What are puffed polystyrene beads?
Polystyrene or Styrofoam Beads. Polystyrene beads are often mistakenly referred to as STYROFOAM™ beads. The puffing of EPS resin, creating the puffed polystyrene beads is the first step in producing EPS (expanded polystyrene) blocks. Puffed polystyrene beads are used for several different applications besides the manufacture of EPS blocks.
What are the beads made out of?
Each bead is made of thin-walled, air-filled bubbles of polystyrene. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid and tough, closed-cell foam with a normal density range of 11 to 32 kg/m 3. It is usually white and made of pre-expanded polystyrene beads. The manufacturing process for EPS conventionally begins with the creation of small polystyrene beads.
What are styrofoam™ beads?
Polystyrene beads are often mistakenly referred to as STYROFOAM™ beads. The puffing of EPS resin, creating the puffed polystyrene beads is the first step in producing EPS (expanded polystyrene) blocks.
What is EPs bead made of?
Each bead is made of thin-walled, air-filled bubbles of polystyrene. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid and tough, closed-cell foam with a normal density range of 11 to 32 kg/m 3. It is usually white and made of pre-expanded polystyrene beads.
What are styrofoam beads made of?
The foam that you formerly knew as styrofoam is actually expanded polystyrene foam or EPS. This material is made from polystyrene, a plastic that's often used to make clear products like food packaging or lab equipment.
What ingredients are in polystyrene?
Polystyrene is made by stringing together, or polymerizing, styrene, a building-block chemical used in the manufacture of many products. Styrene also occurs naturally in foods such as strawberries, cinnamon, coffee and beef.
Is polystyrene made of plastic?
Polystyrene is formed when styrene meets with pentane and is made from a rigid cellular plastic containing an expansion agent.
Is polystyrene natural or synthetic?
synthetic resinpolystyrene, a hard, stiff, brilliantly transparent synthetic resin produced by the polymerization of styrene. It is widely employed in the food-service industry as rigid trays and containers, disposable eating utensils, and foamed cups, plates, and bowls.
Is polystyrene toxic to humans?
Polystyrene foam not only poses a threat to human health, but can also be harmful to the environment. Foam is lightweight and is easily blown by wind or washed away by rain into water sources.
How is polystyrene beads made?
To make polystyrene beads, the polymer molecules are filled with air to increase their size. Once the beads are expanded, the balls are joined to form larger beads and then moulded into different products for foam building insulation or food packaging.
Are EPS beads environmentally friendly?
“Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is not biodegradable and as a result persists in the environment for hundreds and possibly thousands of years” “EPS material easily breaks down into smaller pieces and is so light that it floats in the water and is easily carried by the wind, even when it has been disposed of properly.”
What is the difference between polystyrene and Styrofoam?
Polystyrene is a common polymer material produces from the monomer, styrene. Styrofoam is a form of 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 are the disadvantages of polystyrene?
Disadvantages of Polystyrene include: Brittle, poor chemical resistance especially to organics. Susceptible to UV degradation. Flammable.
What is the difference between polyester and polystyrene?
Polyester is a family of polymers whose monomers are linked together by ester bonds. As a specific material, polyester refers to a type of polymers called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). On the other hand, polystyrene is a vinylic polymer of styrene, an alkane chain of benzene molecules.
Does polystyrene contain BPA?
Styrene , a chemical believed to cause cancer, can leach out of polystyrene containers, though the amount of styrene in packaged foods is very low. This is a catch-all category for plastic that doesn't fall into the other categories. It contains BPA and is generally not considered safe.
Does polystyrene break down?
A new study, released today in Environmental Science and Technology Letters by researchers at the Wood's Hole Oceanographic Institution, shows that polystyrene is completely broken down over the course of centuries and partially broken down over the course of decades.
What is the difference between polystyrene and Styrofoam?
Polystyrene is a common polymer material produces from the monomer, styrene. Styrofoam is a form of 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.
How do you make polystyrene?
Preparation of Polystyrene Polystyrene is prepared by free radical addition polymerization of styrene in the presence of benzoyl peroxide as a catalyst.
Is polystyrene plastic safe?
Regulatory bodies around the world, such as the US Food and Drug Administration and The European Commission/European Food Safety Authority, who undertake rigorous studies to evaluate a product's safety, have not changed their view that polystyrene is safe for foodservice packaging.
Is polystyrene organic or inorganic?
organic polymerpolystyrene Synthetic, organic polymer, composed of long chains of the aromatic compound styrene. It is a strong thermoplastic resin, acid- and alkali-resistant, non-absorbent and an excellent electrical insulator.
What do public health organizations say about polystyrene foodservice packaging?
Public health officials encourage the use of sanitary, single-use foodservice packaging (such as polystyrene) in appropriate settings. Single-use f...
What do regulatory agencies say about the safety of polystyrene foodservice packaging?
In the United States, FDA strictly regulates all food packaging materials, including polystyrene. FDA has for decades stated that polystyrene is sa...
What do scientific experts say about the safety of polystyrene foodservice packaging?
From 1999 to 2002, a 12-member international expert panel selected by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis conducted a comprehensive review of pote...
Is it common for substances from packaging to “migrate” into food?
All packaging – glass, aluminum, paper and plastics (such as polystyrene) – contains substances that can “migrate” in very tiny amounts to foods or...
Where does styrene come from?
Styrene occurs naturally in many foods and beverages. Its chemical structure is similar to cinnamic aldehyde, the chemical component that creates c...
How can people come into contact with styrene?
People can come into contact with styrene from the small amounts that may be present in air (primarily from automobile exhaust and cigarette smoke)...
What is Styrofoam made of?
Many people incorrectly use the name STYROFOAM® to refer to polystyrene in food service; STYROFOAM® is a registered trademark of The Dow Chemical C...
What are styrene uses?
For more than 70 years, styrene has been used as a chemical building block to make the materials used in a wide variety of finished consumer produc...
What is the difference between styrene and polystyrene?
The difference is chemistry. Styrene is a liquid that can be chemically linked to create polystyrene, a solid plastic that displays different prope...
What is extruded polystyrene foam?
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam is a rigid insulation that has also formed with polystyrene polymer, but manufactured using an extrusion process. T...
What is a polystyrene bead?
Polystyrene beads are often mistakenly referred to as STYROFOAM™ beads. The puffing of EPS resin , creating the puffed polystyrene beads is the first step in producing EPS (expanded polystyrene) blocks. Puffed polystyrene beads are used for several different applications besides the manufacture of EPS blocks. Two of the most common are the production of bean bag chairs and the production of lightweight concrete.
How much does a puffed polystyrene bead weigh?
Standard concrete weighs 150 lbs per cubic foot. Puffed polystyrene beads weigh just under 1 lb per cubic foot. There are applications when the strength of concrete is needed but the weight of the concrete is a problem. One solution is to mix puffed polystyrene beads into the concrete mix.
What are puffed beads used for?
Two of the most common are the production of bean bag chairs and the production of lightweight concrete. Large EPS Puffed Beads.
How are puffed beads made?
To create the puffed beads the EPS resin is puffed by applying steam to the resin in an enclosed chamber. The Pentane gas in each bead expands from the heat causing the beads to grow by 30 to 35 times their original size. When they are fully puffed the beads are primarily made up of air. The puffed beads are then transferred to a drying chamber where they are subjected to dry air and from there into large poly bags for shipping. For very large applications the puffed beads can be blown directly into a 53’ trailer. Most people are familiar with bean bag chairs. They were very popular in the 60’s and in recent years have seen a resurgence in popularity during the past couple of years. When the puffed beads arrive at the chair manufacturer they are blown into the shell using special equipment and the shell is sealed.
Is polystyrene insulation messy?
Polystyrene beads are full of static electricity and they stick to everything. It is impossible to determine if the space has been filled or if there are large pockets of air remaining. This method of insulation can also be very messy for the same reasons.
How much does a puffed polystyrene bead weigh?
Standard concrete weighs 150 lbs per cubic foot. Puffed polystyrene beads weigh just under 1 lb per cubic foot. There are applications when the strength of concrete is needed but the weight of the concrete is a problem. One solution is to mix puffed polystyrene beads into the concrete mix.
How are puffed beads made?
EPS puffed beads are created by applying steam to EPS resin in an enclosed chamber. The Pentane gas in each piece of resin expands from the heat causing the beads to grow by 30 to 35 times their original size. When they are fully puffed the beads are primarily made up of air. The puffed beads are then transferred to a drying chamber where they are subjected to dry air and from there into large poly bags for shipping. For very large applications the puffed beads can be blown directly into a 53’ trailer.
What is a puffed polystyrene?
Polystyrene or Styrofoam Beads. Polystyrene beads are often mistakenly referred to as STYROFOAM™ beads. The puffing of EPS resin, creating the puffed polystyrene beads is the first step in producing EPS (expanded polystyrene) blocks. Puffed polystyrene beads are used for several different applications besides the manufacture of EPS blocks.
What are puffed EPS beads?
The puffed EPS beads are economical filler with unique properties that can not be obtained using any other material. In construction, the most common use of polystyrene beads is in the production of lightweight concrete.
What are some appliances made of polystyrene?
Refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, blenders – these and other appliances often are made with polystyrene (solid and foam) because it is inert (doesn’t react with other materials), cost-effective and long-lasting.
What is polystyrene foam?
Lightweight polystyrene foam provides excellent thermal insulation in numerous applications, such as building walls and roofing, refrigerators and freezers, and industrial cold storage facilities. Polystyrene insulation is inert, durable and resistant to water damage.
What is the difference between styrene and polystyrene?
The difference is chemistry. Styrene is a liquid that can be chemically linked to create polystyrene, a solid plastic that displays different properties. Polystyrene is used to make a variety of consumer products, such as foodservice containers, cushioning for shipping delicate electronics and insulation.
Why is polystyrene used in foodservice?
Polystyrene foodservice packaging can help reduce food-borne illness in homes, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, cafeterias and restaurants. Polystyrene foodservice packaging is preferred by the foodservice industry because it works better than alternatives. Hot foods stay hot, cold foods stay cold, and fresh foods stay fresh.
What is a CD case made of?
CD and DVD cases, foam packaging peanuts for shipping, food packaging, meat/poultry trays and egg cartons typically are made with polystyrene to protect against damage or spoilage. Uses & Benefits. Safety Information. Back to Top.
Why are cups made of foam?
Commonly used cups, plates and sandwich containers made of foam polystyrene use significantly less energy and water than comparable paper-based or corn-based alternatives, primarily due to foam polystyrene’s much lower weight.
What is a styrofoam?
Many people incorrectly use the name STYROFOAM® to refer to polystyrene in food service; STYROFOAM® is a registered trademark of The Dow Chemical Company that refers to its branded building material products.
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.
So, which one do I need, STYROFOAM or EPS!?
At Universal Foam Products, we are experts and suppliers of EPS and STYROFOAM Brand Foam products, so the only question is, "Which one is right for your project?" Dow STYROFOAM Brand Foam products are most commonly used in construction applications where specific R-values and compression strength is critical.
Overview
Forms produced
Polystyrene is commonly injection molded, vacuum formed, or extruded, while expanded polystyrene is either extruded or molded in a special process. Polystyrene copolymers are also produced; these contain one or more other monomers in addition to styrene. In recent years the expanded polystyrene composites with cellulose and starch have also been produced. Polystyrene i…
History
Polystyrene was discovered in 1839 by Eduard Simon, an apothecary from Berlin. From storax, the resin of the Oriental sweetgum tree Liquidambar orientalis, he distilled an oily substance, a monomer that he named styrol. Several days later, Simon found that the styrol had thickened into a jelly he dubbed styrol oxide ("Styroloxyd") because he presumed an oxidation. By 1845 Jamaican-born chemist John Buddle Blyth and German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann sh…
Structure
In chemical terms, polystyrene is a long chain hydrocarbon wherein alternating carbon centers are attached to phenyl groups (a derivative of benzene). Polystyrene's chemical formula is (C 8H 8) n; it contains the chemical elements carbon and hydrogen.
The material's properties are determined by short-range van der Waals attractio…
Degradation
Polystyrene is relatively chemically inert. While it is waterproof and resistant to breakdown by many acids and bases, it is easily attacked by many organic solvents (e.g. it dissolves quickly when exposed to acetone), chlorinated solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. Because of its resilience and inertness, it is used for fabricating many objects of commerce. Like other organic compounds, polystyrene burns to give carbon dioxide and water vapor, in addition to othe…
Co-polymers
Ordinary (homopolymeric) polystyrene has an excellent property profile about transparency, surface quality and stiffness. Its range of applications is further extended by copolymerization and other modifications (blends e.g. with PC and syndiotactic polystyrene). Several copolymers are used based on styrene: The crispiness of homopolymeric polystyrene is overcome by elastomer-modified styrene-butadiene copolymers. Copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile (SAN) are mor…
Environmental issues
Polystyrene foams are produced using blowing agents that form bubbles and expand the foam. In expanded polystyrene, these are usually hydrocarbons such as pentane, which may pose a flammability hazard in manufacturing or storage of newly manufactured material, but have relatively mild environmental impact. Extruded polystyrene is usually made with hydrofluorocarbons (HFC-134a), whi…
Safety
The American Chemistry Council, formerly known as the Chemical Manufacturers' Association, writes:
Based on scientific tests over five decades, government safety agencies have determined that polystyrene is safe for use in foodservice products. For example, polystyrene meets the stringent standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission/European Fo…