Difference between revisions of "Minicel"

Latest revision as of 10:17, 11 September 2020

Description

[Volek] A registered trademark for a cross-linked Polyethylene foam manufactured by Sekisui Voltek, LLC. Like polyethylene foams, cross-linked polyethylene foams are durable and chemically stable, but are typically finer celled. ^[1] Minicel is a closed cell foam. It is an extremely fine-celled bun foam that has a smooth, consistent surface. Minicel has a tough and firm, yet elastic feel. ^[2] Minicel has good thermal insulation, strength and shock absorption. It is impervious to mildew, mold, rot, and bacteria, as well as chemical resistance. Standard colors are natural-white and black. Minicel is very buoyant and is commonly used in water recreation devices such as kayaks. ^[3]

Synonyms and Related Terms

Polyethylene foam; crosslinked polyethylene foam; XLPE foam; X-linked PE foam; Volara

Applications

Art handling
Storage
Transport: shock absorption and cushioning

Personal Risks

Sekisui Voltek: SDS

All Minicel products are non-toxic and contain no CFC, HCFC, or hydrocarbon blowing agents. ^[4]

Collection Risks

Stable. Minnesota Historical Society says, “Can be used” (MWG 2020).

Environmental Risks

Physical and Chemical Properties

Form	Solid, in various forms
Odor	Light
Melting Point	PE foam: 90-115°C
Solubility in/miscibility with water	Insoluble

Working Properties

Forms and Sizes

Produced in molded bun form.

Density range: 2, 3, 3.8, 6, 8, 12 and 22 pcf.

Bun sizes:

2, 3, 3.8 pcf: 4 x 48 x 72”

6 pcf: 3 x 48 x 72”

8 pcf: 1.78 x 32 x 67”

12pcf: 1.50 x 28 x 59”

22 pcf: 1.2 x 24 x 49”

Minicel L200 and LF200 Foam sheets ^[5]:

72 x 48” sheets (sold in 2/3, ½, and 1/3 sheets)
¼, 3.8, ½, ¾, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4” thick

Resources and Citations

Kaela Nurmi, contributed information, MWG group, 2020.

[1] PACCIN: Polyethylene Foams

[2] Techincal Data: Minicel Type L

[3] Kayak Outfitting.com: Closed Cell Foam

[4] ASI: Voltek Expands Minicel Polyolefin Foam, Enhances Capabilities (2004)

[5] Foam Factory: Minicel Type 1 Foam

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[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 == Forms and Sizes ==
-''Information below from [http://www.paccin.org/content.php?267-PolyPlank PACCIN: PolyPlank Polyethylene Foam].''
-The most common in art handling is PolyPlank LAM 220, with a relatively medium density of 2.2 lbs/ft^3 in a 2” natural tint(white) sheets at 108x48” or 108x24” planks.
+''Produced in molded bun form.''
-'''Other Sizes and Densities'''
+'''Density range:''' 2, 3, 3.8, 6, 8, 12 and 22 pcf.
-Laminated units are available in the following densities:
+'''Bun sizes:'''
-* PolyPlank LAM090 = 0.9 pcf
+* 2, 3, 3.8 pcf: 4 x 48 x 72”
-* PolyPlank LAM120 = 1.2 pcf
+* 6 pcf: 3 x 48 x 72”
-* PolyPlank LAM170 = 1.7 pcf
+* 8 pcf: 1.78 x 32 x 67”
-* PolyPlank LAM220 = 2.2 pcf
+* 12pcf: 1.50 x 28 x 59”
-They are typically manufactured in 1/2" - 3" thicknesses, and 108 x 48" sheets, but other dimensions can be custom ordered.
+* 22 pcf: 1.2 x 24 x 49”
-PolyPlank EXT is the same formula as PolyPlank LAM, but extruded in one piece rather than laminated, and at a slightly higher price. It is available in the following densities:
+'''Minicel L200 and LF200 Foam sheets''' <ref>[https://www.thefoamfactory.com/closedcellfoam/minicel-type-l-foam.html Foam Factory: Minicel Type 1 Foam]</ref>:
+* 72 x 48” sheets (sold in 2/3, ½, and 1/3 sheets)
-* PolyPlank EXT170 = 1.7 pcf
+*  ¼, 3.8, ½, ¾, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4” thick
-* PolyPlank EXT220 = 2.2 pcf
-* PolyPlank EXT400 = 4.0 pcf
-* PolyPlank EXT600 = 6.0 pcf
-* PolyPlank EXT900 = 9.0 pcf
-They are typically manufactured in 2 x 108 x 24" planks, but other dimensions may be available for custom order.
-'''Other Variations'''
-PolyPlank LEL is formulated with less than 10% LEL (low explosive limit) VOC, which meets military and other low residual blowing agent specifications.
-PolyPlank Renew is made with 40%-60% pre-consumer recycled material.
-PolyPlank SFT is formulated with finer cells for a softer surface texture.
-PolyPlank Plus is a custom-ordered system of laminating foam with a variety of substrates, including foil, bubble, adhesive and cohesive films, paper, non-wovens, etc
-== Additional Information ==
-Pregis PolyPlank [https://www.pregis.com/globalassets/by-products/foam-for-fabrication/pdf-brochure/polyplank-pe-foam-plank.pdf Website]
 == Resources and Citations ==
@@ Line 94: / Line 70: @@
-[[Category:Materials database]]
+[[Category:Materials database]][[Category:MWG]][[Category: Foams]]