Chem. crosslinked polyethylene foams were prepd. by foaming the blowing agents and optionally a crosslinkig coagent-contg. polymer films at 230 degrees C for 5 min to det the effect of the blowing agents and the crosslinking coagent on the apparent d. and hardness of the foams. The increase in blowing agent content (up to 36%) resulted in a decrease in d. and hardness of the foams. Use of the crosslinking coagent resulted in increasing apparent d. and hardness of the foams.