Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid cellular plastic, which is found in a multitude of shapes and applications. It is used for fish boxes, packaging for electrical consumer goods and for insulation panels for building. These are the most commonly known uses and we will mention others in this document.
Is Expanded polystyrene the same as Styrofoam?
The foam that you formerly knew as styrofoam is actually expanded polystyrene foam or EPS. This material is made from polystyrene, a plastic that’s often used to make clear products like food packaging or lab equipment.
What is the meaning of expanded polystyrene?
The thermal qualities of expanded polystyrene improve with its strength (density). EPS has a variety of applications such as for thermal insulation boards in building constructions and packaging products. EPS insulation foam is also used in closed cavity walls, roofs and floor insulation.
Is Expanded polystyrene toxic?
“Styrene, a component of polystyrene, is a known hazardous substance that medical evidence and the Food and Drug Administration suggests leaches from polystyrene containers into food and drink.” “Styrene is a suspected carcinogen and neurotoxin which potentially threatens human health.”
Is Expanded polystyrene waterproof?
Extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) is manufactured using a process of extrusion. … The closed cell structure of extruded polystyrene (XPS) prevents water penetration to the structure of the insulation board and provides long term strength and durability.
How expanded polystyrene is made?
It is produced from solid beads of polystyrene. Expansion is achieved by virtue of small amounts of gas contained within the polystyrene bead. The gas expands when heat in the form of steam is applied, thus forming closed cells of EPS.
Which is better EPS or XPS?
XPS, at about R-5 per 25 mm, has only a slightly better thermal performance than EPS. The thermal insulation performance of EPS and XPS in identical densities is quite close. However, EPS with the same level of density is less expensive.
Is EPS and Thermocol same?
Thermocol is an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and Styrofoam is an XPS (Extruded Polystyrene). Both these polystyrene products are derived from petroleum, just like plastic. Thermocol is so popular that any EPS/XPS is generically called ‘Thermocol’, in the same way that photocopies are called ‘Xerox’.
Is expanded polystyrene foam plastic?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of small hollow spherical balls that are expanded through a molding process in our factories to create a cost effective, highly efficient material used in hundreds of different applications.
Is Expanded polystyrene open or closed cell?
Expanded Polystyrene Insulation, more commonly referred to as EPS, is a closed cell insulation that has been around since the 1950’s. EPS is made of 98% trapped air and only 2% plastic, making it an efficient insulator with a small amount of raw material.
Is Expanded polystyrene a good insulator?
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
Expanded Polystyrene Insulation is a lightweight insulation, made of polystyrene foam beads. … EPS is 90% air because it is not very dense – the fact that it is made up of lots of small polystyrene beads means that there are lots of tiny air pockets. This is what makes it a great insulator.
What is XPS and EPS?
EPS (expanded) and XPS (extruded) are both closed-cell rigid insulation made from the same base polystyrene resins and manufactured differently, EPS is beads that are molded or cut into various sizes and shapes while XPS is extruded sheets. …
What is the difference between EPS and PIR insulation?
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has been left completely unaffected by the shortage of PIR insulation, as the manufacturing of EPS requires different raw materials. The cost difference between EPS and PIR can be as high as 20 percent, meaning you should see a substantial savings when you make the switch to EPS.
What does SM stand for in insulation?
3. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION. STYROFOAM™ Brand SM Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation is a multi- purpose extruded polystyrene board that helps to meet the needs of the commercial and residential foundation and slab market.
What kind of foam goes under slab?
Rigid foam insulations, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), have been used successfully under concrete slabs for more than 40 years. Such insulation helps reduce heat loss to the ground in residences, cold storage units, warehouses and other commercial, institutional and industrial structures.
How strong is expanded polystyrene?
Electrical Properties – The dielectric strength of EPS is approximately 2KV/mm. Its dielectric constant measured in the frequency range of 100-400 MHZ and at gross densities from 20-40 kg/m3 lies between 1.02-1.04.
Can I paint extruded polystyrene?
You can paint polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene beads using a waterborne paint to protect it from solvent attack by subsequent coats of paint. … After the polystyrene is completely covered, you can over-coat it using a conventional paint, if need be.
Is polystyrene a plastic?
Polystyrene is a type of plastic which is not commonly recycled. Most people readily recognise expanded polystyrene which is sometimes used for take-away food containers and to package white goods like microwaves. … Polystyrene is also sometimes used for other food packaging like multi-pack yoghurts.
How do you protect styrofoam from rain?
Also, since extruded polystyrene is permeable to water, it doesn’t count as a reliable vapor barrier either. The only way to be used as a vapor barrier is by preventing waterlogging. This is done by waterproofing the styrofoam using spray-on coating or plastic sheeting, but more on that later.
What happens if polystyrene gets wet?
What Happens with Expanded Polystyrene Insulation in Contact with Water? … EPS is resistant to water and moisture. This means that it does not absorb them and that its insulating performance is not compromised when in contact with these elements.
How do you seal styrofoam before painting?
You can use a regular craft sealant such as Mod Podge, or you can target the styrofoam specifically and use something like Foam Finish. Apply the sealant using a foam brush or regular paint brush and then let it dry completely before painting the styrofoam.
At what temperature does Styrofoam release toxins?
What is this? Styrofoam has a maximum safe temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will start to warp at around 22 degrees Fahrenheit, which is boiling point.
Is it safe to eat hot food in Styrofoam?
What happens when you ingest hot liquids and possibly hot food from polystyrene foam cups and plates is that the styrene may leach out of the foam food service ware and into our bodies. Styrene is such a problematic chemical, it’s included on the Hazardous 100+ list that we’re encouraging retailers to move away from.