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Neolon XPE logo

Neolon XPE Backing Rod

Neolon Backing Rod, made from closed-cell chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam, is extensively used in the building and construction industry. As a backer/bond breaker rod for sealants in expansion joint sealing applications, it ensures waterproof, weatherproof, and fire retardant performance.

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Features & Benefits

Water Resistant

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.
a large roll of Neolon XPE backing rod

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.
a close up of Neolon backing rod

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.
a photo of neolon backing rod packaged, it seems to be a smaller diameter

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 Properties
Chemical Resistance
Purchasing Options

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)

Icon

property

Result

Icon that represents density
Density (kg/m3)
25kg/m3
Icon that represents operating temperature
Total Thermal Resistance (R-Value)
(With bonded foil face)
0.546m²K/W @ 20mm thick
0.28m²K/W @ 10mm thick
Icon that represents sound absorption
Sound Transmission Loss
-30dB @ 100Hz
-5dB @ 630Hz
-27dB @ 2000Hz
-23dB @ 5000Hz
Icon that represents hardness
Indentation Hardness
13 JIS Type C
Icon that represents water absorption
Water Absorption (g/cm2)
(Foam is submerged underwater for 48 hours)
0.00009g/cm2
Icon that represents buoyancy
Buoyancy (kg/m3)
973kg/m3
Icon that represents operating temperature
Operating Temperature
(Without distortion of the foam)
Minimum: -70, Maximum +189 Degrees Celsius (melting point)
Icon that represents dimensional change
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)
Icon that represents tensile strength
Tensile Strength
210 KPa
Icon that represents tear strength
Tear Strength
125 KPa
Icon that represents tensile strength
Elongation
(length @ break)
185% Length
134% Thickness
Icon that represents compression strength
Compression Strength
(Compression Deflection)
(Force required to compress 25% of a 25mm thick cylinder foam piece)
37KPa
Icon that represents compression
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)

Colours

Medium Grey

Backing Rod Sizing

Outer Diameter (OD)

Length

15mm
100 metres
20mm
50 metres
25mm
50 metres
30mm
50 metres
40mm
50 metres
50mm
50 metres
60mm
2 meters
70mm
2 meters

Dimensional Drawing

OD = Outside Diameter
a dimensional drawing of the backing rod to understand diameters and available lengths
a rendered image to show various sizes of the backing rod

Downloads

Technical Data Sheet
Chemical Resistance Data
Health & Safety Information

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