Extruded polystyrene is a common plastic material used in many products. It is made from a combination of plastic and a resin. There are many types of extruded polystyrens, including EPS, XPS, and Neopor. Each has distinct pros and cons and is used for a variety of applications. Using the proper tool to install the foam can help you get the right result.
XPS
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a great choice for building and insulation applications. It has low thermal conductivity, minimal water absorption, and a low specific gravity. Its service life is 40 to 50 years, which is comparable to the lifespan of the building.
This versatile material can be used to create a variety of products, such as insulation, packaging, and composite materials. It is also extremely lightweight and possesses excellent thermal and damping properties. The advantages of using XPS over traditional materials include its energy efficiency and low cost. However, it is not completely vapor-proof, and it is not resistant to organic solvents. This can create a health risk when used in food packaging.
Extruded foam boards can be recycled and are often produced using up to 15 percent recycled content. The manufacturing process of XPS foam board can be hazardous to the environment, as it typically uses hydrochloroflurorcarbons to blow air. Although non-toxic alternatives are available, they are not yet widely used by manufacturers.
Unlike conventional foam, XPS can be molded. This process involves combining a foaming agent with polystyrene granules, and forcing them through a die to expand them. After this, the board is trimmed to its final dimensions. Unlike EPS foam board, XPS extruded polystyrene is extruded instead of poured into molds, so the thickness of the board is restricted.
Extruded polystyrene is a versatile material with high strength and thermal insulation. It can be used as a ballasted roof or as a protective layer for waterproofing membranes. Its durability is also long lasting, and it doesn’t foster rodents or other pests.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is one of the most common thermal insulation board materials available. It has a standard density of 28 kg/cubic meter and thermal conductivity of 0.024 W/m.K. at 10 degrees Celsius. In addition, XPS has a high compressive strength and is a great insulator.
Unlike EPS, XPS is more stable and has a lower GWP (global warming potential). The extrusion process limits the thickness of the board, which makes it more durable than EPS.
EPS
Extruded polystyrene (EPS) is a thermoplastic material that is light and rigid. It is used in packaging and construction applications. Its good thermal insulation properties make it a valuable material in a number of industries. EPS is one of the world’s most widely used polymers.
EPS is usually extruded as 2 or 4-foot-wide sheets. Depending on its thickness, it provides higher R-values than comparable materials. This is especially important in below-grade applications, which can see moisture and heat cycles. It is also non-combustible and does not support the formation of air pockets.
Polystyrene is made by mixing ethylene and benzene. The resulting polymer has a high melting point and is categorized as either thermoplastic or thermoset. Its plastic reaction is the reason for its name. It is extremely strong, yet light-weight, making it a convenient choice for packaging and insulation. However, there are many negative environmental consequences associated with polystyrene waste. In addition to polluting land, polystyrene waste is also expensive to transport and store.
Polystyrene is used in a variety of everyday applications, especially in the automotive industry. It is used in car parts and electronics. It is also used in the housing of medical equipment. Additionally, it is often used for foodservice packaging. The lightweight polystyrene foam provides excellent thermal insulation in a variety of applications.
Neopor
Neopor(r) is an extruded polystyrenen granulate that contains 10% recycled content. It is an ideal choice for many building applications, especially for facade insulation. The granulate is made with a steam molding process that results in less energy use. Additionally, the water used in the molding process can be reused.
Neopor insulation provides excellent thermal and fire resistance. Its flame spread index (FSI) and smoke developed index (SPI) are less than 450. This is one of the best fire and smoke resistance ratings for a polystyrene material.
Compared to rigid foam insulation, Neopor has a higher permeance, which means that it is more breathable. In addition to this, it is more resistant to water and moisture damage. It also comes in customizable shapes and can add extra features to your vinyl siding.
The material is patented by BASF, the world’s largest chemical company. It has a graphite component that slows heat transfer. It is a more energy-efficient alternative than XPS insulation. The patented material can be used in both exterior and interior applications.
Neopor is also an excellent choice for exterior insulation sheathing under siding. It can be produced in fanfold and sheet forms. It can be used in residential and commercial construction. It is also approved by RADCO, a national organization that focuses on green building. It can also be custom cut for any project.
Graphite polystyrene
Graphite polystyrene is an insulating material that can improve thermal performance in a variety of applications. The addition of graphite particles to polystyrene increases its thermal performance by absorbing and reflecting radiant energy. As a result, this type of material is able to achieve higher levels of thermal stability and glass transition temperature than standard polystyrene.
The material is light in texture and easy to use. It is also resistant to breaking and has good anti-corrosion and impact resistance. Its manufacturing process uses steam, which results in a lower energy consumption. Furthermore, the water from the molding process is recycled. BASF produces graphite extruded polystyrene rigid insulation under the Neopor brand name.
Graphite EPS provides significant benefits in terms of energy savings and dimensional stability. In addition, it offers superior fusion and resistance to low-frequency heat transfer. SilveRboard(r) Graphite has a high R-value, which allows it to provide improved thermal resistance at lower temperatures. It also features lightweight properties, durability and low breakage rates, which make it an ideal choice for buildings.
Graphite-integrated polystyrene has improved thermal and insulating properties, but this material is still not free of VOCs. Although polystyrene is generally non-toxic, residual styrene is mutagenic and carcinogenic. It has been categorized as a Group 2B carcinogen by the European Commission Regulation 10/2011. Moreover, research indicates that EPS is linked to higher levels of gamma and radon in indoor air.
Graphite-EPS combines high-purity graphite particles into the cell structure. These particles enhance insulation capacity by approximately 30%. In addition, high-purity graphite particles reflect radiant heat hundreds of times. Unlike traditional polystyrene, graphite-integrated polystyrene increases thermal efficiency by increasing thermal conductivity to 0.031 W/mK.
Graphite-EPS is a new generation of EPS. These new products combine the benefits of EPS with new features to improve the insulation performance of building envelopes. Graphite-EPS products are flexible, lightweight, and have a low water absorption rate. They are also perfect for insulating walls, decks, and roofs.
Graphite-EPS has the highest R-value of any rigid foam insulation available. The R-value of this material increases as temperatures decrease, so it retains more thermal energy. GPS manufacturers use a nondiffusing blowing agent to produce the product, which keeps thermal transfer to a minimum.