Polyfoam: technical, chemical, operational characteristics

Today, polystyrene is one of the most popular materials in the construction industry. The builders and owners of the premises speak well of its safety and relatively low price. Foam is regarded as a heater. If we take into account all the qualities of expanded polystyrene (the starting material for the foam material), we can distinguish the main characteristics of this porous material.

Styrofoam. Characteristics of technical and operational properties

• What is a styrofoam? This is air enclosed in closed cells made of expanded polystyrene. This structure determines one of the most demanded and main properties of the material - an extremely low thermal conductivity. What can be compared with polystyrene foam? The characteristics of its thermal conductivity are almost 20 times lower than that of a brick, three times lower than a tree. 12-centimeter layer of foam plastic also effectively preserves heat, like a brick wall 2 meters thick. At the same time, he does not react in any way to heat or cold.
• What else can polystyrene? The characteristics of its moisture resistance are close to 100%. It has been experimentally established that a foam wall can absorb no more than 3% (of its own weight) of moisture. At the same time, it will not swell, it will not change its shape or its dimensions. The density of the foam does not change either.

Other Properties of Polyfoam

• Need a good soundproofing? With this role, the same polystyrene can do just fine. Characteristics of it as a material that protects the building from wind and does not miss noise are due to the structure. Porous air material is much more profitable than other soundproofs, better windproof film. All 3 centimeters of polystyrene completely block out external noise.
• What else is good foam? Ease of installation. Lightweight, easy to cut, not emit harmful vapors material can be assembled into the desired design even by one person. For its installation, no special equipment or special devices are needed. It does not dust when cutting, it is easy to bore.

Styrofoam. Chemical properties

If you need a completely neutral and very durable material, take the foam. The characteristics of its chemical composition guarantee that neither fungi, nor bacteria, nor harmful insects in it will be able to settle. He is not afraid of rot and is not at all prone to mold. The structure of the foam makes it neutral with respect to most chemicals. He is not afraid of not only moisture: the foam is indifferent to most aggressive substances. Neither with lime, nor with cement foam does not interact. They can not be dissolved with soap or paints - they are resistant to most acids and salt solutions. The only thing that polyfoam polystyrene is afraid of is solvents based on benzene or acetone. The latter can partially dissolve the foam. With increasing temperature, the layers of foam begin to melt, thereby stopping decay: the foam does not support either burning or smoldering. Only with direct contact with fire it ignites, but after 4 seconds it goes out. Finally, the foam is produced from environmentally neutral materials, and its utilization is just as safe: no harmful substances are released. That is why foam, whose characteristics are only positive, are used not only in construction, but also in the manufacture of children's toys and interior decorations.