Polyethylene Foam Adhesives

What is Polyethylene Foam?

Polyethylene foam or PE foam is a firm and dense closed-cell foam that comes in different grades depending on the desired properties. Polyethylene foam is resistant to water, solvents, mildew, mold, bacteria, and grease. It is more rigid than open-cell foam and has a high strength and tear resistance. With a good balance of cushioning properties and strength, PE foam makes for a great shock-absorbing material.

A versatile foam, some common applications for polyethylene foam include:

• Insulation

• Sports equipment

• Automotive components

• Furniture

• Packaging

Gluing Polyethylene Foam

Similar to bonding polyethylene plastic, bonding polyethylene foam presents challenges that can affect adhesive performance and bond durability.

One issue with gluing polyethylene foam is finding an adhesive that is chemically compatible. Some adhesives, especially solvent-based ones, can damage foam and lead to deformation or bond failure. Other adhesives may be too hot for foam and can melt the surface. There are also adhesives that are only compatible with open-cell foams, rather than closed-cell foams like polyethylene foam.

Another problem with gluing PE foam is its low surface energy. This low surface energy reduces the wettability of conventional adhesives and makes it difficult for them to form strong bonds with the material. On top of this low surface energy, the closed-cell makeup of PE foam can also limit adhesive penetration and mechanical interlocking.

If you are bonding the foam to another material, you will also need to find a polyethylene foam glue that is compatible with the other material. Proper surface preparation of the material is also required to get a strong and lasting bond.

Altogether, these challenges mean that appropriate adhesive selection and surface preparation are critical to achieving reliable, durable adhesion with polyethylene foam.

Every application is different, and the adhesives listed here are just a few options to consider. If you're unsure which product best fits your needs, our team can provide a personalized adhesive recommendation tailored to your specific application.

Types of Glue for Polyethylene Foam

Because polyethylene foam can be tricky to bond, it's important to understand which adhesive chemistries and formats are the most effective. The right adhesive not only improves strength and reliability but also helps prevent surface degradation or bond failure during production. Some adhesives for polyethylene foam can include:

• Spray Adhesives: These may be the most popular glue for PE foam. They are great for evenly covering large surface areas without melting the surface of the foam.

• Hot Melt Adhesives: Hot melts (including sprayable hot melts) are known for their quick cure times that make them ideal for fast production lines. Just make sure the hot melt you choose is compatible with polyethylene foam.

• Contact Adhesives: These adhesives can provide fast adhesion after pressing substrates together. They can be well-suited for applications requiring fast production.

• Structural Adhesives: If you are bonding polyethylene foam to another type of material, an epoxy, acrylic, or MMA may be an option. These adhesives need to be specialty products designed for PE foam and may require more surface preparation.

Each of these adhesives has its strengths, but no single option fits every application. The best choice depends on your application, production setup, substrate materials, and environmental exposure. You should review the product's technical datasheet (TDS) or reach out to an adhesive specialist to confirm compatibility with your application.

How to Glue Polyethylene Foam

Successfully bonding this material requires more than just selecting the right PE foam glue. Because the foam's unique structure and chemistry can cause bonding challenges, you also need to follow proper surface preparation and application techniques.

1. Clean and degrease the surface. The first step should be to remove dust, oil, and other contaminants from the foam and allow it to dry. Be wary of harsh solvent cleaners that could damage the foam and use a mild detergent instead.

2. Abrade the other surface. If you are bonding foam to another material, it may be recommended to abrade the surface of the other material and clean it afterward to remove the loose debris.

3. Apply the adhesive evenly. Especially with foam, uneven application may lead to insufficient wet-out, damage to the foam, or other problems. Spray adhesives help achieve uniform coverage over large surface areas.

5. Let the adhesive cure. Apply pressure as directed and allow the adhesive time to set according to the manufacturer's instructions. Premature handling can lead to decreased adhesion or bond failure.

Especially because PE foam can be difficult to bond, it is recommended that you perform a trial under your actual use conditions before launching it on your entire product line.

Need a Recommendation?

We understand that every job is unique, and even small changes in the environment or production process can impact the effectiveness of an adhesive. We carry a large selection of glues for foam and also have the knowledge to point you in the right direction.

To help ensure you find the best polyurethane foam adhesive for your application, get a personalized product recommendation. Just contact us to get started.