Rigid PVC Foam Core for Truck Trailer Sidewalls and Cargo Panels

Rigid PVC foam core is valued for its combination of light weight, high strength, and durability. Using it in sandwich composite structures reduces the overall weight of trailers, increasing payload capacity and fuel efficiency. Its stiffness ensures panel stability under road vibration and cargo loads, while its resistance to moisture and corrosion ensures long-term performance in varied climates and road conditions.

Compared to plywood, PVC foam is lighter, impervious to moisture, and immune to rot, mold, and insect damage. Unlike aluminum, it offers better thermal insulation and reduces thermal bridging, which is crucial for refrigerated trailers. It also does not corrode and provides a smoother surface for finishing, reducing maintenance needs over the trailer's lifespan.

The closed-cell structure of PVC foam provides excellent thermal insulation, helping to maintain consistent internal temperatures in refrigerated (reefer) trailers and reducing energy consumption of cooling units. It also contributes to noise reduction inside the cargo area, which can be beneficial for certain sensitive shipments.

Panels are typically manufactured using continuous lamination processes or vacuum infusion, bonding the PVC foam between fiberglass, aluminum, or composite facing sheets. Installation on the trailer frame is done using structural adhesives and, in some cases, mechanical fasteners. The result is a seamless, strong, and lightweight sidewall or roof panel that can be pre-finished and pre-assembled for efficient manufacturing.

Thickness ranges from 20mm to 150mm, and density options are available between 0.45g/cm3 and 0.90g/cm3 to meet different structural requirements.