PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD (High-density sponge)
Supply condition
ASTM D1667
Use where abrasion, edge durability and high sealing force matter more than softness.
Values for the HD condition
Other PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) grades and fills
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell).
Compare all 7 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low-density cushioning foam | Cheapest per volume; use for packaging cushioning and light dust seals, not for load bearing. | — | 0.25 | 170 | 5 Shore A |
Type 1 soft / low compression-deflection | Choose when very low closure force is needed on thin sheet metal or plastic housings. | — | 0.35 | 180 | 8 Shore A |
Flame-retardant grade | Required for rail, transit, automotive interior and electrical enclosure sealing. | — | 0.5 | 130 | 18 Shore A |
T2-MEDDefault Type 2 medium density / medium firmness | General-purpose gasket and cushioning grade balancing sealing force and compressibility. | — | 0.55 | 150 | 15 Shore A |
Vinyl-nitrile blend | Pick when oil, fuel and grease contact or better low-temperature flexibility is required. | — | 0.7 | 160 | 20 Shore A |
Type 3 firm / high compression-deflection | For load-bearing pads, anti-vibration mounts and gaskets on rigid bolted flanges. | — | 1 | 110 | 30 Shore A |
HDThis page High-density sponge | Use where abrasion, edge durability and high sealing force matter more than softness. | — | 1 | 100 | 38 Shore A |
What is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD?
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) supplied in the HD condition — use where abrasion, edge durability and high sealing force matter more than softness. PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD has a tensile strength of 1 MPa (0.203 ksi), weaker than 85% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 100% and the elastic modulus is 0.01 GPa (0.0012 Msi). PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD has a density of 0.34 g/cm³ (0.0123 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -30°C (-22 °F). T2-MED is the default condition FabDigit quotes; HD is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades
- Lightweight — 0.34 g/cm³ (0.0123 lb/in³), better than 84% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 81% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Absorbs moisture — dry before molding — 2%, worse than 97% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.06 W/m·K (0.0347 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 84% of polymer grades
- Low stiffness — 0.01 GPa (0.0012 Msi), worse than 82% of polymer grades
- Limited service temperature — 70°C (158 °F), worse than 77% of polymer grades
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD properties
Typical room-temperature values for PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD; 17 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical4
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD has a density of 0.34 g/cm³ (0.0123 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -30°C (-22 °F).
Mechanical10
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD has a tensile strength of 1 MPa (0.203 ksi), weaker than 85% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 100% and the elastic modulus is 0.01 GPa (0.0012 Msi).
Thermal8
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD is rated for continuous service to 70°C (158 °F). It conducts heat at 0.06 W/m·K (0.0347 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 84% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 80 µm/m·K (44.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD has an electrical resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (84/100), better than 58% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD takes about 75 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 91% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability4
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades); weldability good (62/100); formability very good (76/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD
Is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) easy to machine?
Steel-rule die cutting, kiss-cutting, waterjet and hot-wire/band-knife slitting all work; avoid high-speed routing which melts and smears the skin.
Can PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) be welded?
RF (dielectric) and hot-air welding are effective on PVC sponge; solvent (THF/cyclohexanone) and contact or acrylic PSA bonding are standard for splices.
Can PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as buns sliced to sheet, extruded strip or molded-in-place profiles; compression-mold or thermoform at 140–180 °C with generous cooling to avoid cell collapse.
What surface finishes work on PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)?
Skinned or split (open-face) surfaces available; laminate acrylic PSA, fabric or film for wear; printing/painting needs plasticizer-tolerant vinyl inks.
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) 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 |
|---|---|---|
| poly(vinyl chloride) resinsuspension/paste PVC, K-value 65–75 | 40 – 60 | 50 |
| plasticizer (DOP/DINP/DOTP)level sets softness and low-temperature flexibility | 20 – 40 | 30 |
| calcium carbonate filler | 0 – 20 | 10 |
| chemical blowing agent (azodicarbonamidecontrols cell size and density | 1 – 6 | 3 |
| Ca/Zn or Ba/Zn stabilizer + lubricant | 1 – 5 | 3 |
| nitrile rubber (NBR)only in vinyl-nitrile blends | 0 – 30 | 0 |
| flame retardant (Sb2O3 / ATH)FR grades only | 0 – 10 | 0 |
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD — frequently asked
What is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD used for?
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD is typically used for weatherstripping and gaskets, marine seals, cushioning pads and flotation inserts. In short: low-cost closed-cell gasket foam; water-resistant cushioning; RF-weldable vinyl sponge.
What is the tensile strength of PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD?
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD has a typical tensile strength of 1 MPa (0.203 ksi) — weaker than 85% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 88% of polymer grades). Steel-rule die cutting, kiss-cutting, waterjet and hot-wire/band-knife slitting all work; avoid high-speed routing which melts and smears the skin.
Can PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (62/100). RF (dielectric) and hot-air welding are effective on PVC sponge; solvent (THF/cyclohexanone) and contact or acrylic PSA bonding are standard for splices.
What surface finishes work on PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD?
Skinned or split (open-face) surfaces available; laminate acrylic PSA, fabric or film for wear; printing/painting needs plasticizer-tolerant vinyl inks.
Can PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as buns sliced to sheet, extruded strip or molded-in-place profiles; compression-mold or thermoform at 140–180 °C with generous cooling to avoid cell collapse.
What is the maximum service temperature of PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD?
PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) HD is rated for continuous use to about 70°C (158 °F), and briefly to 95°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM D1667 — Flexible Cellular Materials, Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Foam (Closed-Cell) — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM D1056 — Flexible Cellular Materials, Sponge or Expanded Rubber — ASTM International (2020)
- Closed-cell PVC and vinyl-nitrile foam product data — Rubberlite / Monmouth Rubber & Plastics (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.