Expanded polystyrene foam. Description

Foamed expanded polystyrene is produced using a special technology. The manufacturing process is divided into several stages. The material for production is a suspended expandable polystyrene.

At the first stage, natural substance - pentane is used. This substance is characterized by the ability to rapidly decompose in soil, water and atmosphere. Under the influence of pentane, polystyrene is foamed. The pellets are then heated. For this, water vapor is used. As a result, a uniformly foamed mass is obtained. This mass has a thin, closed-cell structure. In the cubic meter of this material, the air concentration is ninety-eight percent. The air is enclosed in several billions of closed cells. Foamed polystyrene foam has a special internal structure, which ensures low thermal conductivity of the material. The level of thermal conductivity of the material is similar to that of stationary air.

Foamed polystyrene, manufactured by the above method, freezes during cooling and is a rigid mass. This mass includes closed cells filled with air. The quality of the material obtained depends on the equipment used during production. Of no less importance is the raw material from which polystyrene is made . Blocks of foam - are products for which the material in question is used. On the fracture, the foam looks like balls glued together.

The material is used as a heater. Styrofoam has a low thermal conductivity, the level of which increases with increasing density. The material has a moisture resistance. Foamed polystyrene foam does not swell in water and does not dissolve in it. The presence of the non-interconnected structure of the cells in which air is contained practically completely prevents the penetration of moisture. Even in the case of moisture penetration between the fused pellets, the water will quickly leave the material without having a harmful effect on it. The presence in conditions of high humidity does not adversely affect the material - it does not change either its size, its mechanical strength, its appearance, or its insulating characteristics. If during the production process will include optimization of the molding regime, which allows increasing the level of fusion of the granules, the water capture can be substantially reduced.

In the vapor phase, the liquid can seep into the styrofoam. Steam will exit the material and enter it at the same speed. If it goes into a liquid form, then there may be difficulties.

In addition to other qualities, the material is resistant to the influence of mineral aggressive media. Styrofoam is compatible with gypsum, cement, clay, bitumen, lime and other materials used in construction and finishing. The material is also resistant to the influence of a number of chemical compounds.