Expanded Polystyrene Rigid Foam (EPS – Expanded Polystyren Foam) is a typically white thermoplastic material with closed pores in foam form obtained from petroleum by polymerization of styrene monomer. There are also products in gray / black tones in which the particles are processed to reflect long wave radiation in special production.
In EPS products obtained by inflating and fusing polystyrene particles, the blowing gas used to inflate the particles and obtain foam is ‘Pentane’. Pentane, an organic component, is replaced by air in a very short time during and after production, after allowing the formation of many small pores in the particles. The pentane gas released turns into CO2 and water vapor-H2O, which are already in the atmosphere. With the release of pentane, still air is trapped in the large number of small closed porous cells in the material (3-6 billion in 1 m3 EPS depending on density). 98% of the material is inert air,
After the material is supplied as raw material in small granules, it goes through pre-puffing process. Meanwhile, the pentane gas in the particles and the air are exchanged and the desired density of the material is largely achieved at this stage. Later, the expanded particles rested in a special silo are fused with each other with the help of water vapor in the mold and the material gains its properties. As a result of the fusion of the grains with each other, a continuous mass formed by polygons fused with each other without any gaps in the honeycomb appearance occurs. Subsequent production steps vary according to the usage area of the material (for thermal insulation purposes or as packaging material).
As it is known, stagnant air is the most economical, environmentally friendly and excellent thermal insulation material. The superior thermal insulation properties of EPS are due to the stagnant air contained in a large number of particles. EPS, one of the few materials that provide the best thermal insulation available in the world, is the only material that provides the same performance more economically than other thermal insulation materials used in our country.
The thermal conductivity of EPS varies between 0.033 W / Mk and 0.040 W / Mk, depending on the density in the white product. As the density increases, the thermal conductivity decreases. The thermal conductivity of graphite or carbon EPS used in jacketing is between 0.031-0.032 W / Mk for 16 kg / m3 density.
EPS used in buildings must be non-flammable, class E in European standards and B-1 in German DIN norm.
EPS is produced in desired densities according to the area of use. Since its properties can be changed in the desired direction, it does not cause material waste and unnecessary cost increases. EPS boards, which are generally used at densities of 15-30kg / m3 for thermal insulation, are very light. EPS products are used extensively in the thermal insulation of buildings and in the packaging industry by giving sheets, pipes and shapes.
Technical Specifications of EPS
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TS 7316 ve EN 13163’e göre EPS Levhaların sınıflandırılması ile ilgili örnek
* Styrofoam can be produced in different densities upon request.
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