Qualities Of Expanded Polystyrene Foam

Polystyrene foam is one of the most widely used materials in the world. We are constantly surrounded and using it every day, sometimes without realizing it. Polystyrene is used in many products, including packaging materials, food trays, and coolers, as well as toys. Polystyrene can be used for more than just its obvious uses. It is also used as insulation, flotation, and construction materials, making it an all-purpose material. You can also buy foam coolers in Hawaii via many web sources.

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There are two main types of polystyrene, which are defined by the forming process. These resulted in slightly different structural makeups. Both expanded polystyrene, also known as EPS, as well as extruded polystyrene, are closed-cell foams that have slightly different properties and structures.

 

The generic name Styrofoam is often used for polystyrene foam materials. Styrofoam, a brand name for a particular type of polystyrene foam that Dow Chemical Company owns, is used primarily as insulation.

 

Polymerization is the more popular of both. This process involves tiny beads expanding from heat and steam to create EPS. Then, they fuse together to make a solid material. EPS is made up of individual foam pellets. Depending on the type of EPS, EPS can contain up to 98 percent air. XPS foam is made using a different process. 

 

The polystyrene crystals can be combined with other chemicals, and then fed into an extruder. This produces high levels of heat and pressure, which combine the materials to form a thick, fluid material. Once it has reached this stage, it is passed through dies which mold it as it expands due to chemical reactions and contact with air. These materials can be made into large blocks or sheets to make insulation, packaging, or for use in making cups.

 

Both types of foam are similar structurally. However, they have different applications. XPS is denser than the two due to its more stable structural composition and the way it is manufactured. It is an excellent insulating material, with a high R-Value. This rating is often used in polystyrene insulation products.