MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Polyethylene foam, closed-cell, various thicknesses (5mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm)

Gasket & Filler
synthetic › Foam › Gasket & Filler
syntheticfoaminsulationgasketclosed-cellpolyethylenethermal-barrierexpansion-joint
ATLAS CODE
SYN-FOM-GKT-001
Polyethylene foam, closed-cell, various thicknesses (5mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm)
Category synthetic
Material Family Foam
Regulatory Status Combustible
Density
32-144 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
Not available kgCO2e/kg
Fire Class
Combustible
Description

Closed-cell polyethylene (PE) foam is a versatile synthetic material characterized by its fine cellular structure with >90% closed cells. This lightweight, resilient foam offers excellent resistance to water, chemicals, and weather conditions. Available in multiple densities and thicknesses, it provides effective thermal insulation, vibration damping, and serves as an ideal material for expansion joints, gaskets, and sill plates in construction applications.

Typical Uses
  • Thermal insulation for walls, ceilings, roofs, and pipes
  • Expansion joint filler (backer rod) in concrete and masonry
  • Sill plate gaskets between foundation and framing
  • Vibration damping and sound insulation
  • Packaging and cushioning material
  • Weatherstripping and draft exclusion
  • Pipe insulation and lagging
Embodied Carbon Not available kgCO2e/kg
Embodied Energy Not available MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Excellent water resistance with minimal absorptionWide service temperature rangeGood thermal insulation propertiesLightweight and easy to handleChemical and weather resistantNon-toxic and safe to handleAvailable in various densities and thicknessesCan be adhesive-backed for easy installation
Cautions
Not fire retardant in standard formRequires thermal barrier for interior applicationsLimited UV resistance without treatmentCan compress permanently under sustained loadsEnvironmental data not widely availablePetroleum-based product
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES SYN-FOM-GKT-001
Density (Dry) 32-144 kg/m³
Porosity >90 % closed cells
Water Absorption 0.2-0.3 %
Compressive Strength 90 kPa
Tensile Strength 483 kPa
Flexural Strength Not specified MPa
Abrasion Resistance Not specified mg/1000 cycles
Thermal Conductivity 0.042 W/m·K
Thermal Resistance Not specified m²·K/W

Polyethylene foam technology developed in the mid-20th century as part of the plastics revolution. Cross-linked polyethylene foam was introduced in the 1960s, offering improved mechanical properties. The material has evolved with advances in blowing agents, moving from CFCs to more environmentally friendly alternatives with zero ozone depletion potential.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION SYN-FOM-GKT-001
Flame Spread Index <75
Combustibility Class Combustible
Fire Resistance Rating Not rated hours
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) Not available kgCO2e/kg
Embodied Energy Not available MJ/kg
EPD Available No
VOC Emissions Not specified μg/m³
Required Tools
Utility knife or hot wire cutterMeasuring tapeAdhesive (if not pre-backed)Wide-head plastic fasteners (for mechanical attachment)
Certifications Required
No special certification required for basic installation
Weather Limitations
Can be installed in most weather conditionsAdhesive-backed versions require dry conditions
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY SYN-FOM-GKT-001
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Certifications Held
GREENGUARD certification available for some products
Fire Code Compliance
Flame spread index <75Smoke developed index <450
Standards Compliance
Must comply with IBC 2603.3 for foam plastic insulationRequires thermal barrier (½" gypsum) for interior applicationsASTM D3575 - Standard Test Methods for Flexible Cellular MaterialsASTM C177 - Thermal Conductivity TestingASTM D1056 - Standard Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: SYN-FOM-GKT-001 Schema: v3.0
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