Plastazote (LD18) Polyethylene Foam

plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam

Plastazote (LD18) Polyethylene Foam

Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd work with a multitude of reputable material manufacturers and suppliers, enabling us to offer a range of materials in many grades, densities and colours.  One of the more popular materials includes various types of Polyethylene (PE) foam, one of which includes Plastazote foam (used to manufacture plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam) in an 18kg density or LD18 as it is more commonly referred to. 

This material is a closed-cell, cross-linked polyethene foam which is incredibly lightweight, and free from chemical agents which enable customers to use this material in highly sensitive environments. Plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam is manufactured and stocked in block form from which we can convert sheets and rolls of various thicknesses. 

As we offer in-house conversion and lamination services, we can not only split materials down, we can also laminate layers together and apply self-adhesives or foil facings.  Our onsite facilities consist of a number of presses, log cutters, strippers, bandsaws and CNC machines from which we can produce a number of plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam products including gaskets, washers, strips, pads and fabrications.

What is Plastazote (LD18) Polyethylene Foam?

Plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam is a type of cross-linked, closed-cell polyethylene foam, man-made using crude oil into which nitrogen is blown and the foam is expanded. This manufacturing process produces a tough and flexible material.  When the plastazote foam is compressed each nitrogen-filled cell acts like a balloon, causing the foam to bounce back to its original shape.

Being a closed-cell structure of plastazote means that plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam is impenetrable to air and moisture and will not allow liquids to pass through or be absorbed. Plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam like other polyethylene foams are manufactured in a range of densities for use in different applications. 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 have an effect on some of the properties of the material and how it performs.

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Material Enquiry

For information on Plastazote (LD18) Polyethylene Foam please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.






    Specification & Key Characteristics

    • Colours: Black and white as standard (red, blue, yellow and green, pink, etc) can be supplied upon request
    • Density: 18kg
    • Cell Structure: closed-cell
    • Tensile Strength: 299 kPa
    • Tensile Elongation: 110%
    • Tear Strength: 999 N/m
    • Temperature Range: -70℃ - +100℃
    • Flammability: FMVSS302 (13mm)

    Full technical data can be supplied upon request,
    or downloaded from our online portal.

    Material Specification Sheet

    Why use Plastazote (LD18) Polyethylene Foam?

    LD18 Plastazote foam is a very low-density foam that can be easily split, cut and shaped.  Even with such a low density, it still offers excellent compression following compression and impact. Plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam offers resistance to a range of chemicals, solvents, acids, alkalies and some oils, meaning it can be utilised in many applications. 

    All Plastazote materials, including LD18, are lightweight and free from chemical agents, therefore used in many ‘clean’ applications such as food, pharmaceutical and science.  LD18 offers great thermal properties and offers high levels of vibration and shock absorption for use as protective packaging or for cutting into gaskets and other seals.

    Advantages of using Plastazote (LD18) Polyethylene Foam

    Using plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam offers countless advantages and is highly utilised in numerous industries and applications,  Plastazote foam is a man-made material, designed to suit a range of requirements and is available in a choice of grades, densities and colours to suit.  LD18 is odourless, lightweight, buoyant, non-toxic and offers resistance to many oils, solvents, acids and alkalis.  

    Its closed-cell surface does not allow the absorption of liquids and is easy to keep clean, as well as being weatherproof and UV stable.  As plastazote foams are usually the preferred choice for protective packaging such as case inserts, the material has excellent recovery from repetitive impact and is highly energy absorbent, which also gives it good thermal insulation properties.  

    Using these materials for packaging and transporting goods offers customers cost-saving benefits as there is a reduction in damage to products whilst in transit or storage.

    Benefits of using Plastazote (LD18) Polyethylene Foam?

    • Lightweight & durable
    • Good impact and shock absorbing properties
    • plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam is water repellent and buoyant
    • Excellent chemical, oils, acids, alkalis and solvent resistance
    • Plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam has good thermal insulation
    • Non-toxic and low odour
    • Plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam is easy to cut, convert & shape

    Typical Applications for Plastazote Polyethylene Foam:

    LD18 Plastazote polyethylene foam is most commonly found used in packaging applications, being low-density LD18 can be easily cut and manipulated to fit around delicate or fragile products. Plastazote LD18 polyethylene foam can also be used within other applications including:

    • Making costumes or props
    • Displays
    • Used in the manufacture of sports equipment 
    • Water repellent and buoyant for use as floatation or buoyancy aids
    • Used for surface protection and components for medical and healthcare applications
    • Footwear lining
    • Electronics packaging

    Different Grades 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)
    • Anti-static
    • Ethafoam
    • Eva foam
    • Flame retardant
    • Chemically cross-linked 
    • Plastazote (densities from 15kg to 70kg)
    • Stratocell
    Have a Question about Plastazote (LD18) Polyethylene Foam ?

    Please contact us using the form below or by calling us on +44(0)1384 252555.