Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) foam is a family of closed-cell polyethylene foams whose polymer chains are cross-linked — either chemically or by irradiation — to create a strong, flexible, sealed-cell structure. Because every cell is closed, these foams are waterproof, excellent thermal and acoustic insulators, resilient under compression, and easy to cut, print and laminate. They are the workhorse materials of the packaging, construction, automotive, sports and medical industries.
As a direct manufacturer of XPE, IXPE and IXPP foam in Zhuhai, China, Bofeng Foam produces these cross-linked foam families in-house and laminates them with aluminium foil, non-woven fabric, leather, flannelette and more. This page is your starting point for understanding the differences between our foam materials and choosing the right one for your product.
What is Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam?
Cross-linked polyethylene foam is produced by foaming polyethylene and cross-linking the polymer chains so that the cells close, giving the sheet dimensional stability, resilience and heat resistance that ordinary non-cross-linked PE foam does not have.
- Closed-cell structure: every air pocket is sealed, so the foam does not absorb water and provides consistent thermal and acoustic insulation.
- Two cross-linking methods: chemical cross-linking (used for XPE) or irradiation cross-linking by electron beam or gamma ray (used for IXPE and IXPP).
- Recyclable and non-toxic: production uses no harmful substances; the finished foam is odourless and safe for direct skin contact.
Our Cross-Linked PE Foam Material Family
XPE Foam
Chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam. A strong, cost-effective closed-cell foam in single layers from 2 mm to 12 mm and multi-layer sheets up to 200 mm. Ideal for packaging, underfloor sound insulation, flotation and yoga mats.
IXPE Foam
Irradiation cross-linked polyethylene foam. The same closed-cell performance as XPE but available much thinner — from 0.1 mm — which makes it the material of choice for automotive interiors, baby play mats and precision cushioning.
IXPP Foam
Irradiation cross-linked polypropylene foam. The most temperature-resistant of the cross-linked family, combining closed-cell insulation with higher heat resistance for automotive and high-temperature applications.
Other Foam Materials We Produce
- PE foam — lightweight polyethylene foam in low, medium and high density.
- Silicone foam — foamed silicone for high-temperature, sealing and medical applications (−60 °C to 200 °C).
- Laminated foam — foam laminated with aluminium foil, non-woven fabric, leather or flannelette for insulation and decoration.
Which Foam Should You Choose?
Use the comparison below as a starting point. All specifications can be customized — tell us your application and our engineers will recommend the right material.
| Material | Cross-linking | Single-layer thickness | Temperature resistance | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPE foam | Chemical | 2–12 mm | −40 °C to 80 °C | Packaging, underlayment, yoga mats |
| IXPE foam | Irradiation | 0.1–15 mm | −40 °C to 90 °C | Automotive, baby mats, gaskets |
| IXPP foam | Irradiation | 1–6 mm | Up to approx. 130 °C | High-temperature insulation |
| PE foam | Non-cross-linked available | 0.1–100 mm | −40 °C to 80 °C | General cushioning packaging |
| Silicone foam | — | 0.5–30 mm | −60 °C to 200 °C | Sealing, gaskets, medical |
Why Choose Bofeng Foam as Your Foam Manufacturer?
Bofeng Foam is a direct factory manufacturer of cross-linked polyethylene foam in Zhuhai, China, with more than 10 years of foam-industry experience. Buying from the factory means quality control, custom sizes and competitive pricing without a trading middleman.
- In-house R&D of flame-retardant, high-temperature, permanent anti-static, conductive and open-cell foam series.
- Custom thickness, density, width, colour and surface treatment.
- OEM / ODM service from prototyping to mass production, including die-cutting and lamination.
Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) foam is a family of closed-cell polyethylene foams whose polymer chains are cross-linked — either chemically or by irradiation — to create a strong, flexible, sealed-cell structure. Because every cell is closed, these foams are waterproof, excellent thermal and acoustic insulators, resilient under compression, and easy to cut, print and laminate. They are the workhorse materials of the packaging, construction, automotive, sports and medical industries.
As a direct manufacturer of XPE, IXPE and IXPP foam in Zhuhai, China, Bofeng Foam produces these cross-linked foam families in-house and laminates them with aluminium foil, non-woven fabric, leather, flannelette and more. This page is your starting point for understanding the differences between our foam materials and choosing the right one for your product.
What is Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam?
Cross-linked polyethylene foam is produced by foaming polyethylene and cross-linking the polymer chains so that the cells close, giving the sheet dimensional stability, resilience and heat resistance that ordinary non-cross-linked PE foam does not have.
- Closed-cell structure: every air pocket is sealed, so the foam does not absorb water and provides consistent thermal and acoustic insulation.
- Two cross-linking methods: chemical cross-linking (used for XPE) or irradiation cross-linking by electron beam or gamma ray (used for IXPE and IXPP).
- Recyclable and non-toxic: production uses no harmful substances; the finished foam is odourless and safe for direct skin contact.
Our Cross-Linked PE Foam Material Family
XPE Foam
Chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam. A strong, cost-effective closed-cell foam in single layers from 2 mm to 12 mm and multi-layer sheets up to 200 mm. Ideal for packaging, underfloor sound insulation, flotation and yoga mats.
IXPE Foam
Irradiation cross-linked polyethylene foam. The same closed-cell performance as XPE but available much thinner — from 0.1 mm — which makes it the material of choice for automotive interiors, baby play mats and precision cushioning.
IXPP Foam
Irradiation cross-linked polypropylene foam. The most temperature-resistant of the cross-linked family, combining closed-cell insulation with higher heat resistance for automotive and high-temperature applications.
Other Foam Materials We Produce
- PE foam — lightweight polyethylene foam in low, medium and high density.
- Silicone foam — foamed silicone for high-temperature, sealing and medical applications (−60 °C to 200 °C).
- Laminated foam — foam laminated with aluminium foil, non-woven fabric, leather or flannelette for insulation and decoration.
Which Foam Should You Choose?
Use the comparison below as a starting point. All specifications can be customized — tell us your application and our engineers will recommend the right material.
| Material | Cross-linking | Single-layer thickness | Temperature resistance | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPE foam | Chemical | 2–12 mm | −40 °C to 80 °C | Packaging, underlayment, yoga mats |
| IXPE foam | Irradiation | 0.1–15 mm | −40 °C to 90 °C | Automotive, baby mats, gaskets |
| IXPP foam | Irradiation | 1–6 mm | Up to approx. 130 °C | High-temperature insulation |
| PE foam | Non-cross-linked available | 0.1–100 mm | −40 °C to 80 °C | General cushioning packaging |
| Silicone foam | — | 0.5–30 mm | −60 °C to 200 °C | Sealing, gaskets, medical |
Why Choose Bofeng Foam as Your Foam Manufacturer?
Bofeng Foam is a direct factory manufacturer of cross-linked polyethylene foam in Zhuhai, China, with more than 10 years of foam-industry experience. Buying from the factory means quality control, custom sizes and competitive pricing without a trading middleman.
- In-house R&D of flame-retardant, high-temperature, permanent anti-static, conductive and open-cell foam series.
- Custom thickness, density, width, colour and surface treatment.
- OEM / ODM service from prototyping to mass production, including die-cutting and lamination.