Closed cell polyethylene foam guide


Closed cell foam, is a Polyethylene chemically cross linked foam which is very strong and resilient. It can have varying degrees of hardness depending on how dense it is. The term cell refers to the individual pockets of air or bubbles. As the name "closed cell" implies, the cells are completely closed off from each other.

Closed cell foam has many industrial and commercial applications, it is shock absorbing, suitable for packaging, waterproof (and therefore suitable as a buoyancy aid), can be used as thermal insulation and for various padding/matting such as kneeling pads and camping mats.

Acoustic foam can also be closed cell, but is more commonly open cell.

    Other attributes of closed cell foam are:

  • Resistant to mildew, mould and bacteria.
  • Resistant to grease/oil.
  • Temperature resistant between -60c and 90c.
  • Lightweight
  • Flexible
  • Waterproof
Closed cell polyethylene foam example


Closed cell foam, image taken from easyfoam.co.uk