Can you describe the foam?
See? The plain white ones are gigantic in size, wouldn’t find them easily, and the black one seems line one of a kind!
Black looks like an open cell dense foam. Is it squishy?
Can be squished a little bit with force.
This Black Foam is what foam?
You’re looking at something that’s dense, a bit squishy, but takes effort to compress. That puts it ptobably in the category of either XLPE or EVA foam.
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE)
- Smooth outside, super fine closed-cell texture
- Somewhat difficult to compress, bounces back fast
- Used in stuff like Pelican case inserts, insulation, flotation pads
- Basically waterproof, holds up well to abuse
EVA Foam
- Slightly softer and more flexible than XLPE
- Still dense, but easier to push in
- Shows up in gym mats, cosplay armor, cheap padding, shoe soles
- More likely to soak up a little moisture if submerged
How to Tell Them Apart
Thing to Check XLPE EVA Texture Finer, more uniform A bit more irregular Surface Feel Smooth, maybe a little glossy Matte, slight texture Water Resistance Almost totally waterproof Mostly, but not quite as good Squish Factor Firm, takes effort Softer, more give Nail Press Test Barely leaves a mark Leaves a temporary dent Quick DIY Tests
- Water dunk: If it stays dry, probably XLPE. If it soaks even a little, probably EVA.
- Fingernail press: XLPE resists. EVA gives in for a second.
If you know what this piece came from (like a shipping insert, exercise mat, insulation panel) that can help narrow it down even more. Let me know and I will give it a shot.
thanks, sounds like XLPE, then! Big glass pieces were shipped with it.
Yep. XLPE is good foam for repurposing.
