Neolon Backing Rod, made from closed-cell chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam, is extensively used in the building and construction industry. As a an expansion joint in sealing applications, it ensures waterproof, weatherproof, and fire retardant performance.
Neolon XPE is water resistant due to its cross-linked, closed cell structure making it perfect for use in environments exposed to moisture or condensation.
Fire Retardancy
Third party testing resulted in certification to ISO 4589-3:2017 with a spread of flame index of 0/10, a heat evolved index of 0/10 and a smoke developed index of 2/10 making Neolon Backing Rod a superior construction joint filler.
Long-Lasting
Neolon Backing Rod showed no significant changes to its mechanical properties under accelerated aging tests conducted at UNSW following accelerated weathering equivalence of 20 years.
Approved for construction
Construction certifications include Transport and Main Roads Specifications MRTS77 Bridge Deck, and RT3204, Preformed Joint Fillers.
How is Neolon™ backing rod Made?
Neolon™ Backing Rod is manufactured out of Neolon XPE, a closed-cell, chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam with recycled material which is extruded then expanded with chemical and cross-linking agents creating a small, uniform cell structure.
What is the Purpose of Backing Rod?
Neolon™ Backing Rod is used prior to the application of sealants in horizontal and vertical expansion joints which help to control the sealant depth and thickness, control joint width, save on the use of excess sealant, promote adhesion to the joint and increases sealant longevity.
applications of Neolon™ XPE Backing Rod
Neolon™ Closed Cell Backing Rod is commonly used in both interior and exterior applications where consistent joints, fire and water resistance is needed such as large concrete structures including bridges and roads, curtain wall systems and window and door installations.
Technical Specifications of Neolon XPE (Crosslinked Polyethylene)
Installation
Backing rod should be installed at a depth of 2 to 1 with a minimum depth of 6mm and a maximum depth of 12mm. For best compression and a secure hold, the backing rod should be about 3mm in diameter than the gap or joint to be filled.
Testing & Conformance
JIS K-6767(Japanese Industrial Standards) ASTM D 3575 (International) VicLab - Independent Testing Australia ISO 8302.1991 (Thermal Resistance Values)
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Result
Density (kg/m3)
25kg/m3
Total Thermal Resistance (R-Value) (With bonded foil face)
Water Absorption (g/cm2) (Foam is submerged underwater for 48 hours)
0.00009g/cm2
Buoyancy (kg/m3)
973kg/m3
Operating Temperature (Without distortion of the foam)
Minimum: -70, Maximum +189 Degrees Celsius (melting point)
Dimensional Change (After temperature cycling and chemical submersions)
Length -2%, Width +0.5% (22 hours at 70 Degrees Celsius) -1.35% (Heat cycled -30 to +65 Degrees Celsius) -1.4% (14 days under high octane fuel) -0.01% (30 days under 5% Bilge Cleaner Solution)
Tensile Strength
210 KPa
Tear Strength
125 KPa
Elongation (length @ break)
185% Length 134% Thickness
Compression Strength (Compression Deflection) (Force required to compress 25% of a 25mm thick cylinder foam piece)
37KPa
Compression Set (Percentage of the original thickness after being compressed 50% for 72 hours and then recovered for 24 hours)
11%
Chemical Resistance testing of Neolon XPE (Crosslinked Polyethylene)
Test results are from a NATA accredited laboratory
Chemical
Weight Change
Dimension Change
Buoyancy Change
Compliance
10 temperature cycles and Hi Octane Petroleum (7 Days)
-6%
-1.4%
+2.73% (Day 1) -6.17% (Day 7)
Yes
100mm under crude oil (14 Days)
+5%
+0.5%
0%
Yes
100mm under marine fuel oil (grade C) (14 Days)
+3.5%
+0.8%
+1.11%
Yes
100mm under diesel oil (14 Days)
+4%
+0.2%
-1.84%
Yes
100mm under high octane petroleum (14 Days)
+2%
+6%
+2.22%
Yes
100mm under kerosene (14 Days)
+1%
+5%
+2.73%
Yes
Bilge Cleaner 5% (30 Days)
-1%
0%
-0.57%
Yes
Petrol (30 Days)
+6%
+13%
-4.49%
Yes
Oil (30 Days)
+8%
+0.8%
-2.24%
Yes
Standard Purchasing Options for Neolon XPE Backing Rod (Crosslinked Polyethylene)