2.8# EPE Foam
2.8# EPE Foam is a closed-cell expanded polyethylene foam with a nominal density of 2.8 pcf (45 g/l) and a compressive strength of 20.7 psi at 25% deflection. The foam delivers 70 psi tensile strength, 30% tensile elongation, and a maximum service temperature of 176°F, with water absorption below 5.0% by volume. Flammability passes FMVSS-302 at less than 4.0 in/min, and the material is qualified for fuel immersion per Coast Guard / Fuel B (33 CFR §183.114).
Key Properties
- Compressive Strength @ 25%: 20.7 psi (ASTM D3575)
- Tensile Strength: 70 psi (ASTM D3575)
- Tensile Elongation: 30% (ASTM D3575)
- Compression Set @ 50%: 12% (ASTM D3575)
- Density: 2.8 pcf (45 g/l) (ASTM D3575)
- Service Temperature (Max.): 176°F (ASTM D3575)
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Density (Grade) | 2.8 pcf (45 g/l) | ASTM D3575 |
| Color | Black | — |
| Material / Substrate | Expanded Polyethylene Foam | — |
| Buoyancy | 59.1 lbs/ft³ | ASTM D3575 |
| Water Absorption | < 5.0% (vol) / < 0.02 lb/ft² | ASTM D3575 / C272 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Compressive Strength @ 10% | 16.8 psi | ASTM D3575 |
| Compressive Strength @ 25% | 20.7 psi | ASTM D3575 |
| Compressive Strength @ 50% | 33.5 psi | ASTM D3575 |
| Compressive Strength @ 75% | 75.4 psi | ASTM D3575 |
| Compression Set @ 25% | 4% | ASTM D3575 |
| Compression Set @ 50% | 12% | ASTM D3575 |
| Tensile Strength | 70 psi | ASTM D3575 |
| Tensile Elongation | 30% | ASTM D3575 |
| Tear Strength | 21 lbs/in | ASTM D3575 |
| Compressive Creep (1,000 hr) | 3.0% @ 1.5 psi | ASTM D3575 |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.24 BTU·in/ft²·hr·°F | ASTM C177 |
| Thermal Resistance @ 70°F | 4.1 | ASTM C177 |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | 4.8 × 10⁻⁵ in/in/°F | ASTM D696 |
| Service Temperature (Max.) | 176°F | ASTM D3575 |
Flame & Fire Performance
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Flammability | Pass (< 4.0 in/min) | FMVSS-302 |
Chemical Resistance
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Chemical Resistance (1 hr exposure) | Pass | Various |
| Fuel Immersion (< 5% chg in vol) | Pass | Coast Guard; Fuel B per 33 CFR §183.114 |
Compliance
- FMVSS-302 — Compliant (Pass, < 4.0 in/min)
- 33 CFR §183.114 / Coast Guard Fuel B — Compliant (Fuel Immersion, < 5% chg in vol)
- Packaging cushioning and protective inserts
- Shipping pads for product protection
- Flooring underlayment
- Protective foam tape constructions
- Moisture barrier applications in construction
Common industries: packaging, shipping, construction, and converted-foam components.
2.8# EPE Foam is a closed-cell expanded polyethylene foam, positioned within the EPE family as a higher-density grade for packaging, cushioning, and construction applications where the foam also serves as a moisture barrier. At 2.8 pcf nominal density, it provides higher compressive strength and tear resistance than the 1.3#, 1.5#, 1.9#, and 2.3# grades, sitting between the mid-density EPE grades and the high-density 4.2# and 4.6# grades.
Mechanical performance includes 16.8, 20.7, 33.5, and 75.4 psi compressive strength at 10%, 25%, 50%, and 75% deflection respectively; 70 psi tensile strength; 30% tensile elongation; 21 lbs/in tear strength; and compression set of 4% at 25% and 12% at 50%.
Thermally, the material has 0.24 BTU·in/ft²·hr·°F thermal conductivity, 4.1 thermal resistance at 70°F, a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 4.8 × 10⁻⁵ in/in/°F, and a maximum service temperature of 176°F.
Environmental and chemical performance includes water absorption below 5.0% by volume / 0.02 lb/ft², compressive creep of 3.0% at 1.5 psi after 1,000 hours, buoyancy of 59.1 lbs/ft³, and qualified pass results for chemical resistance (1 hr exposure) and fuel immersion (less than 5% change in volume, Fuel B per 33 CFR §183.114). Flammability passes FMVSS-302 at less than 4.0 in/min.
Compliant with FMVSS-302 (flammability), 33 CFR §183.114 / Coast Guard Fuel B (fuel immersion), and the listed ASTM test methods: ASTM D3575, C272, C177, and D696.
What differentiates 2.8# EPE Foam from lower- or higher-density EPE grades?
2.8# EPE Foam is a higher-density grade in the H-O EPE line at 2.8 pcf (45 g/l), delivering 20.7 psi compressive strength at 25% and 70 psi tensile strength — higher than the 1.3#, 1.5#, 1.9#, and 2.3# grades, but lower than the high-density 4.2# and 4.6# grades. It is positioned for packaging and cushioning service requiring elevated load-bearing capability while retaining favorable fuel immersion qualification.
Why is compression set critical for this material?
Compression set measures the foam's ability to recover its original thickness after sustained compression. For cushioning, shipping pad, and gasketing applications, a low compression set means the foam retains its protective and sealing performance over the life of the package or assembly. 2.8# EPE Foam delivers 4% compression set at 25% and 12% at 50% per ASTM D3575, supporting reliable recovery over multiple compression cycles.
What is the service temperature range for 2.8# EPE Foam?
The maximum service temperature is 176°F per ASTM D3575. The TDS does not specify a minimum service temperature.
Is 2.8# EPE Foam suitable for flame-rated, fuel-exposed, or marine-regulated environments?
Yes. The material passes FMVSS-302 flammability at less than 4.0 in/min and qualifies for fuel immersion per Coast Guard / Fuel B per 33 CFR §183.114 with less than 5% change in volume. Chemical resistance to 1 hr exposure is also documented as pass.
How should 2.8# EPE Foam be specified?
Specify grade (2.8# EPE Foam, 2.8 pcf / 45 g/l density), thickness, sheet or roll dimensions, compliance requirements (FMVSS-302, 33 CFR §183.114 if applicable), dimensional tolerances, and finished format (sheet, die-cut, kiss-cut, or laminated construction).
