What is the difference between IXPE and XPE?

What is the difference between IXPE and XPE? The concepts of IXPE and XPE are respectively:

1. IXPE: Irradiation Cross-linked Polyethylene (IXPE) is a closed cell flexible foam made by radiation cross-linking technology.
2. XPE: Chemically Cross-linked Polyethylene (Chemically Cross-linked Polyethylene), the foam material formed by chemical methods to realize the cross-linking reaction between molecular chains.

Main differences

1. Different manufacturing processes:
   1. IXPE is irradiated by high-energy particles such as electron beams or gamma rays to complete the cross-linking process;
   2. XPE uses peroxide as a cross-linking agent to induce cross-linking reaction between polyethylene molecules under heating condition.
2. Difference in physical properties:
   1. IXPE has higher strength, better elasticity and temperature resistance due to a more uniform and thorough cross-linking process;
   2. In contrast, although XPE also has good flexibility and thermal insulation, it may not be as stable and reliable as IXPE in some extreme environments.
3. There are different applications:
   1. IXPE is widely used in automobile interior parts, household appliances cushioning, sports equipment protective layer and other fields;
   2. XPE is more often used in packaging fillers, building soundproof panels, horticultural grasscloth, etc.