Is Styrofoam EPS or XPS?
As we said, Styrofoam™ is a Dow trade, blue in color, and is an extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam made for thermal insulation, construction and craft applications. EPS is an expanded polystyrene available in various densities for insulation, construction and craft applications and so much more.
What does EPS stand for Styrofoam?
Expanded polystyreneExpanded polystyrene (EPS) is widely used in many everyday applications where its light weight, strength, durability, thermal insulation and shock absorption characteristics provide superior benefits over other materials.
How toxic is EPS foam?
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Styrofoam, is a petroleum-based non-biodegradable foam, which the EPA and International Agency for Research on Cancer consider styrene a “possible human carcinogen” and “that such materials can have serious impacts upon human health, wildlife, and aquatic environment, and the economy.”
What kind of material is EPS?
thermoplastic foam materialWHAT IS EPS? Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid, closed cell, thermoplastic foam material produced from solid beads of polystyrene, which is polymerised from styrene monomer and contains an expansion gas (pentane) dissolved within the polystyrene bead.
Where is EPS foam used?
Main uses of EPS! EPS foam is durable, strong as well as lightweight and can be used as insulated panel systems for facades, walls, roofs and floors in buildings, as flotation material in the construction of marinas and pontoons and as a lightweight fill in road and railway construction.
What temperature does EPS melt?
EPS will soften at a temperature of only 73 C (165 F), which will reduce its thermal performance capability. At 100 C (212 F), EPS begins to melt and drip, which can result in the complete loss of the insulation's thermal efficiency.
Is EPS foam environmentally friendly?
EPS is not biodegradable and must be recycled where it can is reused for various new products. The downside is there are high costs associated with transporting the waste because of its volume to weight ratio.
How long does it take for EPS to biodegrade?
500 yearsStyrofoam (more appropriately called Polystyrene or EPS) languishes in landfills indefinitely, taking at least 500 years – and possibly much longer – to decompose.
Is Styrofoam toxic to humans?
Never put hot food/drink into polystyrene foam containers, and never microwave these (or any plastic) products! Polystyrene foam not only poses a threat to human health, but can also be harmful to the environment.
What are the disadvantages of expanded polystyrene?
Disadvantages of Polystyrene include: Brittle, poor chemical resistance especially to organics. Susceptible to UV degradation. Flammable.
Does EPS foam absorb water?
EPS is a closed cell and cannot absorb water. During the process of moulding a block, tiny channels are formed between the EPS particles. If the material is immersed in water these tiny channels can be filled with water.
Is expanded polystyrene insulation safe?
EPS is non-toxic, chemically inert, non-irritant and odourless making it entirely safe to use across all construction applications.
Which is better EPS or XPS?
XPS, at about R-5 per 25 mm, has only a slightly better thermal performance than EPS. The thermal insulation performance of EPS and XPS in identical densities is quite close. However, EPS with the same level of density is less expensive.
What is Type 2 EPS insulation?
ENERGREEN® Insulation Board is a moulded expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation with a thin film laminated to the top and bottom surfaces.
What is EPS rigid insulation?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) •The most versatile of the three rigid insulation options. •Used in Roof, Wall, Floor, Below Grade & Structural GeoFoam applications. •Used most widely in insulated concrete forms and structural insulated panels.
What's the difference between EPS and XPS insulation?
EPS is slightly more permeable to air and moisture, whereas XPS is less resistant to water vapour. Therefore, if you're looking to insulate a humid area (e.g. floors, cellars and foundation walls), XPS is your best option.
What is the difference between styrofoam and eps foam?
The major difference between Styrofoam and EPS foam blocks is that Styrofoam is made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) while EPS foam blocks are made of expanded polystyrene. So, what’s the actual difference between extruded and expanded? Both are polystyrene foam products made from polystyrene resins but they are manufactured into sheets and blocks very differently. For EPS foam blocks, the blowing agent that is used to form the final product leaves the polystyrene beads quickly which works to create thousands of tiny cells filled with air. The blowing agent used to make XPS or Styrofoam products stays embedded in the beads for long periods of time, thus preventing and reducing air flow through the material. This gives XPS foam a lower moisture absorption rating compared to EPS. To add, XPS is made using a continuous extrusion process that creates a closed-cell form while EPS is manufactured through an expansion process that molds spherical beads and uses heat and pressure to fuse the foam product together.
What is EPS foam?
When it comes to using Styrofoam or EPS foam blocks and sheets, EPS is the more ideal option for construction projects that call for durability and resistance against harsh external conditions. Its applications include soil stabilization, road banks, sheathing, below grade applications, insulation, tapered roof insulation, pools and landscaping.
What is Geofoam International?
Geofoam International is here to help with all your EPS foam block construction needs. From educating you on the exact differences and advantages EPS geofoam has over other types of construction material to providing you with custom foam blocks and services to meet your needs, look to Geofoam International.
What is a styrofoam block?
In the realm of foam block construction, whether it’s used for insulation, roadways, landscaping or commercial buildings, the term “Styrofoam” is often used and misused when referring to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks . Styrofoam is actually a trademarked word under the Dow Chemical Company that technically refers to closed-cell, extruded polystyrene foam (think foam coffee cups, takeout containers and packing material). However, this extruded polystyrene is often mistakenly used when talking about expanded polystyrene foam which is similar yet different in many ways. If you refer to Styrofoam when you are actually looking for the construction project material known as expanded polystyrene foam blocks, you most definitely will not be getting what you pay for.
How is XPS made?
To add, XPS is made using a continuous extrusion process that creates a closed-cell form while EPS is manufactured through an expansion process that molds spherical beads and uses heat and pressure to fuse the foam product together .
Is styrofoam a recyclable material?
Recyclability is another major differentiating factor between EPS foam and Styrofoam. While Styrofoam is not recyclable, expanded polystyrene is extremely recyclable. It’s considered very green which bodes well with the ever-growing trend toward green construction. The expanded polystyrene is made up of organic elements which means it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Last but not least, the blowing agents used to make EPS are exponentially less harmful to the environment than the ones used to manufacture Styrofoam.
Is expanded polystyrene toxic?
The expanded polystyrene is made up of organic elements which means it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Last but not least, the blowing agents used to make EPS are exponentially less harmful to the environment than the ones used to manufacture Styrofoam.
What is EPS foam?
Most common “foam” products, like coolers, wine shippers, molded end caps and corners, box packaging and even cups at the office water cooler are actually polystyrene foam. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is the generic industry name for the white rigid material made by expanding polystyrene beads with steam and pressure to bond the beads together to form blocks or to shape molds. EPS is also used in the construction industry for insulation and void fill.
What is a styrofoam?
Most often the word “Styrofoam” is generically used to describe expanded polystyrene foam products like disposable coffee cups, cooler and other foam packaging materials, none of which is actually Styrofoam Brand Foam.
What is styrofoam insulation?
Styrofoam Brand Foam is a registered trademark of the Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. This trademark covers a full range of extruded polystyrene building products used primarily in construction for wall insulation, floor insulation, and roof insulation systems. These insulation panels are commonly referred to as “blue board” in the construction industry. Most often the word “Styrofoam” is generically used to describe expanded polystyrene foam products like disposable coffee cups, cooler and other foam packaging materials, none of which is actually Styrofoam Brand Foam
What is EPS foam?
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Most common "foam" products, like coolers, wine shippers, molded end caps and corners, box packaging and even cups at the office water cooler are actually polystyrene foam. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is the generic industry name for the white rigid material made by expanding polystyrene beads with steam ...
What is blue board insulation?
These insulation panels are commonly referred to as "blue board" in the construction industry. Most often the word "Styrofoam" is generically used to describe expanded polystyrene foam products like disposable coffee cups, cooler and other foam packaging materials, none of which are actually STYROFOAM.
What is EPS foam?
EPS foam is the correct term for any form of expanded polystyrene. Expanded Polystyrene insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. EPS is available in several compressive strengths to withstand load and back-fill forces.
How is EPS made?
EPS is created in a two-stage process: Raw beads are expanded using steam, creating pre puff beads, which are then cured in large bags before being conveyed to the mold.
What are the elements in EPS insulation?
EPS Insulation is composed of organic elements – carbon, hydrogen and oxygen – and does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
Is expanded polystyrene CFC free?
Expanded Polystyrene has always been CFC- and HCF C-free. ICA is an environmentally conscientious manufacturing plant. Our in-house EPS trim is recycled and we accept recyclable EPS from our customers and the public, significantly reducing the amount of EPS that would potentially end up in landfills. In 1994 ICA installed a pentane collection system for air quality control. The system captures the pentane that is released during production and reroutes it through our boiler. This reduces the amount of natural gas we use, saving natural resources while being environmentally responsible. We continued our efforts to be mindful of our environment by installing solar panels and replacing our lighting with energy efficient fixtures. All of these actions help to keep the air of our planet cleaner and lessen the impact of landfills on the population.
What is the moisture permeability of EPS foam insulation?
Two inches of EPS foam board has a moisture permeability rate of between 60 and 75 ng (1 to1.25 perms), which is on the cusp of qualifying it as a type II vapour retarder, but on the more 'breathable' side of the scale which we would probably consider a good thing in most applications.
What is the name of the foam used in building envelopes?
When building or renovating a high-performance building envelope there are really three main kinds of rigid foam panels you are going to have to choose from - Polyisocyanurate known as Polyiso (PIR), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) - often called Styrofoam - and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
What is polyiso board?
Polyiso insulation boards are the most widely used low slope, above-deck commercial roofing insulation. As a versatile choice for commercial roofing applications, polyiso is designed to be part of any modified bitumen, built-up, or single-ply roofing system.
What is PIR insulation?
PIR, polyiso, or ISO, is a thermoset plastic product typically produced as a foam and used as rigid thermal insulation panel - most often with aluminum foil facing. Thermal performance is rated at R6-6.5 per inch, but don't count on that if your winters are cold for the reasons we're about to explain.
How much more vapour resistant is 6 mil?
For reference sake, the traditional 6mil polyethylene vapour barrier has a permeability rating of 3.4 ng, making it about 18 times more vapour resistant than building codes allow.
What is the most damaging blowing agent for XPS?
Also, rather regrettably for traditionally produced XPS, the hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) most commonly used as blowing agents are far more damaging to the climate than those used with other rigid foam insulation boards. Some manufacturers speak of a transition to more eco-friendly foam insulation blowing agents;
Does EPS foam dry out?
But there is nothing wrong with putting a little effort into keeping it dry if you can. The GWP of expanded polystyrene blowing agents is about 7 times worse than carbon, but that's a lot less than being 1430 times worse like standard XPS is. There is also the potential for a miniscule amount of off-gasing of some chemicals including potentially troublesome brominated fire-retardants from EPS foam products used in construction, but speculation as to whether or not this poses a significant risk to health doesn't seem to be based on any hard facts or testing. We'd be really interested to find any verifiable sources for EPS chemical off-gassing testing - if you find any please post them to the comments section below - as we are starting to think that EPS foam may arguably be the most Eco-Friendly insulation and this may sway our thinking against it.
Why is EPS insulation bad?
A good part of the reason why EPS foam insulation gets such a bad rap is because it is so often confused with the more harmful foam products on the market , when in reality it isn’t actually as bad as people think. They are easily distinguishable from each other, see below:
Is EPS foam good for soundproofing?
It may be more susceptible to termite damage that other materials. It isn't as great for soundproofing. You don’t want to be around it when a building is on fire. There is some evidence that it can shrink over time. All of that is true, but there are workarounds to all those problems.
Is cellulose insulation a settled material?
I was steered away from cellulose since I was told it settled, which was and wasn’t true – loose-blown settles but dense-packed cellulose insulation doesn’t settle. We didn’t have mobile devices back then where we could read the news, so the world was awash in newsprint that ended up in hamster cages, wood stoves and landfills. So in hindsight, cellulose would have been a great choice as there was tons of it around, and currently there still seems to be.
Is XPS worse than carbon?
The current emissions of XPS (extruded polystyrene foam) manufacturing are 1430 times worse than carbon as a heat-trapping greenhouse gas, but EPS (expanded polystyr ene) is only 7 times worse. And we are convinced that can be improved.
Is foam insulation eco-friendly?
I didn't think so, then I started to, then I changed my mind, now I sort of do again. And that's as a guy that lives in a house insulated with foam. And I’m still open, so by all means please make your case for or against foam insulation in the comment section below and try to change my mind.
What is the Difference Between Polystyrene and Styrofoam?
Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer whereas Styrofoam is a trademark brand of polystyrene. This makes the difference between polystyrene and Styrofoam. Polystyrene appears transparent. But various forms of polystyrene have different colors because of adding colorants. For example, Styrofoam has a light blue color.
What is the difference between styrofoam and polystyrene?
The key difference between polystyrene and Styrofoam is that the polystyrene is a form of synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer whereas the Styrofoam is a commercial brand of polystyrene.
What is Polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer. We can produce this polymer from the monomer styrene. It is available in two forms as a solid form or as foam. This material is clear, hard, and rather brittle. Moreover, it is inexpensive when considering a unit weight. However, it is a poor barrier to oxygen and water vapor.
What is styrofoam made of?
Styrofoam is a trademark brand of polystyrene. It falls under the category of closed-cell extruded poly styrene foam (XPS). This material has a light blue color. The owner of this brand is The Dow Chemical Company. Styrofoam contains about 98% air; this makes it lightweight and buoyant.
How much air is in styrofoam?
Styrofoam contains about 98% air; this makes it lightweight and buoyant. When considering the uses of this material, it has many applications as a building material, in building insulation sheathing and pipe insulation.
What is the melting point of polystyrene?
The chemical formula of this compound is (C 8 H 8) n, and the melting point is 240 °C. When considering the chemical structure of this material, it has a long chain hydrocarbon with an alternating pattern of phenyl groups attached to the carbon chain.
Is polystyrene a solid?
It is a thermoplastic polymer. At room temperature, it is in the solid state. But if we heat this polymer above 100 °C, the material flows. Therefore, it is the glass transition temperature of this material. However, it becomes rigid when we cool it back. Figure 01: Polystyrene Foam.
Extruded vs. Expanded Polystyrene
Physical Attributes
- There are many differences in physical attributes of Styrofoam vs EPS foam blocks. For one, the color is different. You will often see original Styrofoam sheets in a blue color while EPS foam blocks start out as white, unless custom dyed. EPS foam is lightweight but has a high-density which makes it stronger and more durable than Styrofoam. Many will look to EPS as a go-to fill …
Environmental Impact
- Recyclability is another major differentiating factor between EPS foam and Styrofoam. While Styrofoam is not recyclable, expanded polystyrene is extremely recyclable. It’s considered very green which bodes well with the ever-growing trend toward green construction. The expanded polystyrene is made up of organic elements which means it doesn’t conta...
Uses
- When it comes to using Styrofoam or EPS foam blocks and sheets, EPS is the more ideal option for construction projects that call for durability and resistance against harsh external conditions. Its applicationsinclude soil stabilization, road banks, sheathing, below grade applications, insulation, tapered roof insulation, pools and landscaping.
Performance
- EPS foam blocks tend to outperform XPS foam blocks. The materials also differ slightly in R value, which is the measure of heat flow resistance, aka – thermal insulation effectiveness. EPS tends to outperform XPS in terms of long-term R-value—meaning, it is a better insulation product. EPS geofoam’s drying potential under severe conditions allows it to continue to carry out therma…