Which one is better: PU or PE foam?

If you are here, you know about polyurethane and polyethylene foam. Commonly referred to as PU foam and PE foam, these two materials are widely used for packaging purposes, building floor mats, car seats, etcetera. However, how do you figure out which one of these is better and more suited for your needs and requirements? Keep on reading to find out.

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane is a closed-cell type home. It is much softer than polyethylene foam and is known for its resistance to sound transmission. Here are a few properties of polyurethane foam. You can buy PU foam from PU foam Malaysia.

Water absorption

Polyurethane tends to absorb water. Thus, just wiping off the surface to remove the water is not an option in the case of polyurethane. It is also not easy to keep the surface clean, as in polyethylene surfaces.

Shock absorption or vibration dampening

Polyurethane is perfect for packaging and cushioning electronic items since it provides amazing shock absorption and vibration dampening capabilities.

Softer texture

Polyurethane is much softer in texture compared to polyethylene foams. Therefore, it is the primary choice in the case of custom foam inserts. It is also the first choice in the case of pick and pluck foam. The density of polyurethane is around 1.6 pounds/feet3. You can buy PE foam from PE foam Malaysia.

Non-resistance to bacteria, mold, rot, and mildew

Since polyurethane cannot repel water, it is not resistant to the growth of mold, fungus, bacteria, rot, etc. However, if you keep the foam dry, the chance of such growth occurring reduces to zero. In most cases, silica gel is recommended to absorb moisture.

Thermal insulator

Polyurethane acts as an amazing thermal insulator. It is extremely resistant to sudden temperature changes.

Resistance to chemicals

It has been observed that polyurethane is resistant to organic solvents.

Gas production

Polyurethane produces hydrocarbon gas which is known as an ozone-depleting gas.

Polyethylene or PE foam

Polyethylene is much harder compared to polyurethane. However, it does not allow water to seep in. Thus, it can easily prevent the growth of mold, fungi other bacteria. Here are some properties of poly polyethylene foam

Harder

Polyethylene foam is stronger and harder than polyurethane. Therefore, it is more suitable for cushioning sharper and heavier objects. The density of polyethylene foam is 2.2 pounds per feet cube. Do you like

Water absorption

Since polystyrene is a closed-cell foam structure, it lacks water absorption capability. Therefore unlike polyurethane, polyethylene can be wiped down with travel or a rag to remove the water.

Shock absorption/vibration dampening

Polyethylene foam has amazing shock absorption and vibration damping capabilities and is perfect for packaging heavier objects.

Since polyethylene is waterproof, it reduces the risk of fungus, bacteria, or mildew developing.

Polyethylene is an amazing thermal insulator like polyurethane. Therefore, objects stored in polyethylene foam will be well insulated from extreme temperatures.

Thus, both PE and PU foam have their own advantages. Which is more suitable for your use will depend on your needs and requirements.