Expandable Polystyrene

Brief Overview

Expanded Polystyrene a rigid and tough, closed-cell foam with a normal density range of 11 to 32 kg/m3. It is usually white and made of pre-expanded polystyrene beads. EPS insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. EPS is ideal for the packaging and construction industries due to its light weight, strong and excellent thermal insulation properties. It is the largest commodity polymer produced in the world.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of EPS requires several steps. First, small polystyrene beads are formed through suspension of styrene monomers in water and then their free-radical polymerization. Afterwards,the beads are permeated with a "blowing agent", a material that enables the beads to be expanded. Pentane is commonly used as the blowing agent. The beads are added to a continuously agitated reactor with the blowing agent, among other additives, and the blowing agent seeps into pores within each bead. Lastly, they undergo an expansion process in the steam.

Construction Industry

Expandable Polystyrene serves as a main component of rigid panels used in the construction industry. Such panels are used as a popular insulation thanks to EPS low conductivity.

Packaging 

EPS is used as a protective packaging for fragile products. Due to its properties, it is used to protect glass surfaces during transport, as well as delicate electronic parts. 

Due to its anti-mold properties it is also used in the food packaging, for example takeout boxes.

Others 

Expandable Polystyrene is also used in the manufacture of helmets, car seats for children and chairs.