PE FOAMING : FOAMING SUSTAIN IBILITY

摘要

Polyethylene is one of the polymer of choice in the foam market. In this paper will be discussed the various properties necessary for the manufacture of a good quality foam. And a particular focus will be on LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and EVA (Etylene Vinyl Acetate copolymer). We will illustrate the superior properties of EVA and LDPE versus the other types of Polyethylene such as LLDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) in the foaming process. We will give an overview of the different technologies existing to produce foam. We will get into the details of the molecular structure of the polymers to explain what are the parameters of choice and the analytical techniques that are the most appropriate in the understanding of the foaming process. EVA and LDPE are two polymers which can be used in either crosslinked or non-crosslinked foam. We will give an overview of the crosslinking techniques used in the crosslinked foam. Final foam applications will be briefly illustrated.