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== Description ==
== Description ==


[Volek] A registered trademark for a cross-linked [[polyethylene foam|polyethylene foam]] manufactured by Sekisui Voltek, LLC. Like polyethylene foams, cross-linked polyethylene foams are durable and chemically stable, but are typically finer celled. <ref> [http://www.paccin.org/content.php?268-Polyethalene-Foams PACCIN: Polyethylene Foams]  
[Volek] A registered trademark for a cross-linked [[polyethylene foam|polyethylene foam]] manufactured by Sekisui Voltek, LLC. Like polyethylene foams, cross-linked polyethylene foams are durable and chemically stable, but are typically finer celled. <ref> [http://www.paccin.org/content.php?268-Polyethalene-Foams PACCIN: Polyethylene Foams] </ref>
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. <ref> [https://www.sekisuivoltek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Minicel_ProductSheet_Type_L.pdf Techincal Data: Minicel Type L) 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 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. <ref> [https://www.sekisuivoltek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Minicel_ProductSheet_Type_L.pdf Techincal Data: Minicel Type L] </ref> 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. <ref> http://kayakoutfitting.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=15 Kayak Outfitting.com: Closed Cell Foam]
Minicel is very buoyant and is commonly used in water recreation devices such as kayaks. <ref> [http://kayakoutfitting.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=15 Kayak Outfitting.com: Closed Cell Foam] </ref>


== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==


Polyethylene foam; Ethafoam [Sealed Air Corporation, formerly Dow Chemical Company]; white foam; PE Foam; SenFLex [Sentinel Products Corp]; Ethylene; Etha
Polyethylene foam; crosslinked polyethylene foam; XLPE foam; X-linked PE foam; [[Volara|Volara]]


== Applications ==
== Applications ==
Typically used in art Handling as a shock-absorption and vibration-dampening material (applied in small amounts relative to size of an object):
* Art handling
* Cushioning pads
* Storage
* Yokes for medium-large rolling tubes or guillotines for moderately sized sculptures
* Transport: shock absorption and cushioning
* Thermal insulation (when used as a lining for a container)


== Personal Risks ==
== Personal Risks ==


Pregis: [https://www.pregis.com/globalassets/safety-data-sheets/osha-ghs-content---pe-foam-products-naturalcolor-30-july-2019.pdf SDS]
Sekisui Voltek: [https://www.sekisuivoltek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/MSDS-Minicel-L.pdf SDS]
 
All Minicel products are non-toxic and contain no CFC, HCFC, or hydrocarbon blowing agents. <ref> [https://www.adhesivesmag.com/articles/84910-voltek-expands-minicel-polyolefin-foam-enhances-capabilities) ASI: Voltek Expands Minicel Polyolefin Foam, Enhances Capabilities (2004)] </ref>


== Collection Risks ==
== Collection Risks ==
 
Stable. Minnesota Historical Society says, “Can be used” (MWG 2020).
The natural tint (white) PolyPlank is widely considered chemically stable and suitable for use in preventative conservation <ref> [http://www.paccin.org/content.php?267-PolyPlank PACCIN: PolyPlank] </ref>


== Environmental Risks ==
== Environmental Risks ==
PolyPlank should pose no significant hazard to the environment <ref> [https://www.pregis.com/globalassets/safety-data-sheets/osha-ghs-content---pe-foam-products-naturalcolor-30-july-2019.pdf PolyPlank SDS] </ref>
PolyPlank is not cross-linked, so it can be recyclable.


== Physical and Chemical Properties ==
== Physical and Chemical Properties ==
'''Composition according to [https://www.pregis.com/globalassets/safety-data-sheets/osha-ghs-content---pe-foam-products-naturalcolor-30-july-2019.pdf SDS]:'''
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Chemical Name !! Percent !! Composition !! CAS No.
! scope="row"| Form
|-
| Solid, in various forms
| Polyethylene resin || ≥ 84 || Ethene/Butene Copolymer
 
Tris-nonylphenyl phosphite
 
Polyethylene Homopolymer
 
Crystalline silica
|| 25087-34-7
 
26523-78-4
 
9002-88-4
 
68855-54-9
|-
| Hydrocarbon foaming agents || ≥ 5 || Isobutane
 
n-butane
|| 75-28-5
 
106-97-8
|-
|-
| Talc || ≥ 4 || Magnesium silicate
! scope="row"| Odor
 
| Light
|| 14807-96-6
|-
|-
| Foam processing aid || ≥ 2 || Monodiglycerides
! scope="row"| Melting Point
 
| PE foam: 90-115°C
|| 67701-33-1
|-
|-
| Organic and/or inorganic colorants || ≥ 5 || Various
! scope="row"| Solubility in/miscibility with water
 
| Insoluble
|| Various
|}
|}


== Working Properties ==
== Working Properties ==
PolyPlank is easily cut with a variety of tools, can be adhered to itself and other polyethylene-based materials with heat welding or hot glue. The 2” material has a useful balance of dimensionality, stiffness, and ease of cutting. Strips/blocks cut from it can be quickly laminated into much thicker cushions as needed.
Common Fabrication Tools according to [http://www.paccin.org/content.php?267-PolyPlank PACCIN]:
* Knife (deli knife, extendable box cutter, specialty foam knife)
* Foam rubber cutter (electric) - For best results, mount cutter under saw table with an adjustable fence
* Hot knife
* Band Saw - For best results, use a scalloped or straight blade
* Table saw - For best results, clean table saw blade frequently
* Heat Gun
* Glue Gun - Suitable with hot-melt or low-melt glue sticks


== Forms and Sizes ==
== 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.
'''Other Sizes and Densities'''
Laminated units are available in the following densities:
* PolyPlank LAM090 = 0.9 pcf
* PolyPlank LAM120 = 1.2 pcf
* PolyPlank LAM170 = 1.7 pcf
* PolyPlank LAM220 = 2.2 pcf
They are typically manufactured in 1/2" - 3" thicknesses, and 108 x 48" sheets, but other dimensions can be custom ordered.
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:
* PolyPlank EXT170 = 1.7 pcf
* PolyPlank EXT220 = 2.2 pcf
* PolyPlank EXT400 = 4.0 pcf


* PolyPlank EXT600 = 6.0 pcf
''Produced in molded bun form.''


* PolyPlank EXT900 = 9.0 pcf
'''Density range:''' 2, 3, 3.8, 6, 8, 12 and 22 pcf.


They are typically manufactured in 2 x 108 x 24" planks, but other dimensions may be available for custom order.
'''Bun sizes:'''


'''Other Variations'''
* 2, 3, 3.8 pcf: 4 x 48 x 72”


PolyPlank LEL is formulated with less than 10% LEL (low explosive limit) VOC, which meets military and other low residual blowing agent specifications.
* 6 pcf: 3 x 48 x 72”


PolyPlank Renew is made with 40%-60% pre-consumer recycled material.
* 8 pcf: 1.78 x 32 x 67”


PolyPlank SFT is formulated with finer cells for a softer surface texture.
* 12pcf: 1.50 x 28 x 59”


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
* 22 pcf: 1.2 x 24 x 49”


== Additional Information ==
'''Minicel L200 and LF200 Foam sheets''' <ref>[https://www.thefoamfactory.com/closedcellfoam/minicel-type-l-foam.html Foam Factory: Minicel Type 1 Foam]</ref>:
Pregis PolyPlank [https://www.pregis.com/globalassets/by-products/foam-for-fabrication/pdf-brochure/polyplank-pe-foam-plank.pdf Website]
* 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 ==
== Resources and Citations ==
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[[Category:Materials database]]
[[Category:Materials database]][[Category:MWG]][[Category: Foams]]

Latest revision as of 11:17, 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

  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
  • Kaela Nurmi, contributed information, MWG group, 2020.
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