The polymer foam material is a lightweight composite material with high performance. The newly developed cell structure material is not only widely used in traditional industries such as vehicles, logistics, packaging, and building materials, but also gradually expanded to wind power, new energy, aerospace, medicine, and biological materials.

Expanded polypropylene (EPP) is a highly crystalline polypropylene/CO2 composite material with excellent performance. It has become a fast-growing material of pressure-resistance and thermal insulation.

EPP products are excellent in shock and energy absorption, recovery after deformation, chemical and oil resistance, heat insulation, and lightweight. In addition, EPP is a green protection material that can be recycled and reused without white pollution.

EPP Foam

Advantage of EPP Foam

  • The flexural modulus of PP is about 1.52GPa, and that of PE is only 207GPa. Its chemical resistance is similar to that of PE.
  • Its mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tear strength are at the highest level among foam materials.
  • Its compression strength of EPP foam is lower than that of hard PUR and EPS, but higher than soft PUR. The panel products of EPP is moderate in compression strength.
  • Foamed polypropylene can withstand 130°C, which is much higher than the maximum temperature of 80°C for polyethylene foam. Foamed PP has a closed-cell structure like foamed PE. Therefore, its thermal conductivity will not be affected by moisture, and it is lower than foamed PE. EPP panels can also endure at a low temperature of -30°C. It has significant heat insulation, so it can be used as a high-grade thermal insulation material in smart vehicles like cold vans, toy haulers, and teardrop trailers.
  • The excellent performance of pressure resistance and energy absorption comes from the special cell structure of EPP foam. Escaped energy is caught back by the gas stagnation and compression in the cells. The technology is widely used in the bumper system and anti-collision parts of vehicles.
  • EPP foam is super lightweight. Its panel products are new materials for air-crafts and trucks.

Application

  • Car Body Panel

One of the most common places to use EPP is in the automotive industry. There are multiple reasons why EPP has become so widely used in this industry. For example, car manufacturers appreciate how durable and functional it is. For this reason, EPP can be found in multiple products. Some common examples might include; door panels, headrests, sun visors, bumpers, and seats. It can also be used to construct multiple other parts.

  • Packaging

Another popular usage of EPP panels is packaging. Distributors are always looking for ways to make sure that delicate items get to their customers safely. For this reason, they frequently choose to use EPP foam. There are multiple reasons why they do this. First, this foam is very lightweight. This means that it doesn’t cost much to ship. Also, it has high shock absorption. This ensures that it will provide adequate protection for items that are accidentally dropped. Finally, because they don’t need high-quality EPP for packaging, they can purchase this material cheaply.

  • Industrial Products

Increasingly, industries are looking for ways to offer high-quality prices at lower costs. They can do this by using EPP foam. This product is lightweight and can easily be cut into various shapes. It’s very durable, helping industrial products last for a long time, and provide good value for money. They can also absorb the energy from an impact. For this reason, they can be used to create a safer work environment, providing protection if something goes wrong. Finally, products made with EPP are very strong. This means it can take a large strain before it breaks.

  • Consumer Goods

EPP is used to create a range of consumer products. There are a few simple reasons for this. First, it is lightweight. This ensures that products made from EPP will be easy to ship. Also, the foam can be easily molded into a wide range of shapes. Manufacturers can also color EPP, this makes it perfect for creating products like colorful children’s toys. Finally, EPP is anti-microbial. This makes it perfect for making products like food coolers, reducing the chances that people will get diseases from using the container. Because of these benefits, there are multiple consumer products that are made from EPP. Some common examples include; furniture, model aircraft, floor levelers, and shelving units.