Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is resistant to moisture, rigid, and durable. Learn how this type of foam can be beneficial for your business. Here are some of the most common uses for XPS. These products include:
Extruded polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer
Polystyrene (PS) is a commonly used thermoplastic material that can be solid, foam, or a combination of both. The insulating properties of these foams make them popular for use in building insulation. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam board is a common type of XPS material and is often recycled.
This versatile material is made by molding or extruding it into shapes. Its strength allows it to be cast into fine detail. It is used for many purposes including the manufacture of disposable plastic cutlery, CD jewel cases, smoke detector housings, license plate frames, and plastic model assembly kits. However, its low thermal conductivity makes it flammable and can cause fires in buildings.
This thermoplastic material is produced by a two-stage process: free-radical polymerization and mass polymerization. The first step in this process involves the polymerization of styrene in a stirred tank reactor. The polymerized solution is then transferred to a tubular thin film reactor for further polymerization. An extruder then takes the finished granulate and pushes it through a die to form a final shape.
Another polymer manufactured through this process is XPS. It is similar to polystyrene but has smaller air pockets. This material can be produced by combining water and CO2. The same method was used by Okolieocha et al. in a study conducted using a 0.5 mm die at 126degC. They were also able to use a thermally reduced graphite oxide to make a similar type of XPS.
Another way to overcome this problem is to copolymerize styrene with other monomers. For example, a polystyrene-butadiene copolymer can have better clarity and increased chemical resistance than pure polystyrene. Another important styrene copolymer is styrene-co-acrylonitrile. These polymers are both transparent and opaque.
It is resistant to moisture
Polyfoam XPS is a type of closed-cell foam board with a high thermal resistivity. Its closed-cell structure eliminates voids, ensuring a high R-value in a building’s insulating layer. The foam board contains insulating gases that diffuse out of the cells, making it resistant to moisture. The aging process, however, reduces the insulation value of XPS foam boards.
Although both products are water-resistant, the difference between them is not negligible. XPS has a low absorption rate of 0.3 percent, whereas EPS absorbs two to four percent of water by volume. Because the two materials are so similar in composition, it’s important to understand the difference between them before specifying one over the other. EPS is much less expensive than XPS, and XPS insulation can be used for a variety of applications.
Compared to EPS, XPS has higher vapor permeance. This helps building designers minimize the risk of condensation inside framed walls. Because water vapor condenses in polystyrene foam closed cells, it will eventually turn to liquid water. Once inside, this liquid water will cause damage to a building. The resistance of EPS to moisture will greatly increase your energy bill.
Moreover, XPS insulation is highly water-resistant, and its high R-value will make it a great choice for buildings. However, it must be noted that moisture penetration in a closed-cell polystyrene structure will significantly decrease the R-value. The same is true for a XPS installation when it is below grade. XPS absorbs 67% of water. If the XPS insulation is installed below grade, the moisture content is higher than the R-value.
It is rigid
A recent study found that the insulation of polyfoam boxes contains 52% less moisture than the material’s published R-value. While this is less than ideal, XPS retains more R-value than its “real” counterpart. This is despite XPS’s higher moisture content, which is important because moisture greatly affects its R-value. However, newer versions of XPS are greener and use environmentally friendly blowing agents, such as HCFCs. In addition, HCFCs have 94% less potential to deplete ozone than carbon.
Both EPS and XPS are made from the same polyisocyanurate material. However, XPS is slightly stronger and has a higher R-value, a significant difference between the two. Both materials can be used in a variety of applications, including cold storage and ductwork. If you’re concerned about the weight and thickness of your rigid foam products, look for XPS-based foam.
Extruded polystyrene foam, also called XPS, is a material that has excellent insulating qualities. Its rigid, closed-cell structure makes it an ideal choice for both new construction and remodeling projects. Its lightweight and water-resistance make it ideal for building applications, from roofing to wall insulation. It is also GREENGUARD-certified, which means it contains at least 20% recycled content.
In addition, XPS is environmentally friendly, and has a lower GWP than EPS. XPS foam boards cost 15% more than their HFC-blown counterparts, but it will be cheaper over time as producers make large quantities to meet demand. The only downside is that XPS has less fire-resistance than EPS. Therefore, it is important to consider this when choosing insulation products.
It is durable
The benefits of Polyfoam XPS as an insulation material are numerous. Its closed cell structure helps it prevent air leakage and heat transfer, and helps regulate the internal temperature of a building. Additionally, Polyfoam XPS has superior thermal resistance, which helps maintain a consistent temperature inside a building for years to come. XPS foam is extremely durable, and can withstand heavy loads, which is important for a building’s structural paneling.
Extruded Polystyrene Boards have no capillaries, which means that liquid water cannot travel through the foam behind the plaster. This feature is critical for exterior wall areas close to the ground. Typical water absorption characteristics of XPS are described in Table 1.
The main advantage of Polyfoam XPS as an insulation material is its durability. Unlike EPS foam products, XPS is rated for R-5 per inch. But the real test of any type of insulation is its moisture-resistance and drying potential. However, XPS may absorb more moisture in applications below grade, and retain moisture longer than EPS foam products. Therefore, it is important to ensure that it has a drying capacity that matches its thermal resistance.
The main benefits of XPS foam board are its durability and resistance to moisture. Because of its rigidity, durability, and resistance to moisture, this material is used to make various interior-building applications. The UltraBoard Classic product boasts a 10 year durability rating. This makes it a versatile material that can handle most interior environments. Further, it is resistant to mildew, mold, and moisture.
It can be recycled
If you are looking for ways to recycle polystyrene, you should consider XPS recycling. This material can be recycled, and you can even get picture frames and other products from it. This material is lightweight, chemically stable, and resistant to corrosion. When properly recycled, it can help minimize your carbon footprint and reduce your waste stream. Here are some tips for recycling XPS. Also, remember that recycling EPS is a good idea as well.
Most municipalities accept EPS and XPS foam for recycling. It is accepted in seven municipalities. Some municipalities have a dual-stream collection system. EPS is difficult to recycle in curbside programs, but there are some options for you. In the San Francisco Bay Area, you can find drop-off recycling centers that accept EPS foam. Recycling centers often have internal doors. The Resource Recovery Fund Board Inc., an agency that encourages waste diversion, provides grants for source separated recycling. The organization also maintains a database of recycling centers.
There are different types of recycling machines for XPS. APOLO Series machines are available in different models. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but they all do the same job. A compactor can convey large amounts of XPS waste and crush them into solid blocks. Once crushed, the waste can be sold to manufacturers to be used in photo frames or pelletized. Then, a recycler can make use of the pellets.
In the past, a common method for recycling polystyrene was to burn the waste in a fire. The waste was contaminated with food particles, which was dangerous to marine life. It is now possible to recycle EPS, and it provides all of the same benefits as new polystyrene. In addition to the benefits of recycling EPS, XPS can be recycled into General Purpose Polystyrene pallets.