How chemically resistant are Isolon and Warmlex foams? What liquids can PE foam tolerate?
Isolon and Warmlex foams show good resistance to water, many detergents and weak chemicals, but they are sensitive to a range of oils, fuels and organic solvents. Chemical resistance must always be checked for the specific medium.
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This article gives a general overview of how PE foam behaves in contact with liquids and chemicals in typical industrial and technical applications.
General behaviour of PE foam in contact with chemicals
Polyethylene foam usually shows:
- good resistance to water, moisture and many household-type detergents;
- limited resistance to some oils and process fluids;
- sensitivity to a number of organic solvents and aggressive chemicals.
Note: The same liquid can behave differently at different temperatures and concentrations. Always test the material under your real operating conditions.
Typical examples and design tips
When using Isolon or Warmlex near liquids or chemicals, we recommend:
— avoiding direct and continuous contact with fuels and strong solvents;
— protecting foam in areas where accidental spills are possible;
— using trays, covers or additional liners where chemical exposure cannot be excluded;
— performing a small compatibility test before serial use.
Important: LIRIDA-M is a material supplier, not a chemical safety consultant. Final responsibility for chemical compatibility lies with the customer and their safety experts.
Frequently asked questions
- Can PE foam be used in chemical plants? It can be used for packaging, gaskets or protection, but chemical exposure must be evaluated for each process medium.
- Can you confirm resistance to a specific liquid? We can share general information about PE foam, but final approval should be based on your own testing or specialist advice.
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