XLPE Cross-linked Polyethylene Foam Insulation Board

Premium Thermal & Acoustic Insulation Solutions

Closed Cell Foam · Eco-Friendly · Vibration Damping · Waterproof · Reflective Foil

Figure 1: XLPE Cross-linked Polyethylene Insulation Board — Closed Cell Structure

1. Product Overview

XLPE Insulation Board (Cross-linked Polyethylene Foam) is a closed-cell foam insulation material manufactured from polyethylene (PE) with blowing agents and cross-linking agents, processed through continuous extrusion foaming combined with either chemical cross-linking (XPE) or electron beam irradiation cross-linking (IXPE). Its internal structure consists of numerous independent, uniform micro-cells that trap air and prevent convection, delivering exceptional thermal insulation, cushioning, and sound absorption performance.

XLPE insulation board is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, odorless, formaldehyde-free, and contains no ozone-depleting CFC/HCFC substances. It is fully recyclable and internationally recognized as a green insulation material. Compared to traditional insulation materials, XLPE offers a wide density range (30-200 kg/m³), excellent resilience, chemical resistance, waterproofing, and easy fabrication. It is widely used in building insulation, HVAC, automotive, sports & leisure, packaging, and electronics industries.

Our XLPE product line includes both XPE (chemical cross-linked) and IXPE (electron beam cross-linked) varieties, with options for aluminum foil lamination, self-adhesive backing, and custom colors. Certified to CE, RoHS, REACH, and ISO 9001 standards, our products are exported to over 60 countries across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Difference between XPE and IXPE:

• XPE (Chemically Cross-linked Polyethylene Foam): Uses chemical cross-linking agent (DCP). Higher expansion ratio, lower density (30-100 kg/m³), slightly larger cells, more cost-effective. Ideal for large-area building insulation, underfloor heating reflective films, and packaging.

• IXPE (Electron Beam Irradiation Cross-linked Polyethylene Foam): Uses electron beam irradiation for uniform, controllable cross-linking. Finer and more uniform cells, smoother surface, wider density range (30-200 kg/m³), superior mechanical properties. Ideal for high-end automotive interiors, medical orthotics, precision packaging, and sporting goods where quality is critical.

2. Product Range

2.1 XPE Chemically Cross-linked Insulation Board

XPE chemically cross-linked insulation board is produced using DCP cross-linking agent with continuous extrusion foaming. It features high expansion ratio, light weight, and excellent flexibility. Available in roll form for easy installation, it is widely used in building insulation, underfloor heating reflection, HVAC ductwork, and floating floor vibration damping.

Standard Specifications:

• Density: 30 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 60 / 70 / 80 / 100 kg/m³

• Thickness: 2 / 3 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 mm

• Width: 1000mm / 1200mm / 1500mm (customizable)

• Length: Boards 1000/2000mm / Rolls 5-100m (varies by thickness)

• Color: Black (standard) / White / Gray / Blue / Custom color

2.2 IXPE Electron Beam Cross-linked Insulation Board

IXPE electron beam cross-linked insulation board uses high-energy electron beam irradiation for cross-linking, resulting in finer, more uniform cells, a smoother surface, and superior mechanical properties. It can be produced in very thin gauges (down to 0.1mm) and high densities (up to 200 kg/m³), making it suitable for high-end applications demanding precise quality and appearance.

Standard Specifications:

• Density: 30 / 40 / 50 / 60 / 80 / 100 / 120 / 150 / 200 kg/m³

• Thickness: 0.1 / 0.2 / 0.3 / 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 / 15 / 20 mm

• Width: 1000mm / 1200mm / 1500mm (customizable)

• Length: Rolls 10-500m (varies by thickness)

• Surface: Smooth / Embossed / Matte / Corona-treated (for improved adhesion)

2.3 Aluminum Foil Faced XLPE Insulation Board

Aluminum foil faced XLPE insulation board combines pure aluminum foil or metallized film with XLPE substrate via thermal lamination, delivering both thermal insulation and heat reflection. The foil layer reflects over 95% of radiant heat, significantly improving insulation performance while providing vapor barrier and UV resistance — ideal for roofing insulation, underfloor heating reflective membranes, and pipe insulation.

Key Features:

• Foil reflectivity ≥95%, improves insulation by 30%+

• Vapor barrier, effectively prevents condensation

• UV resistant, extended outdoor service life

• Available: single-sided foil / double-sided foil / foil + woven fabric composite

• Common thickness: 3 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 mm

2.4 Self-Adhesive XLPE Insulation Board

Figure 5: Self-Adhesive XLPE Insulation Board with Release Liner

Self-adhesive XLPE insulation board is pre-coated with high-performance acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back, protected by a release liner. Simply peel and stick — no additional glue required. Especially suitable for irregular shapes, duct elbows, automotive interiors, and electronics where mechanical fastening is difficult. Adhesive remains secure from -20°C to 80°C.

Key Features:

  • Strong initial tack, durable holding power, temperature resistant

• Easy-peel release liner, no residue, clean installation

• Available in both board and roll formats

• Adheres to metal, plastic, glass, wood, and various substrates

     3. Key Technical Specifications

4. Six Key Advantages

Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic

Based on polyethylene (PE), free of formaldehyde, CFC/HCFC, and heavy metals. Odorless, RoHS and REACH compliant, fully recyclable — an internationally recognized green material safe for people and the environment.

Closed-Cell Thermal Insulation

Independent closed-cell structure blocks air convection, with thermal conductivity as low as 0.035 W/(m·K) at room temperature. Foil-faced types achieve ≥95% heat reflectivity, reducing indoor temperatures by 5-10°C when used for roofing — significant energy savings.

Waterproof & Moisture Resistant

Closed-cell structure with water absorption ≤3% and extremely low vapor transmission, effectively preventing moisture penetration and condensation. Performance remains stable even in high-humidity environments — mold-free and rot-proof.

Superior Cushioning & Impact Protection

Polyethylene offers excellent resilience and cushioning with compression set ≤15%, effectively absorbing shock and vibration. Widely used for protective packaging of precision instruments, electronics, and automotive components.

Sound Insulation & Noise Reduction

Closed-cell foam structure effectively blocks sound wave transmission, reducing noise transfer. Used in automotive interiors, building partitions, floating floors, and mechanical room soundproofing for significant noise reduction.

Easy Fabrication & Versatile Applications

Can be thermoformed, cold-pressed, die-cut, engraved, and laminated with foil/fabric/film. Wide density and thickness range meets custom requirements across construction, automotive, sports, medical, and packaging industries.

5. Applications

6. Installation Guide

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Clean the surface of dust, oil, rust, and moisture. Ensure the substrate is dry, flat, and free of sharp burrs. Apply anti-corrosion treatment to metal surfaces.

Step 2: Measurement & Cutting

Measure and cut XLPE board to size. Use a utility knife, hot wire cutter, or die-cutting machine. Cut edges should be clean and boards should fit tightly at joints.

Step 3: Adhesion & Fixing

• Self-adhesive type: Peel off the release liner, align and apply from one end to the other, press firmly by hand or roller to remove air bubbles.
• Standard type: Apply specialized PE adhesive or contact cement to both XLPE back and substrate, wait 3-5 minutes until tacky, then press firmly.
• Large-area installation: Use insulation pins or mechanical fasteners for long-term security.

Step 4: Joint Treatment

Stagger board joints. Seal gaps with matching XLPE strips or specialized tape. For foil-faced boards, seal joints with aluminum foil tape to maintain a continuous reflective layer.

Step 5: Irregular Shapes

For elbows, tees, and valves, cut XLPE to fit and拼接. Self-adhesive XLPE is recommended for irregular areas for better adhesion and easier installation.

Step 6: Outer Protection

For outdoor or mechanically vulnerable areas, install aluminum, galvanized steel, or PVC jacketing. Foil-faced products used indoors may not require additional protection, but avoid sharp object damage.

Step 7: Safety Precautions

XLPE is combustible (flame-retardant grade achieves Class B1). Keep away from open flames and high heat sources during installation. Adhesives are flammable — ensure good ventilation and avoid inhaling fumes.

7. Material Comparison: XLPE vs NBR vs Glass Wool vs EPE

Summary: XLPE excels in eco-friendliness, resilience, and fabrication versatility — ideal for building insulation, automotive interiors, and protective packaging. NBR rubber foam offers superior flame retardancy and oil resistance, best for AC pipe insulation. Glass wool is Class A non-combustible, suitable for high-temperature pipes and fire-critical building insulation. EPE pearl cotton is more cost-effective for basic packaging and underfloor heating applications.

8. Packaging & Shipping

• Boards: Standard carton packaging, palletized available. Quantity per carton varies by thickness.

• Rolls: Compressed bales with PVC film or woven bag wrapping — bare or palletized — maximizing container space.

• Foil-faced: Cardboard core, outer kraft paper or woven bag protection to prevent foil scratching.

• Self-adhesive: Release liner protected, carton packaging to avoid pressure-induced adhesion.

• Export packaging: Fumigated pallets, custom shipping marks, and Certificate of Origin (CO/Form A/E) available.

• Trade terms: FOB / CIF / EXW / DDP all accepted.

• Shipping: FCL/LCL sea freight, air freight, and land transport (Central Asia / SE Asia).

9. About Us

We are a comprehensive enterprise specializing in the R&D, manufacturing, and export of XLPE cross-linked polyethylene foam materials. With multiple advanced XPE chemical cross-linking and IXPE electron beam irradiation production lines, our annual capacity exceeds 1 million square meters. Our products serve building insulation, automotive, HVAC, sports & leisure, protective packaging, and medical industries, exported to over 60 countries across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa.