Minicel
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
Composition according to SDS:
| Chemical Name | Percent | Composition | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 14807-96-6 |
| Foam processing aid | ≥ 2 | Monodiglycerides | 67701-33-1 |
| Organic and/or inorganic colorants | ≥ 5 | Various | Various |
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 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
Information below from 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
- 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 Website
Resources and Citations
- Kaela Nurmi, contributed information, MWG group, 2020.