IXPE, fully named Irradiation Cross-linked Polyethylene Foam, is a high-performance, eco-friendly closed-cell foam material. It is widely recognized in modern industries for its stable physical properties, excellent cushioning performance, heat insulation capability and environmental advantages. Different from chemically cross-linked XPE foam, IXPE adopts advanced electron-beam irradiation cross-linking technology, making its molecular structure more uniform and comprehensive.

1. Foaming Principle of IXPE

The production of IXPE foam consists of three core procedures: extrusion, electron irradiation cross-linking, and high-temperature foaming.

First, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin is mixed with environmentally friendly foaming agents and auxiliary materials. The mixture is melted and extruded into a flat sheet through an extruder at a constant temperature.

Second, the extruded PE sheet passes through an electron accelerator. High-energy electron beams irradiate the polyethylene molecular chains, break partial chemical bonds, and trigger molecular recombination. This process forms a stable three-dimensional network cross-linked structure without adding any chemical cross-linking agents. This irradiation cross-linking technology is green, non-toxic and residue-free.

Finally, the cross-linked sheet is sent to a high-temperature foaming furnace. Under continuous high-temperature conditions, the internal foaming agents expand stably and form uniform, independent closed-cell pores. After cooling and shaping, the finished IXPE foam sheet with smooth surface and consistent density is obtained.

2. Core Technical Parameters

IXPE foam features stable and adjustable technical indicators to meet diverse industrial requirements. The mainstream standard parameters are listed as follows:

- Density: 25–330 kg/m³ (customizable for soft and hard grades)

- Thickness: 0.5–15 mm for single layer; 1–80 mm for multi-layer composite

- Foaming multiple: 3–40 times

- Hardness: Shore C 30–70 degrees (common industrial grade: 45–55°C)

- Thermal conductivity: ≤0.06–0.09 W/(m·K), offering outstanding thermal insulation

- Cell structure: Uniform independent closed-cell structure, waterproof and dustproof

- Tensile strength and resilience: High tensile resistance, excellent compression resilience, not easy to deform permanently

- Environmental performance: Non-toxic, odorless, RoHS compliant, fully recyclable

3. Main Applications of IXPE Foam

Benefiting from its closed-cell structure, shock absorption, heat insulation, sound insulation and moisture-proof properties, IXPE foam covers multiple fields:

Packaging Industry

It serves as buffer packaging and inner lining for electronic products, hardware accessories, and precision instruments. It effectively resists collision, compression and vibration during transportation, protecting finished products from damage.

Building and Thermal Insulation

IXPE can be compounded with aluminum foil for roof, wall and floor thermal insulation. It reduces indoor temperature loss, realizes energy saving, and also provides sound absorption and noise reduction effects.

New Energy Industry

It is widely used as insulation and shockproof materials for new energy vehicle interiors, battery buffer gaskets, and photovoltaic auxiliary materials, thanks to its high temperature resistance and stable insulation performance.

Daily Necessities and Sports Goods

It is applied in yoga mats, floor mats, shoe materials, and sports protective gear. The material is soft, skin-friendly, non-slip and durable.

Industrial Auxiliary Materials

It can be processed through die-cutting, slitting, laminating and gluing to produce various customized gaskets, shockproof pads and sealing strips for mechanical and electronic equipment.

Conclusion

As a high-end upgraded version of PE foam materials, IXPE foam achieves stable cross-linking structure through physical irradiation technology. With reliable technical parameters, environmental safety and versatile adaptability, it has gradually replaced traditional foam materials and become an indispensable functional material in packaging, construction, new energy and consumer goods industries.