Abstract: The thermal performance and rheological properties of PE?HDs were measured by DSC and Hakke rotational rheometer, and then its foaming properties were investigated through the batch foaming experiments. The result indicated that there was a significant effect on the foaming performance of PE?HD from its crystallization rate and viscoelastic properties. The rheological properties and molecular weight distribution of HDPE6098 were found to be suitable for the foaming process along with its fast crystallization rate. These advantages could help to obtain an expansion ratio of 17.69 times and a cell density of 1.30×10^6 cell/cm3 for the foamed PE?HD samples. However, HDPE7000F was found to have a broad high molecular?weight range and high modulus, leading to a limitation in cell growth during foaming and a poor foamed product.