XPP
GB GB/T 25325
XPP is a continuously extruded closed-cell polypropylene foam sheet and board tested to ASTM D3575 and GB/T 25325, distinct from bead-molded EPP.
Reference datasheet — XPP is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the D60 condition
XPP grades and fills
XPP is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. D60 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 7 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XPP-30 | Choose for light cushioning and insulation where minimum weight is the priority and loads are small; the 0.006 GPa modulus limits any load-bearing use. | 0.3 | 30 | ||
Flame-retardant grade | Pick for rail-vehicle and appliance liners required to meet UL 94 HF-1 or GB 8624 B1, usually via a halogen-free phosphorus system; service temperature is capped at 95 °C. | 0.55 | 18 | ||
Carbon-black conductive grade | Choose the carbon-black grade when genuinely conductive shielding packaging at 10⁴–10⁶ Ω is needed to ship sensitive devices; colour is fixed black and tensile strength falls to 0.55 MPa. | 0.55 | 15 | ||
Antistatic / dissipative grade | Use for electronic-component cushions and returnable-box liners that must dissipate static charge, holding 0.06 g/cm³ density and 0.6 MPa tensile strength. | 0.6 | 22 | ||
D60Default XPP-60 | Use as the default density for general cushioning, thermoformed liners and light sandwich cores, balancing 0.65 MPa tensile strength against a 0.015 GPa modulus. | 0.65 | 25 | ||
XPP-90 | Pick for heavy-duty packaging and tooling trays that need higher bearing load and dent resistance; the 0.09 g/cm³ density adds weight and cost over the standard board. | 1 | 22 | ||
XPP-130 | Choose as a composite sandwich core co-pressed with GF/PP skins, where the 0.038 GPa modulus and shear strength are highest; 130 kg/m³ is the heaviest and least compliant option. | 2 | 18 |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways XPP is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
SKIN | Co-extruded/laminated skinned board | Surface finish |
FDA | Food-contact / clean grade | Certification |
UV | UV/heat stabilized grade | Grade option |
What is XPP?
XPP is a continuously extruded closed-cell polypropylene foam sheet and board tested to ASTM D3575 and GB/T 25325, distinct from bead-molded EPP. Engineers use it for structural cores and thermoformed parts because it offers higher stiffness and heat resistance than PE foam; the 0.06 g/cm3 reference grade gives 0.65 MPa tensile strength, 25 % elongation, 0.015 GPa modulus, 0.038 W/m-K conductivity and 100 C maximum service. Elongation is low, so it is less forgiving in deep draws, and it cannot be steam-molded into complex 3D shapes. EPP bead foam is the alternative for molded energy-absorbing parts. XPP has a density of 0.06 g/cm³ (0.0022 lb/in³), lighter than 88% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -10°C (14 °F). XPP has a tensile strength of 0.65 MPa (0.0943 ksi), weaker than 86% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 0.02 GPa (0.0022 Msi).
What is XPP used for?
- lightweight structural core panels
- thermoformed packaging trays
- automotive underbody shields
- construction insulation boards
- reusable container panels
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 92/100, better than 91% of polymer grades
- Lightweight — 0.06 g/cm³ (0.0022 lb/in³), better than 88% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 2.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Forms and bends easily — 85/100, better than 81% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 0.04 W/m·K (0.022 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 90% of polymer grades
- Low stiffness — 0.02 GPa (0.0022 Msi), worse than 77% of polymer grades
- Degrades in UV without stabilisers — 25/100, worse than 76% of polymer grades
XPP properties
Typical room-temperature values for XPP-D60; bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical5
XPP has a density of 0.06 g/cm³ (0.0022 lb/in³), lighter than 88% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -10°C (14 °F).
Mechanical12
XPP has a tensile strength of 0.65 MPa (0.0943 ksi), weaker than 86% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 0.02 GPa (0.0022 Msi).
Thermal8
XPP is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 0.04 W/m·K (0.022 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 90% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 90 µm/m·K (50 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
XPP has an electrical resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (92/100), better than 91% of polymer grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of XPP takes about 85 MJ of energy and emits 2.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 79% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability6
XPP's machinability is good (60/100, better than 51% of polymer grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability excellent (85/100).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the polymer family
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade FabDigit runs. XPP is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with XPP
Is XPP easy to machine?
Hot knife or hot wire, die cutting, waterjet and high-speed CNC milling all work. For milling use sharp single-flute cutters at high spindle speed and low feed to prevent melting and chip welding.
Can XPP be welded?
PP-to-PP joints can be made by hot-plate, hot-air or ultrasonic welding. Double-sided tape and hot-melt adhesive are also used; flame or corona treatment first raises surface energy.
Can XPP be formed, bent or molded?
Sheet softens at about 150-165 C for vacuum or pressure thermoforming and can be press-laminated with GF-PP skins into sandwich panels. Unlike EPP beads it cannot be steam-molded into complex three-dimensional parts.
XPP 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 |
|---|---|---|
| talc / nucleating agent | 0.3 – 3 | 1 |
| physical blowing agent residue (CO2 / n- | 0.1 – 2 | 0.5 |
| cell-size regulator, antioxidant, proces | 0.2 – 1.5 | 0.5 |
| optional flame retardant (halogen-free PFR variant only | 0 – 12 | 0 |
| optional carbon black / antistatCN / ESD variants only | 0 – 8 | 0 |
| polypropylene (high melt strength homopo | ≥ 90 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on XPP?
Surface energy is low, so corona or plasma treatment plus a PP-specific primer is required before painting or printing. Co-extruded PP film or laminated nonwoven facings give a finished surface directly.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to XPP in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- GB (China)
- GB/T 25325
- Similar grades
- D3575
How much does XPP cost?
XPP is a premium-cost polymer ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
XPP — frequently asked
What is XPP used for?
XPP is typically used for lightweight structural core panels, thermoformed packaging trays, automotive underbody shields, construction insulation boards and reusable container panels. In short: stiffest extruded polyolefin foam; 100 C service temperature; thermoformable board stock.
What is the tensile strength of XPP?
XPP has a typical tensile strength of 0.65 MPa (0.0943 ksi) — weaker than 86% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is XPP easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, better than 51% of polymer grades). Hot knife or hot wire, die cutting, waterjet and high-speed CNC milling all work. For milling use sharp single-flute cutters at high spindle speed and low feed to prevent melting and chip welding.
Can XPP be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). PP-to-PP joints can be made by hot-plate, hot-air or ultrasonic welding. Double-sided tape and hot-melt adhesive are also used; flame or corona treatment first raises surface energy.
What surface finishes work on XPP?
Surface energy is low, so corona or plasma treatment plus a PP-specific primer is required before painting or printing. Co-extruded PP film or laminated nonwoven facings give a finished surface directly.
Can XPP be formed, bent or molded?
Sheet softens at about 150-165 C for vacuum or pressure thermoforming and can be press-laminated with GF-PP skins into sandwich panels. Unlike EPP beads it cannot be steam-molded into complex three-dimensional parts.
What is the maximum service temperature of XPP?
XPP is rated for continuous use to about 100°C (212 °F), and briefly to 130°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does XPP cost?
XPP is a premium-cost polymer ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM D3575 Standard Test Methods for Flexible Cellular Materials Made from Olefin Polymers — ASTM International (2020)
- UL 94 Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials (HBF/HF-1 foam classes) — UL (2023)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- High melt strength PP foam sheet technical data (extruded PP foam producers) — various (Borealis/JSP/Sekisui-type suppliers) (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.