstands temperature changes and mechanical stress.
Resistant to chemical solvents.
It tolerates vibration well and is resistant to deformation.
More than 30% has a dense structure that enhances insulation.
Heat retention is 20% more than uncrosslinked PE foam.
Due to its high strength, it has a long service life.

The advantage of uncrosslinked polyethylene foam is the cheap price of the material. Unfair sellers often exaggerate positive traits material when recommended as good soundproof material, which is used in construction. They are also used as various non-toxic packaging of products and goods.

Application of uncrosslinked polyethylene foam

Uncrosslinked polyethylene foam is convenient for packing, if necessary, it softens the pressure under load. Has an unlimited shelf life. It cannot go bad, it is beneficial when packing valuable goods and cargo. In the packaging market, NPE has no equal competitors, and occupies 90% of the application.
Used like packing material for electrical engineering, dishes, furniture, glass products. Perfectly protects the surface from dust and technical debris.
NPE is excellently used for insulation from moisture, water, steam, condensation and mechanical noise.
With minimum quality requirements, it is used in construction as thermal insulation, mechanical engineering. Not suitable for use when there are powerful loads or too hot air temperature.
Well used to reduce energy costs while conserving heat in the house - thanks to reflective insulation. It is widely used to level the surface, put it under parquet, laminate, linoleum.
Has a various form of release - in a polyethylene net, in a roll, in sheets different thickness... With a laminated or foil-coated base, uncrosslinked polyethylene foam will perform protective functions depending on the requirements and the task at hand.
In the European Union, there is a restriction on the use of IPE, it is used only for packaging.

Applications of cross-linked polyethylene foam

The material is widely used in various spheres of life: construction, sports, tourism, medicine, mechanical engineering, in the production of children's toys, automobile factories, household items, sanitary technical products. Has reinforced strength, heat resistance, high level rigidity.

Building

It is used for heating and water supply systems, it has good insulation of heat, water, steam and noise. It tolerates high temperatures from -60 0 to +110 0 С, begins to melt at t 0 115-130 degrees С.
Used for insulation of ceilings, floors, floors between floors. As a reflective heat insulation of the heating system.
The material is easy to install, acts as a high-quality, modern sound-insulating layer in the "floating floor" device.
Insulation from moisture, water for foundations, partitions. Arrangement of basements, warehouses, garages, balconies and loggias. Insulation of electrical cables.
Protection for systems of public utility lines and engineering structures.

The medicine

It is widely used in the manufacture of orthopedic medical products. Insoles for specialized shoes made of cross-linked polyethylene foam.
In the manufacture of prostheses of internal organs.
Elastic elements used in medicine and medical equipment.

Package

Containers of various kinds - containers, vessels, cans, bottles, cisterns.
Various inserts to prevent product deformation. The laid material for the preservation and transportation of products and industrial goods.

Sports and tourism

Boxing pears, gloves, shin guards, helmets.
Devices that do not sink in water and act as a fence or markings. Swimming boards, life buoyancy and insurance vests.
Mats and mats for hiking, yoga, fitness and other sports areas.

Mechanical engineering

The material is used to install a heat reflector. As a mounting tape, a sealant, protection of elements during vibration isolation.
Isolation of noise and heat of isothermal cabinets of air conditioners and refrigerators.

Automotive

Sheathing of most parts of the car dealership, to isolate heat and noise. Various seals, gaskets.
Buffer pads for vehicle components and parts.

As a result, all types of polyethylene foam are resilient and elastic materials that have a closed pore structure, are produced in rolls, sheets or in finished product... They have high properties of resistance to moisture and aggressive environment - alkali, acid, oil, oil products. Easy installation in any structure, has environmental safety when applied. The main disadvantages include poor resistance to direct sunlight and ease of ignition. When choosing, you need to know whether the material has the necessary technical characteristics for your case. What are your goals? To exclude extra costs and buying cheap waste material.