EPE FR (Flame-retardant EPE)
Flame-retardant grade
Specify the flame-retardant version (UL94 V-2 / GB 8624 B1) for rail transit interiors, building linings and electrical cabinet padding with fire requirements.
Values for the FR condition
Other EPE grades and fills
EPE is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at EPE.
Compare all 6 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low density foam, 12–18 kg/m³ | Pick the 12–18 kg/m³ foam for lightweight void fill and surface scratch wrapping: lowest cost per unit weight, but limited cushioning load capacity. | — | 0.15 | 70 | 6 Shore A |
FRThis page Flame-retardant EPE | Specify the flame-retardant version (UL94 V-2 / GB 8624 B1) for rail transit interiors, building linings and electrical cabinet padding with fire requirements. | — | 0.22 | 65 | 12 Shore A |
Conductive (carbon-loaded) EPE, 10^4–10^6 Ω | Use the carbon-loaded conductive foam for component trays and liners that need a discharge path at 10^4–10^6 Ω; accept carbon rub-off and higher cost. | — | 0.28 | 70 | 13 Shore A |
Medium density foam, 28–35 kg/m³ | Choose the 28–35 kg/m³ foam for moulded or routed inserts holding medium-weight products, balancing load bearing against rebound. | — | 0.3 | 95 | 12 Shore A |
High density foam, 45–60 kg/m³ | Pick the 45–60 kg/m³ foam for repeated-drop protection of heavy appliances and electromechanical products — highest load bearing, at higher material cost. | — | 0.5 | 110 | 22 Shore A |
Cross-linked PE foam | Choose the cross-linked (XPE/IXPE) foam when you need fine cell structure, smooth surface, low compression set and thermoformability; it costs about 2–4× the non-crosslinked foam. | — | 0.5 | 130 | — |
What is EPE FR?
EPE FR is EPE in the FR grade — specify the flame-retardant version (UL94 V-2 / GB 8624 B1) for rail transit interiors, building linings and electrical cabinet padding with fire requirements. EPE FR has a tensile strength of 0.22 MPa (0.0319 ksi), weaker than 96% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 65% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (2.61×10⁻⁴ Msi). EPE FR has a density of 0.03 g/cm³ (0.001 lb/in³), lighter than 96% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -110°C (-166 °F).
Advantages
- Lightweight — 0.03 g/cm³ (0.001 lb/in³), better than 96% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 2.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 84% of polymer grades
- Forms and bends easily — 85/100, better than 81% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 0 GPa (2.61×10⁻⁴ Msi), worse than 96% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.04 W/m·K (0.0225 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 88% of polymer grades
- Limited service temperature — 70°C (158 °F), worse than 77% of polymer grades
- Degrades in UV without stabilisers — 25/100, worse than 76% of polymer grades
EPE FR properties
Typical room-temperature values for EPE FR; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are EPE reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical4
EPE FR has a density of 0.03 g/cm³ (0.001 lb/in³), lighter than 96% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -110°C (-166 °F).
Mechanical8
EPE FR has a tensile strength of 0.22 MPa (0.0319 ksi), weaker than 96% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 65% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (2.61×10⁻⁴ Msi).
Thermal8
EPE FR is rated for continuous service to 70°C (158 °F). It conducts heat at 0.04 W/m·K (0.0225 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 88% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 180 µm/m·K (100 µin/in·°F).
Electrical6
EPE FR is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 2.5 kV/mm (63.5 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 65% of polymer grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of EPE FR takes about 90 MJ of energy and emits 2.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 75% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability5
EPE FR's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 84% of polymer grades); weldability good (60/100); formability excellent (85/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with EPE FR
Is EPE easy to machine?
Cut with hot wire, bandsaw, steel-rule die or waterjet. CNC routing needs a sharp single-flute cutter with vacuum hold-down, fast feed and moderate spindle speed to avoid melting and smearing.
Can EPE be welded?
Hot-air gun or hot-plate fusion and hot-melt adhesive both work well, and multiple sheets can be welded into thick blocks. Solvent bonding is ineffective; corona or flame treatment is needed before conventional adhesives.
Can EPE be formed, bent or molded?
After extrusion foaming, allow 1-3 days of ageing to degas. Non-cross-linked sheet can be hot-pressed, grooved and coil-formed; cross-linked XPE can be vacuum or compression thermoformed into complex liners.
What surface finishes work on EPE?
Screen printing and heat transfer are possible after corona treatment, and sheet can be laminated with metallised or PE film, die-cut and grooved. No plating, and avoid solvent-based paints, which attack the cell structure.
EPE chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| physical blowing agent (butane/pentane rgradually replaced by air after foaming; requires curing | 0.2 – 3 | 1 |
| talc (nucleating agent) | 0.3 – 2 | 1 |
| glycerol monostearate / permeability & aantistatic grades add agent; conductive add 3–8 % carbon black | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.2 |
| colour masterbatch / FR additive (option | 0 – 10 | 0 |
| ethylene (LDPE base resin)LDPE; some formulations add LLDPE/EVA for toughness | ≥ 92 (balance) | — |
EPE FR — frequently asked
What is EPE FR used for?
EPE FR is typically used for protective packaging cushioning, thermal/acoustic insulation liner, floor underlayment and shock-absorbing case inserts. In short: lightest PE cushioning form; low-cost protective packaging; closed-cell, moisture resistant.
What is the tensile strength of EPE FR?
EPE FR has a typical tensile strength of 0.22 MPa (0.0319 ksi) — weaker than 96% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is EPE FR easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 84% of polymer grades). Cut with hot wire, bandsaw, steel-rule die or waterjet. CNC routing needs a sharp single-flute cutter with vacuum hold-down, fast feed and moderate spindle speed to avoid melting and smearing.
Can EPE FR be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Hot-air gun or hot-plate fusion and hot-melt adhesive both work well, and multiple sheets can be welded into thick blocks. Solvent bonding is ineffective; corona or flame treatment is needed before conventional adhesives.
What surface finishes work on EPE FR?
Screen printing and heat transfer are possible after corona treatment, and sheet can be laminated with metallised or PE film, die-cut and grooved. No plating, and avoid solvent-based paints, which attack the cell structure.
Can EPE FR be formed, bent or molded?
After extrusion foaming, allow 1-3 days of ageing to degas. Non-cross-linked sheet can be hot-pressed, grooved and coil-formed; cross-linked XPE can be vacuum or compression thermoformed into complex liners.
What is the maximum service temperature of EPE FR?
EPE FR is rated for continuous use to about 70°C (158 °F), and briefly to 90°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM D3575 Flexible Cellular Materials Made from Olefin Polymers — ASTM (2020)
- Polyethylene foam (Cell-Aire / Ethafoam) product data — Sealed Air / DuPont (2022)
- Alveolit / Alveolen cross-linked PE foam data sheets — Sekisui Alveo (2023)
- Handbook of Polymeric Foams and Foam Technology — Hanser (2004)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.