Polymers are made up of very large molecules made up of many repeating units called monomers, which ultimately form this long polymer chain
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic polymer made from monomers of the aromatic hydrocarbon styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or fomed. General-purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and brittle. As a thermoplastic polymer, polystyrene is in a solid (glassy) state at room temperature but flows if heated above about 100 °C, its glass transition temperature.and also It has wide applications in various industries including packaging, construction, and automotive.
Expandable PolyStyrene (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. Each solid polystyrene bead contains small amounts of gas which expand when heat (in the form of steam) is applied, thus forming closed cells of EPS. These expanded cells occupy approximately 40 times the volume of the original polystyrene bead, and so with a second heat treatment using a mould, large EPS blocks can be moulded into specific customised shapes.
Expanded PolyStyrene structure
The structure of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) consists of tiny, closed-cell foam beads made of polystyrene. These beads are expanded using heat, causing them to expand up to 50 times their original size. Also each bead contains air pockets.
Expanded PolyStyrene properties
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is found to be the most commonly used polymer core. This is because it is lightweight, resistant to moisture and also it has a long life. Studies have concluded that softening of EPS starts when exposed to temperatures ranging from 100°C to 120°C. In the process of flashovers, EPS melted about 160°C and then vaporized, producing poisonous gases at a temperature of 275°C. EPS is an inert, low density hydrocarbon-derived thermoplastic which contains several spherical beads with 2 percent polystyrene and 98 percent air
Expanded PolyStyrene applications
Building and Construction-EPS is widely used in the building and construction industry due to its insulation properties. It 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.
- As a lightweight fill in road and railway construction.
Food Packaging- EPS can be used:
- in the packaging of foodstuffs such as seafood, fruit, and vegetables.
- to produce food service containers like drink cups, food trays, and clamshell containers.
Industrial Packaging – EPS provides industrial products complete protection and safety from risk in transport and handling.
Other Applications – EPS can be molded into any shape. For example, sports helmets, infant car seats, chairs, seating in sports cars, and load bearing structurally insulated panels.
expanded polystyrene advantages
- lightweight
- water-resistant
- easily manufactured
- Energy Efficient
- high Durability and Longevity
expanded polystyrene disadvantages
- vulnerability to compression
- limited fire resistance
- non-biodegradable
Applications
| Applications | , , , |
|---|
