Medium Density PVC Foam
Medium Density PVC Foam is a medium-density, closed-cell industrial polyvinyl chloride foam with a water-based acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side, available in six thicknesses from 1/16″ to 1/2″ in Gray. Compression deflection is 3.5 psi per ASTM D1667, Shore 00 hardness is 36 per ASTM D2240, density is 9–13 lb/ft³, and the service temperature range is -40°F to 172.4°F. The product is designed for applications requiring a combination of flexibility and strength, and passes FMVSS-302.
Key Properties
- Compression Deflection: 3.5 psi (ASTM D1667)
- Tensile Strength: 35 psi (ASTM D412 Die A)
- Elongation (Without Adhesive): 170% (ASTM D412)
- Durometer/Hardness (Shore 00): 36 (ASTM D2240)
- Density: 9–13 lb/ft³
- Service Temperature: -40°F to 172.4°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″ | — |
| Color | Gray | — |
| Material/Substrate | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | — |
| Density | 9–13 lb/ft³ | — |
| Durometer/Hardness (Shore 00) | 36 | ASTM D2240 |
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 | 3.5 psi | ASTM D1667 |
| Force to Compress @ 25% | 6.5 psi | ASTM D1667 |
| Water Absorption | 3% | ASTM D1056 |
| Tensile Strength | 35 psi | ASTM D412 (Die A) |
| Elongation (With Adhesive) | 140% | ASTM D412 |
| Elongation (Without Adhesive) | 170% | ASTM D412 |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Service Temperature | -40°F to 172.4°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 and cushioning applications requiring a balance of flexibility and structural strength — where Low Density PVC Foam is too soft and High Density is too firm
- Weatherstrip and gasketing in construction, HVAC, and automotive assemblies requiring medium deflection resistance with high elongation (170% without adhesive)
- Environmental sealing in industrial and construction applications requiring excellent fungi, oxidation, and weather resistance in a Gray, single-sided PSA foam
- General automotive and manufacturing gasket applications requiring FMVSS-302 compliance in a mid-density PVC foam with lower water absorption than the Low Density grade (3% vs. 6%)
- Applications specifying Gray color exclusively requiring single-sided water-based acrylic PSA PVC foam in thicknesses from 1/16″ to 1/2″
Common industries: Automotive, construction, HVAC, industrial manufacturing, general sealing.
Medium Density PVC Foam is a medium-density, closed-cell industrial PVC foam designed for applications requiring a combination of flexibility and strength — a balance not provided by either the lower-compliance Low Density or the higher-load-bearing High Density grade. 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 six thicknesses from 1/16″ to 1/2″ in Gray, it provides a mid-range deflection resistance with the highest elongation (without adhesive) in the series at 170%.
Shore 00 hardness is 36 per ASTM D2240. In addition to the standard Compression Deflection value of 3.5 psi, the TDS also lists Force to Compress @ 25% as 6.5 psi per ASTM D1667 — a value not present on the Low Density TDS. Adhesion to stainless steel is 12 oz/in minimum. Water absorption is 3% per ASTM D1056 — lower than the Low Density grade’s 6%. Elongation is reported separately with adhesive (140%) and without adhesive (170%) per ASTM D412.
The material provides excellent fungi, oxidation, and weather resistance, and remains pliable at temperatures of -4°F to 172.4°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 Medium Density PVC Foam from the Low and High Density grades?
Medium Density PVC Foam is positioned between the Low Density grade (2.2 psi CFD, Shore 00 25, 5.5–10 lb/ft³) and the High Density grade (9 psi CFD @ 25%, Shore 00 50, 13–17 lb/ft³). It is the only grade available exclusively in Gray. It carries the highest elongation (without adhesive) in the series at 170%, and uniquely lists a Force to Compress @ 25% value (6.5 psi) not present on the Low Density TDS. Water absorption (3%) is lower than the Low Density grade's 6%. No thermal conductivity, no peel adhesion, and no static shear values appear on this TDS.
Why is compression deflection important for a medium-density PVC foam used in flexibility-and-strength applications?
Compression deflection determines how the foam responds to applied sealing loads — defining the balance between ease of compression and structural resistance to sustained loading. A medium-density PVC foam must be soft enough to conform to mating surfaces and seal under moderate closure forces while firm enough to resist excessive deflection and extrusion under sustained load. At 3.5 psi compression deflection and 6.5 psi Force to Compress @ 25%, the Medium Density grade delivers the intermediate stiffness that defines the combination of flexibility and strength cited for its applications on the TDS.
What is the service temperature range for Medium Density PVC Foam?
The service temperature range is -40°F to 172.4°F as listed on the TDS. The product remains pliable at temperatures of -4°F to 172.4°F as stated in the product features.
Is Medium Density PVC Foam suitable for regulated automotive environments?
Yes. Medium Density PVC Foam passes FMVSS-302 as listed on the TDS.
How should Medium Density PVC Foam be specified?
Specify grade (MDPVCF), thickness (from the six available gauges), color (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.
