Phenolic Foam vs PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)
Polymer · grade comparison
Phenolic Foam and PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) are both polymer grades. PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) against 0.15 MPa (0.0218 ksi) for Phenolic Foam, about 3.7 times as much. PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 2% for Phenolic Foam. Phenolic Foam is lighter (0.05 g/cm³ vs 0.1 g/cm³ for PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)) and Phenolic Foam is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, Phenolic Foam machines more easily (excellent vs very good) and PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) welds better (very good vs not recommended).
Phenolic FoamChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Phenolic Foam vs PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell): propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Phenolic FoamPVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Phenolic Foam | PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Phenolic Foam vs PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) — frequently asked
Is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) stronger than Phenolic Foam?
Yes. PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) has a typical tensile strength of 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) against 0.15 MPa (0.0218 ksi) for Phenolic Foam — about 3.7 times as much.
Which is cheaper, Phenolic Foam or PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Phenolic Foam or PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)?
Phenolic Foam. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against very good (78/100) for PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell); for welding the order is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) first (very good, 70/100) then Phenolic Foam (not recommended, 1/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Phenolic Foam and PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.