Low Density PVC Foam
Low Density PVC Foam is a low-density, closed-cell industrial polyvinyl chloride foam with a water-based acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side, available in seven thicknesses from 1/16″ to 3/4″ in Black and Gray. Compression deflection is 2.2 psi per ASTM D1667, Shore 00 hardness is 25 per ASTM D2240, and the service temperature range is -40°F to 179.6°F. The product is specifically suited for sealing tight-radius curves and passes FMVSS-302.
Key Properties
- Compression Deflection: 2.2 psi (ASTM D1667)
- Tensile Strength: 20 psi (ASTM D412 Die A)
- Elongation (Without Adhesive): 110% (ASTM D412)
- Durometer/Hardness (Shore 00): 25 (ASTM D2240)
- Density (3/16″–1″): 5.5–8.5 lb/ft³ (ASTM D1667)
- Service Temperature: -40°F to 179.6°F
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Thickness | 1/16″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″ | — |
| Color | Black, Gray | — |
| Material/Substrate | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | — |
| Density, 1/16″–<1/8″ | 7–10 lb/ft³ | ASTM D1667 |
| Density, 1/8″–<3/16″ | 6–9 lb/ft³ | ASTM D1667 |
| Density, 3/16″–1″ | 5.5–8.5 lb/ft³ | ASTM D1667 |
| Durometer/Hardness (Shore 00) | 25 | ASTM D2240 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.27 btu/(h·ft²·°F) | ASTM C518 |
Adhesion Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Adhesive System | Permanent Adhesive | — |
| Adhesive Side | Single Sided Adhesive | — |
| Adhesive Type | Acrylic (Water based) | — |
| Adhesion to Stainless Steel | 12 oz/in min | — |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Compression Deflection | 2.2 psi | ASTM D1667 |
| Water Absorption | 6% | ASTM D1056 |
| Tensile Strength | 20 psi | ASTM D412 (Die A) |
| Elongation (Without Adhesive) | 110% | ASTM D412 |
| Elongation (With Adhesive) | 130% | ASTM D412 |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Service Temperature | -40°F to 179.6°F | — |
Flame & Fire Performance
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| FMVSS-302 | Pass | — |
Environmental Performance
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Fungi Resistance | Excellent | — |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent | — |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent | — |
Storage
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Shelf Life | 6 months with adhesive from date of production when stored at or below 75°F | — |
Compliance
- FMVSS-302 — Compliant (Pass)
- Sealing of tight-radius curves in enclosures, automotive trim, and construction assemblies where low-density, high-conformability PVC foam is required
- Weatherstrip seals on doors, windows, and hatches requiring a soft, pliable PVC foam that remains flexible at temperatures as low as -4°F
- General automotive and industrial gasketing requiring FMVSS-302 compliance in a low-density, single-sided PSA foam format
- Environmental sealing in construction and HVAC applications where excellent fungi, oxidation, and weather resistance are required
- Applications requiring both Black and Gray color options in a closed-cell PVC foam with water-based acrylic PSA
Common industries: Automotive, construction, HVAC, industrial manufacturing, general sealing.
Low Density PVC Foam is a low-density, closed-cell industrial PVC foam designed specifically for sealing applications requiring conformance to tight radius curves, where greater-density foams cannot flex sufficiently to maintain continuous contact. The water-based acrylic PSA has good initial tack, high shear, and excellent resistance to plasticizers common in PVC foam and other substrates, and builds bond strength over time.
Available in seven thicknesses from 1/16″ to 3/4″ in both Black and Gray, it provides the widest color and thickness selection of the three PVC foam density grades.
Density is thickness-dependent: 7–10 lb/ft³ for 1/16″–<1/8″, 6–9 lb/ft³ for 1/8″–<3/16″, and 5.5–8.5 lb/ft³ for 3/16″–1″ per ASTM D1667. Shore 00 hardness is 25 per ASTM D2240. Elongation is reported separately with adhesive (130%) and without adhesive (110%) per ASTM D412. Adhesion to stainless steel is 12 oz/in minimum. Thermal conductivity is 0.27 btu/(h·ft²·°F) per ASTM C518. Water absorption is 6% per ASTM D1056.
The material provides excellent fungi, oxidation, and weather resistance and remains pliable at temperatures of -4°F to 179.6°F. Shelf life is 6 months with adhesive when stored at or below 75°F from the date of production. All values are based on foam without adhesive or liner unless noted, with a sample size of three to five.
Compliant with FMVSS-302 (Pass).
What differentiates Low Density PVC Foam from the Medium and High Density grades?
Low Density PVC Foam has the lowest compression deflection (2.2 psi) and Shore 00 hardness (25) in the PVC foam series, making it the most conformable grade and specifically suited for tight-radius curve sealing where stiffer foams cannot maintain continuous contact. It has the widest thickness range (1/16"–3/4") and is the only grade available in both Black and Gray. Density is thickness-dependent (5.5–10 lb/ft³ by gauge range). Unlike the High Density grade, it does not list peel adhesion or static shear data on the TDS, and unlike the Medium Density grade, it does not list a Force to Compress @ 25% value.
Why is compression deflection important for a low-density PVC foam used in tight-radius sealing?
Compression deflection determines how much force is required to compress the foam to its sealing geometry. For tight-radius curve sealing, a foam with high deflection resistance will resist bending along the curve and may spring away from the substrate, creating gaps in the seal. Low Density PVC Foam's compression deflection of 2.2 psi is the lowest in the series, confirming it requires the least force to compress and conform to curved mating surfaces — the defining performance requirement for its primary application.
What is the service temperature range for Low Density PVC Foam?
The service temperature range is -40°F to 179.6°F as listed on the TDS. The product remains pliable at temperatures of -4°F to 179.6°F as stated in the product features.
Is Low Density PVC Foam suitable for regulated automotive environments?
Yes. Low Density PVC Foam passes FMVSS-302 as listed on the TDS.
How should Low Density PVC Foam be specified?
Specify grade (LDPVCF), thickness (from the seven available gauges), color (Black or Gray), adhesive type (water-based acrylic PSA, single sided), applicable compliance requirements (FMVSS-302), dimensional tolerances, and finished format (sheet, slit roll, or die-cut component). Note that all values are based on foam without adhesive or liner unless noted.
