At One Place

EVA foam

Density of EVA foam
100 kg/m³ (35–250)
0.10 g/cm³ · 6.2 lb/ft³

Unlike expanded polystyrene it rebounds instead of crushing permanently, which is why it is under every running shoe and why a gym mat survives being dropped on repeatedly. The density band here is enormous because the same chemistry is blown from soft 35 kg/m³ packaging foam to firm 250 kg/m³ floor tile. It heat-forms with a hot air gun at around 100 °C and holds the new shape on cooling, which is the whole basis of prop and costume armour making.

Properties

Density
100 kg/m³ (35–250) — 0.10 g/cm³
Tensile strength
1–4 MPa
Thermal conductivity
0.04 W/(m·K)
Floats in water
Yes
Magnetic
No

What it is used for

  • Running shoe midsoles
  • Interlocking gym and garage floor tiles
  • Cosplay armour and prop making
  • Tool case inserts and yoga mats

How it compares

Water is 1,000 kg/m³. Anything with a shorter bar than water floats in it.

air 1.2 kg/m³
expanded polystyrene foam 20 kg/m³
rigid polyurethane foam 40 kg/m³
EVA foam 100 kg/m³
Water — the float line 1,000 kg/m³
tungsten 19,250 kg/m³
gold 19,300 kg/m³
platinum 21,450 kg/m³
Water is 1,000 kg/m³. Anything below that floats.
Material Density Relative to water
rigid polyurethane foam 40 kg/m³ 0.04×
expanded polystyrene foam 20 kg/m³ 0.02×
air 1.2 kg/m³ 0.00×
EVA foam ← 100 kg/m³ 0.10×
platinum 21,450 kg/m³ 21.45×
gold 19,300 kg/m³ 19.30×
tungsten 19,250 kg/m³ 19.25×

Does it rust?

EVA foam contains no iron, so it cannot rust. Whether it degrades depends on the material, not on oxidation.

Is it magnetic?

EVA foam is not a metal and has no ferromagnetic response.

Common questions

What is the density of EVA foam?
100 kg/m³ (35–250), or 0.10 g/cm³.
Does EVA foam float?
Yes. At 100 kg/m³ it is less dense than water's 1,000.
Is EVA foam magnetic?
EVA foam is not a metal and has no ferromagnetic response.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place

How these figures are compiled and checked