Plastazote Foam Closed Cell Foam Sheets

Uses of Plastazote® Closed Cell Foam

Plastazote® is a specialist closed cell foam that has rapidly become one of the leading choices for high-performance foam packaging, prop making and far more! This polyethylene foam is a part of the Azote® range which also includes both Evazote® and Supazote®.

Plastazote is flexible, yet durable. It is commonly used for prop making and set design in the film and TV industry. It is also regarded as a superior packaging material with a high impact threshold; meaning it can reliably protect valuable and fragile items.

People often find Plastazote an easy foam to work with. Many praise it for the ease in which it can be cut, shaped, moulded, painted and glued to various other materials. From costume and prop making to custom packaging inserts and protective sportswear, the many benefits this foam offers makes it suitable for use throughout a wide range of industries.

Being a closed cell foam, Plastazote is also extremely water resistant and buoyant. It can be safely used in or around water. It is also highly chemical resistant, making it easy to wipe clean when required.

Available Sizes & Colours

Our Plastazote foam sheets are available in a range of thicknesses and colours including black, white, grey, red, blue, yellow, green, purple and orange. Each sheet is sized 200cm x 100cm and thicknesses range from 5mm up to 50mm depending on the colour you choose.

Speak to our Team of Foam Experts

If you would like to discuss Plastazote foam with one of our experts, please contact us. With more than 45 years of service to the foam industry, we are always happy to offer you help and advice when you need it.

What is Plastazote Used For?

Plastazote foams are commonly used throughout a wide variety of industries. As previously mentioned, it is a popular choice for use as protective packaging. As examples, it can be used as packaging for the likes of –

• Electronics.
• Military Hardware.
• Medical Equipment.
• Retail Goods.
• Tool Control.
• Antiquities & Other Archival Items.

Because of Plastazote’s light weight, high-performance and versatility, many different industries can benefit from the use of this product. Some of these industries include –

• Aerospace.
• Healthcare.
• Construction.
• Marine.
• Sportswear.
• Automotive.
• Military.
• Museums.
• Retail.

What is Polyethylene Foam?

Plastazote is a polyethylene foam product. Polyethylene foam is more commonly referred to as closed cell foam. This type of foam consists of microscopic sealed cells which interlock and prevent water or air from passing through it. It is a rigid and water-resistant foam type which makes it perfect for the likes of shock absorption and thermal insulation.

How Plastazote Foam is Manufactured

Being a polyethylene foam product, Plastazote is initially created in the same manner. Crude oil is fractionally distilled to create Naphtha which can then be used in the formation of plastics and other chemicals. By further processing Naphtha, polyethylene can be created.

Plastazote foam is unique in that it contains an abundance of nitrogen filled cells. Nitrogen is blown into polyethylene foam before its initial expansion, which gives Plastazote its unique properties. Unlike many other foam types, it is tough yet flexible. Because air cannot pass freely through it, Plastazote quickly bounces back to its original shape when compressed.

The Benefits of Plastazote Foam

Due to its unique structure and chemical composition, this foam offers a wide array of benefits. It can be easily cut and shaped making it ideal for case inserts. It can also be bonded to a wide variety of materials including metal, wood, fabrics and other Plastazote sheets to name a few.

This closed cell polyethylene foam is also lightweight, odourless and non-toxic. Because it does not absorb or allow water to freely pass through, it is also extremely buoyant. This makes it an excellent choice for use in water as a flotation aid; as such, it is commonly used in swimming pools.

Swimming is not the only sport which benefits from this product, however. Due to its high shock absorption capabilities, Plastazote is commonly used within sports protection equipment. It can line helmets and be used as a liner in body padding. Other sports-related products it can be found within include gym mats, surfboards, and shoe insoles.

Plastazote is also highly resistant to many chemicals including most acids, alkalis, solvents, and oils. It can be easily disinfected and cleaned, making it ideal for use in some healthcare equipment such as surgical splints, orthopaedic shoes, and mobility equipment.

Breakdown of Plastazote Foam Benefits –

• Durable and lightweight.
• High chemical resistance.
• Easily wiped clean and disinfected.
• Water resistant and buoyant.
• Good thermal insulation.
• Non-toxic.
• High shock absorption.
• Easy to cut and shape.
• Odourless.
• Weatherproof and good ultraviolet stability.

How Plastazote Can Help You

Plastazote foams excel in use as foam inserts. Using the correct equipment, it can easily be shaped into trays which house an array of objects. From tools to camera equipment, this light yet durable foam is sure to keep your items of value safe.

Closed cell foam is also a popular choice for costume and prop making. Whether you need props for an upcoming production or enjoy cosplaying on the weekend, Plastazote foams can help! It can be vacuum formed and easily cut to your desired shape. Through passion, skill, and dedication, people have been able to create astounding costumes and props using polyethylene foam sheets. Why not try it yourself?

This foam type is also commonly used for a variety of medical practices. From orthotics to prosthetics, it aids on the road to recovery and has helped to improve the quality of many lives. A wide variety of braces, splints, immobilisers and other types of supports have been created using Plastazote foam. Once heated, it can be ‘Direct to body’ moulded and then left to cool. The result is a quick and simple orthosis that helps to provide relief and comfort to patients.

Plastazote LD33 Medical Applications –

• Wrist orthosis.
• Cervical collar.
• Cervical brace.
• Resting hand splint.
• Hip abduction splint.
• Loose inlay (insoles).
• Compensation for foot amputation.
• Post-operative sandal.
• Protective helmet.
• Body protection.
• Exercise mat.
• Comfort lining for appliances.
• Padded toilet seat cover.
• Lightweight implement handle.
• Hydrotherapy equipment.
• X-Ray block.

Plastazote LD33 Foam Specifications

The values shown here represent typical data gathered from random samples of the Plastazote LD33 production line. The data shown has been provided to the best of our knowledge and should only be used as a means of guidance when choosing a suitable grade for an application.

Property	Test Method	Units	Typical Value
Apparent Density Skin/Skin	BS EN ISO 7214:2012	kg/m3	33 (nominal)
Compression Stress-Strain 25% compression 50% compression	BS EN ISO 7214:2012 25 mm cell-cell	kPa	66 133
Tensile Strength Tensile Elongation	BS EN ISO 7214:2012	kPa %	419 149
Flammability Automotive	FMVSS.302 – Burn rate	<100mm/min.	Pass at 9mm
Compression Set 25% comp., 22hr, 23°C ½ hr recovery 24 hr recovery	BS EN ISO 7214:2012 25mm cell-cell	% set	9 4
Tear Strength	BS EN ISO 8067:2008 Method B	N/m	1888
Shore Hardness OO Scale	BS EN ISO 868:2003		58
Recommended maximum operating temperature*	Internal	°C	95
Water absorption	ISO 2896:2001 Ed3.	%	<1
Thermal conductivity Mean temperature 10°C	ISO 8301:1991	W/mK	0.039

 

*Maximum Operating Temperature Recommendations

In regard to the maximum operating temperature, this is defined as the max temperature which will generally cause a linear shrinkage (sample dimension 100mm x 100mm) of 5% after a period of 24 hours. The figure shown is intended to be used only as a guide. The shrinkage level of this foam depends on a number of variables including dimensions, loading conditions, the size of the cells and the period of exposure.

Closed Cell Foam Sheets for the TV & Film Industry

From costume making to film set creation, closed cell foam sheets have played an integral part to many of our favourite film, TV and theatre productions.

Our highly versatile and durable Plastazote foam sheets are the perfect solution for anybody looking to craft costumes, create movie props or enhance films sets.

Closed Cell Foam Sheets for Prop Makers and Set Designers

Closed cell foam sheets are an extremely popular choice amongst prop makers and film set designers. It is also a popular choice for both professional and amateur costume designers such as cosplayers.

This is because closed cell foam is a pliable, durable, cost-effective and easy to work with material. From unique and detailed pieces to that of mass production, our foam is a reliable and assured choice for all.

The Key Benefits of Closed Cell Foam Sheets

This type of foam offers many benefits that aid individuals within the film and television industry. Benefits include:

• Can be easily cut and shaped accordingly.
• A lightweight and flexible material.
• Water-resistant.
• Can be glued to a variety of surfaces.
• Easy to score, adding three-dimensional texture for greater realism.
• Durable and tear-resistant.
• High-Impact threshold.
• Easily sealed, primed and painted.
• Smooth on both sides.
• Can be sanded.
• Possible to heat mould.
• Available in a range of thicknesses at GB Foam Direct.

What Closed Cell Foam Sheets Can Be Used to Create

When it comes to creation using closed cell foam sheets, there are very little limitations. With some skill and dedication, you will be able to create a multitude of fascinating costumes, props and more! Here are just a few examples of what our foam can be used to create –

• Hats and other headwear.
• Armour.
• Weaponry.
• Character costumes.
• Actual and fantastical creatures.
• Scenery.
• Decorations.

Our Foam in Film & Television

We are proud to have provided foam to many customers from the film and television industry. In the 2009 film release of Star Trek, our foam was used on the Starship Enterprise within Captain Kirk’s chair!

And that’s not the only time our foam has been used in famous seating! We’ve even provided seating foam used within the Big Brother house.

What’s more, we’ve also provided foam to the BBC on several occasions, including on the hit TV series Outlander and the popular children’s television channel CBeebies.

Contact us to Discuss Closed Cell Foam Sheets

Please visit our dedicated webpage to learn more about the closed cell foam sheets we offer here.

If you have any questions regarding our products or are still unsure whether this foam is the right material for your project, please feel free to contact us.

We have been supplying foam for more than 45 years and our team of experts are always willing to offer you guidance. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or by calling 01494 441177. We look forward to hearing from you.

Closed Cell Foam FAQ

To help you find the right closed cell foam for your next project, we’ve put together a collection of frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, be sure to contact our team by heading over to our contact page.

What is Closed Cell Foam Used For?

Closed cell foam can be used for many different things. Examples of applications include costume & prop making, set design, custom packaging, sports equipment and medical orthotics. These are just a few examples; this type of foam is extremely versatile and is utilised throughout many areas.

What is Plastazote Foam?

Plastazote is the name given to a specific type of closed cell foam manufactured by Zotefoams. It is a member of the Azote range. This nitrogen-blown, multipurpose foam, has many great characteristics. It is durable, flexible, water-resistant, buoyant, odourless, has a high chemical resilience and is a great thermal insulator.

Is Closed Cell Foam Waterproof?

Yes, closed cell foam is lightweight, water-resistant and buoyant. It can be used in and around water and is sometimes used to make various floatation devices.

Is Closed Cell Foam Good for Sound Deadening?

Closed cell foam will do very little for any sound deadening applications. If you’re looking to improve the quality of sound in your room, it’s advisable to use open cell acoustic foam. We offer a variety of acoustic foam products including acoustic panels, tiles, bass traps and corner cubes.

What Type of Foam is Plastazote?

Unlike the majority of polyurethane foam that we supply, Plastazote is a type of polyethylene foam. Polyethylene is one of the most common polymers in use today and is used to make closed cell foams, amongst many other things. Other names for polyethylene foam include PE or LDPE foam.