Therefore, EPE is very suitable for sensitive product packaging, such as luxury goods, auto parts, and personalized delicate packaging. It plays a decisive role in providing a positive customer experience in transportation and logistics.
The physical properties of EPE foam:
Closed cell, light weight, vibration energy absorption, impact resistance, high weight-to-strength ratio, high heat resistance, water resistance, oil resistance, resistance to various chemicals, insulation
The chemical properties of EPE foam:
Similar to most plastics, the form is (C₂H₄)nH₂. It is usually white, unless dyes or other colored pigments can be added during the melting process.
Based on the above two characteristics, 12 specific characteristics can be derived——
①Extremely flexible: Compared with other forms of foam, EPE foam is a very flexible material. Therefore, EPE can provide maximum protection for strangely shaped objects.
②Superior shock absorption: The closed-cell structure of EPE foam enables it to withstand and absorb a large amount of impact or pressure, and provides good cushioning for the objects it covers.
③ Easily restore shape: Another advantage of foamed polyethylene is that it can quickly restore its original shape after the pressure or impact source is removed. It cannot be broken, broken or broken.
④Chemical resistance: EPE foam has strong resistance to strong corrosive chemicals such as solvents, acids and alkalis. This makes it suitable to provide a barrier or shield to provide additional protection when storing and handling these chemicals.
⑤Waterproof/Moistureproof: The chemical structure of expanded polyethylene foam makes it almost impermeable. Therefore, EPE does not absorb water and is used as a waterproof protection for the material.
⑥ Antistatic: Some forms of EPE have strong antistatic ability, so dust and other tiny particles will not be attracted to its surface.
⑦Insulation performance: EPE foam has very low thermal conductivity, so it can provide the best thermal insulation effect.
⑧Non-toxic and food safe: EPE foam is tasteless and non-toxic, so it can be used for food packaging. It can also resist the growth of microorganisms and fungi on its surface.
⑨Easy to handle: EPE foam is quite easy to use. It is easy to cut, mold, shape and stick to other objects or itself. It can be easily molded into various objects without using expensive equipment or molds.
⑩Extremely light weight: Although very tough, EPE foam is very light, so it is easy to transport and handle. Due to this characteristic, it can be used in a variety of applications.
⑪Available temperature range: EPE foam can be used in a temperature range of 40 to 70 degrees without affecting its structure or any performance, so it is very suitable for various applications that require thermal or electrical insulation.
⑫Aesthetics: EPE foam can be dyed in a variety of colors, so it can be color-coded or purely aesthetic applications.
Compared with other materials, traditional or synthetic products, polyolefin materials have the least impact on the environment. Therefore, EPE is a kind of foam that is harmless to health, has no taste and no smell.
At the end of your project, EPE is easy to recycle, it can be melted multiple times and reshaped into new objects of various shapes. This is because its high heat resistance allows it to maintain its chemical structure even when it is subjected to high temperatures and becomes molten plastic. This is a very important feature of EPE, so it is allowed to be reused and recycled, washable and stackable to reduce the amount of plastic in the environment.
Most plastics are not biodegradable, and EPE is no exception. However, certain conditions can accelerate the degradation process of polyethylene. They include: moisture, oxygen, sunlight, composting and enhancing biodegradability by reducing hydrophobic polymers, as well as increasing hydrophilicity. However, EPE is still an environmentally friendly material.
Only the number of companies that provide recycled EPE is very limited, resulting in a very low global recycling rate. In order to prevent EPE waste from burning or adding to landfills, it is essential to recycle EPE or compact plastic, and melt it for recycling. Although this is a simple task, it is very glorious and outstanding for the earth and life.