Flame Retardant Polyethylene Foam Sheets
Introduction to Flame Retardant Materials
Flame-retardant materials play a crucial role in enhancing safety by reducing the risk of fire and limiting its spread. In the world of polyethylene foams, the integration of flame-retardant additives transforms standard foam into a material with superior fire resistance. Closed-cell polyethylene foam stands out for its unique closed-cell structure, which not only contributes to its durability and high density but also provides a smooth surface that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By incorporating flame-retardant additives, these foams gain an extra layer of protection, making them an ideal choice for environments where fire safety is a priority. The result is a versatile material that combines the inherent benefits of polyethylene—such as lightweight strength and resilience—with enhanced resistance to flames, making it suitable for a wide range of demanding applications.
Flame Retardant Polyethylene Sheets
Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd are a leading UK supplier of Flame Retardant Polyethylene materials and products, and has a massive onsite storage facility enabling us to stock blocks ‘buns’ of polyethylene, in a range of densities, ready for conversion.
Other names sometimes used to describe this material are flame retardant block foam, FR-PE foam, Flame retardant polyethylene sponge or LDPE-FR (low density Polyethylene) foam. Sheets of flame-retardant polyethylene foam are split from 2 metre x 1 metre-sized blocks of raw material using our state-of-the-art splitting machines, which can quickly and accurately produce flame-retardant polyethylene foam sheets in any thickness, starting from as little as 1.5mm, supplied in a choice of 1 metre or 2 metre lengths. Flame-retardant polyethylene foam is available in sheet form for a wide range of applications.
Alternatively, the blocks can be joined and split down into rolls 10 metres long or more, which can then be cut down into the desired-sized polyethylene foam sheets by us, the customer or the end user as and when required.
As ASG offers in-house conversion and lamination services, we can not only split materials down, but also laminate layers together to produce non-standard thicknesses or composite sheets using layers of different materials, and apply self-adhesives or foil facings.
Our facilities house a number of presses, log cutters, strippers, bandsaws, CNC machines and coaters, which can be used to produce a number of Flame Retardant Polyethylene foam products, including gaskets, washers, strips, pads and fabrications, all of which can be cut from flame retardant polyethylene foam sheets. The foam can be cut, laminated, and formed into a variety of shapes to meet specific application needs.
For information on Flame Retardant Polyethylene Sheets, please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555. For further details on flame-retardant polyethylene foam sheets and their applications, please contact us or visit our website.
Product Enquiry
For information on Flame Retardant Polyethylene Foam Sheets please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Characteristics Of Flame Retardant Polyethylene Foam
- Colours: Anthracite
- Density: 25kg - 100Kg (available in various densities to suit different application requirements)
- Grades Available: standard, flame retardant, EEV, EVA, Conductive, anti-static, high density, low density
- Cell Structure: closed cell
- Temperature Range: -60℃ - +90℃
Complete technical data for our flame-retardant polyethylene foam can be supplied on request.
What Are Flame Retardant Polyethylene Foam Sheets?
Flame Retardant Polyethylene (which is used to create flame-retardant polyethylene foam sheets), as with other polyethylene foams, is a chemically cross-linked foam, part of the thermoplastic foam family, which has a small, uniform, closed-cell structure created by the foaming process, resulting in a high-quality, lightweight material. Flame-retardant polyethylene foam sheets are a type of closed-cell foam, providing excellent water resistance and rigidity. Closed-cell foam differs from open-cell foam in that its cells are completely enclosed, making it more suitable for insulation, packaging, flotation, and impact absorption. In contrast, open-cell foam is softer, more flexible, and less water resistant, and is often used where airflow or sound absorption is needed.
Flame-retardant polyethylene is manufactured using the same compound composition as standard PE, but with the addition of a flame-retardant additive. Flame Retardant Polyethylene offers a number of excellent characteristics and properties, as well as being available in a variety of other grades (standard, EEV, EVA, Conductive and Anti-static), with each grade offering specific properties such as fire retardancy or high density to meet industry standards and safety requirements. Densities in which flame-retardant polyethylene foam sheets can be produced include 25kg, 30kg, 45kg, 60kg and 100kg - the density of the foam is measured as the weight or mass of the foam across its entire volume or within a cubic meter (m3).
The denser the foam, the heavier and more compact the material is; this can affect its properties and performance. Flame Retardant Polyethylene foam sheets offer excellent dimensional stability, maintaining their shape and size under varying temperatures and pressures. Flame Retardant Polyethene foam is manufactured in 2-meter x 1-meter blocks that can be easily split into polyethene foam sheets, which can be taken whole or cut into finished usable parts such as strips, gaskets, washers, or pads.
Why Use Flame Retardant Polyethylene Foam Sheets?
Polyethylene foam can be manufactured in several grades and densities, offering various properties so that these polyethylene foam sheets can be used in different applications. All Polyethylene foam materials share the same standard set of properties, which are a low compression set, resistance to water, oils, chemicals and weather, with additives being added to the raw compound resulting in the creation of additional specific properties, such as flame resistance, which is essential for safety in industrial applications.
Flame Retardant Polyethylene is just one example, meaning during the compounding process, the fire retardant additive is added, which causes the material to burn more slowly or even self-extinguish when exposed to open flames, both of which help reduce the spread of the fire. This fire-retardant foam is specifically designed to provide flame-retardant performance, helping meet fire safety standards and making it suitable for use in environments where fire safety compliance is required. The flame-retardant properties of this material make it ideal for applications where slowing or preventing combustion is critical.
As a closed-cell material, flame-retardant PE sheets exhibit good tear resistance, making them resilient and easy to cut with various tools and processes. As well as the fire retardant properties, these polyethylene foam sheets have further characteristics and properties which make the material so desirable, these include resistance to wear, UV and Ozone exposure, a smooth surface which will not support the growth of mould or fungus and an operating temperature range of -60°C to +90°C. The foam maintains its properties even at high temperatures.
Flame-retardant polyethylene foam sheets also offer excellent mechanical characteristics, including noise and vibration control, and can be used for thermal insulation, filling gaps and irregularities between surfaces, reducing unwanted noise and used in the production of seals. Fire retardant foam is designed to slow burning and self-extinguish, making it suitable for both thermal and acoustic insulation. Sheets of material are often preferred when only a small amount is required, or a small number of components are to be cut, which saves the customer money and reduces waste. It is also easier to transport and store. Like other sealing materials, these foam sheets are used to fill gaps and irregularities, providing effective sealing and insulation.
Advantages Of Using Flame Retardant Polyethylene Foam Sheets
Sheets of polyethylene can be supplied in various grades, so customers benefit from having a choice and a number of properties allowing the material to be utilised in numerous industries and applications, from dust seals and flame-retardant gaskets to theatre and production props.
Flame-retardant polyethylene foam is an artificial material, with a closed cell structure, which can be used in applications to seal liquid, gas and dust particles. The closed-cell structure makes the foam highly resistant to water and other liquids, making it ideal for applications demanding liquid resistance. It has high resistance to wear and tear, Ozone, and UV, resilience to impact, and a working temperature range of -60°C to +90°C. Its rigid nature contributes to its durability and support, making it suitable for demanding environments. It also offers excellent mechanical characteristics, including noise and vibration control, for shock absorption and can be used for thermal insulation. Unlike polyurethane foam, flame-retardant polyethylene foam provides superior water resistance and rigidity for specific applications.
The addition of the flame-retardant additive during compounding also gives these polyethene foam sheets self-extinguishing and slower-burning properties, making them excellent for use where there is a risk of fire, as they help reduce the spread of flames.
Flame-retardant polyethylene foam sheets are aesthetically pleasing, with a nice texture and are easy to fabricate, laminate and cut into parts using a range of techniques and processes for use within the theatrics, building and construction, HVAC, automotive, packaging and sports industries.
Types Of Polyethylene Available
Having a network of manufacturers and suppliers allows ASG to offer a full range of polyethylene materials, many of which are readily available from stock for a quick turnaround. Below is just a selection of some of our popular polyethylene material types we can offer:
- Polyethylene (Block foam)
- Alveo
- Anti static
- Ethafoam
- Eva foam
- Chemically cross-linked
- Plastazote
- Stratocell
Manufacturing and Properties
The production of flame-retardant polyethylene foam begins with the careful blending of flame-retardant additives into the polyethylene base. This process often involves chemical cross-linking, which further improves the foam’s structural integrity and performance. The resulting closed-cell structure is key to the foam’s outstanding thermal, sound, and shock-absorption properties. High-density variants offer even greater durability and resistance to wear, while the closed-cell design ensures superior water resistance and buoyancy. These characteristics make flame-retardant polyethylene foam an excellent choice for products like pool noodles and crash pads, where both safety and performance are essential. Additionally, the foam’s resistance to chemicals and grease, combined with its ability to maintain its properties across a range of densities and thicknesses, ensures it meets the rigorous demands of various industries. Whether used for insulation, padding, or protective applications, this material delivers reliable performance and long-lasting resistance.
Benefits Of Using Polyethylene Foam
- Lightweight, strong & durable
- Good impact and shock-absorbing properties
- Flame-retardant polyethylene foam sheets are water repellent, water resistant, and buoyant.
- Excellent chemical, solvent, grease and fluid resistance
- Sound thermal and acoustic insulation
- Flame-retardant properties reduce the spread of flames
- Polyethylene foam sheets are easy to cut, convert & shape, and can be fabricated into a wide variety of shapes for different uses
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Applications and Uses
Flame-retardant polyethylene foam is valued across a diverse array of industries for its adaptability and robust set of properties. Its lightweight, flexible, and non-absorbent nature makes it particularly well-suited for packaging solutions, where protection from moisture and chemicals is essential. In the construction and automotive sectors, the foam’s ease of lamination, cutting to shape, and self-adhesive backing enable the production of custom gaskets, pads, and sound-absorption panels tailored to specific requirements. The material’s smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish and resistance to bacteria further enhance its appeal for applications such as kneeling pads and other protective gear. Thanks to its resilience in extreme temperatures and its compatibility with various materials, flame-retardant polyethene foam is also used in environments where safety and hygiene are paramount. Whether providing extra support, sound insulation, or fire resistance, this versatile foam remains a reliable choice for manufacturers seeking high-performance solutions across a wide range of applications.
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