If you’re unsure about the benefits of polyfoam XPS, read this article. You’ll learn how it’s made, its extrusion process, physical properties, and benefits to the environment. Also learn about its cost, which will help you decide whether it’s right for your needs. This article will also introduce you to the different types of XPS. But what exactly is it? And why is it so popular?
Extrusion process
The ALEMO EXT89-XPS-COR is specifically designed to extrude foam profiles of various shapes. The hot extrusion process involves continuous mixing of a blowing agent with the melted polymer. After the mixture is prepared in a mixing chamber, it is transported to a dosing system where it is further heated to the melting point of polystyrene. A blowing agent such as CO2 is then introduced to the melted polymer. The CO2 acts as a blowing agent, which is essential for solid extruded foam.
The XPS extrusion process produces a thick layer of foamed polystyrene that is designed for insulation applications. The resulting product is made up of a mixture of plastic resin and several additives. The plastic resin is then forced through a die at high temperatures, after which it is allowed to cool and expand. The plastic resin is mixed with blowing agents and coloring agents in the extruder. The blowing agents help the foam expand after it is extruded.
Once the raw materials are fully plasticized, the blowing agent is introduced. This carbon dioxide blowing agent is completely mixed with the raw materials and extruded through the die. After the process, the offcuts are discarded and sent to a recycling station that acts as a mini-extruder. The recycled foam is chopped into pellets and stored for reuse. This process creates high-quality, durable, and environmentally friendly insulation boards.
Unlike the EPS extrusion process, the XPS extrusion process produces a high-quality material. The cost is much higher than the cost of traditional insulation, which is recyclable. It is more expensive than cardboard or some types of plastic. The extruded material can be recycled, but the coatings are very poor and need to be modified before they can be used. So, XPS-related plastics are a greener choice than ever.
When compared to expanded polystyrene, the extruded material is more dense and rigid. This characteristic makes it perfect for use in packaging and green projects. Additionally, it is the most popular choice for insulation and structural panels. For this reason, XPS is becoming a popular choice in insulation. So, what makes XPS extrusion process so unique? If you’re looking for a product made of a dense, plastic-like material, it’s definitely worth looking into.
Physical properties
Using SEM micrographs to determine cell size and density, we compared the morphological properties of XPS foams and those of PS foams treated with BTA. Both XPS foams and PS foams treated with BTA displayed the greatest increase in normalized compression modulus at reference density. A significant difference was observed in the cell sizes and densities among the two foams, and these differences were reported in Table 1.
The compression modulus of XPS foams is adequate for their intended use, typically ranging from 6.5 to 25 MPa. Typical uses for XPS foams include floor panels and the outer walls of basements, where the compression loads are highest. PS foams’ mechanical properties are strongly affected by their density, additives, and cell opening effect. Water absorption rates are typically lower than 0.5 wt%.
Using XPS to examine the structure and properties of polyfoam can also help in the design of foam materials with better performance. In this case, microcellular XPS foams with smaller cell size are beneficial. The morphology of polypropylene foams can be changed by using benzene-trisamide, a novel class of nucleating agents. These agents are completely soluble in the polymer melt.
Extruded polystyrene foam is also excellent for moisture management and freeze/thaw cycles. Traditional insulation is susceptible to moisture absorption, which affects its thermal performance over time. Therefore, the use of XPS foam for insulating sheathing in buildings is advantageous in reducing energy losses and lowering the energy needed for comfortable living conditions. In addition, widespread use of XPS foam insulating sheathing reduces the consumption of natural resources.
XPS foam board has excellent compressive strength, low moisture absorption, and a homogeneous closed-cell cross section. The material’s void-free construction means that it will not rot, decompose, or attract vermin. The durability of XPS foam board is outstanding, and it can last for 50 years or more. Its chemical resistance is another plus. XPS is not susceptible to most chemicals, although petroleum-based solvents will attack the polystyrene foam board. Therefore, it is best to exercise caution when working with it.
Environmental benefits
The manufacturing process of polyfoam XPS involves the use of HFOs and HCFCs, two types of greenhouse gases that are contributing to global warming. The manufacturing process of XPS foam board commonly involves the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are highly toxic chemicals that can deplete the ozone layer. During the manufacturing process, HFCs diffuse out of XPS cells and accumulate over time. Manufacturers are experimenting with non-toxic blowing agents, but they are not yet standard.
In addition, XPS is highly flammable. Large corporations supply XPS, which is available in green, pink, and blue colors. Until the 1970s, XPS was used to make fast-food packaging. Unfortunately, it used CFCs and HCFCs to produce the insulation. These compounds were banned because they had high Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). In response, XPS manufacturers switched to HFC gases, which have a low ODP and are less harmful to the environment. However, these gases still have a high GWP (greater than CO2), which negates many of the insulation’s intended benefits.
EPS also carries the advantage of being more customizable. Engineered EPS can be cut to custom shapes and lengths and can be covered with reflective laminates. Unlike XPS, EPS is recyclable and is safe for landfills. As an added bonus, it is easy to recycle and there are over 200 EPS recycling facilities throughout the United States. If you’re looking for the best way to protect the environment, EPS may be your best bet.
In 2008, a study of EPS and XPS installation in New York City found that water content of both materials was comparable at the time of excavation and after four weeks of laboratory conditioning. The XPS sample had high water content at the time of testing, while the EPS sample was almost dry. These results were explained by the fact that EPS has higher vapor permeance, while XPS has bead boundaries, which contribute to better drying potential.
The construction industry is increasingly concerned about the environment. Sustainable building practices are becoming commonplace, and design teams are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Extruded polystyrene foam plastic insulation offers energy efficiency and environmental benefits, according to Susan Herrenbruck, executive director of the Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association. This organization represents manufacturers and raw material suppliers of XPS insulation.
Cost
In the construction industry, polystyrene foam (EPS) is a versatile material with numerous applications, including marine applications and buoy construction. With increased industrialization and urbanization, the demand for EPS products is expected to increase. This material is also popular in developing countries like Africa and Asia, where housing quality is improving and building energy codes are becoming more stringent. This creates a large demand for EPS and other polystyrene products.
Unlike traditional insulation products, XPS foam boards are lightweight and rigid. They have low lambda values, 0.033 W/mK, and are resistant to freeze-thaw cycles. The insulation’s low weight also makes it ideal for green and garden roofs. XPS foam board is available at reasonable prices in China. Here are a few benefits of XPS:
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) costs about $0.45 per board foot. It is the most commonly used rigid board insulation, with an R-value of 5.0 per inch. It can be installed at a cost of $1.60 to $2 per square foot. It is very durable and is a great choice for foundations below the slab level. It is also relatively easy to install.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a popular insulation material used in new and remodeling projects. It is available in standard dimensions and can be easily recognizable by brand names. The extruded polystyrene insulation also resists water absorption, making it an excellent choice for a variety of building applications. While XPS is inexpensive and easy to install, it does not have the long-term benefits that are commonly associated with traditional insulation products.