Polyfoam is a modern building material that is used for thermal insulation of buildings and structures. It can be used for both outdoor and indoor use. The foam plastic characteristics which we will consider in this article has a number of undeniable advantages. This material is extremely popular and is in high demand among developers and construction organizations.
The structure and composition of the foam
Polyfoam is a white material with a rigid foam structure, which contains 98% air and 2% polystyrene.
For its manufacture, a technology has been developed for foaming polystyrene granules, after which these microscopic particles are treated with hot steam. The procedure is repeated several times, as a result of which the density and weight of the material are significantly reduced.
The prepared mass is dried to remove residual moisture. The process is carried out outdoors in special drying containers. At this stage of production, the foam structure takes on its final shape. Granule sizes range from 5 to 15 mm.
The dried polystyrene granules are shaped into slabs. Pressing is carried out on special plants or machines that "pack" the foam and give it a compact shape.
After pressing the foam, it is again treated with hot steam, as a result of which white blocks with the specified width parameters are formed. Blocks are cut with special tools in sizes that are required by the customer. Styrofoam sheets can have standard or custom sizes. The thickness of the foam varies from 20 to 1000 mm, and the dimensions of the plates have the following dimensions:
- 1000x500mm;
- 1000x1000mm;
- 2000x1000mm.
Styrofoam Specifications
Thermal conductivity
The indisputable advantage of the foam is its unique heat-insulating ability. This is because the cells of the foam in the form of polyhedra with a size of 0.3-0.5 mm., Are completely closed. A closed cycle of air cells reduces heat transfer and prevents the penetration of cold.
Windproof and soundproof properties
Walls insulated with polystyrene foam do not need additional wind protection. Moreover, the sound insulation of buildings and structures is significantly increased. High soundproofing properties are also due to the cellular structure of the foam. For high-quality insulation of rooms from external noise, it is enough to lay a layer of material with a thickness of 2-3 centimeters. The greater the thickness of the foam layer will be used, the better sound insulation can be achieved indoors.
Low water absorption
In comparison with other materials, the foam is characterized by low hygroscopicity. Even with direct exposure to water, it absorbs a minimum amount of moisture. This is due to the fact that water does not penetrate through the walls of the cells of the foam plastic, but only seeps through separate channels through interconnected cells.
Strength and Durability and Styrofoam
Foam plates do not change their physical properties for a long time. They withstand significant pressure, but they do not deform and do not collapse. A good example is the construction of runways, where foam has been widely used.The degree of strength is determined by the thickness of the expanded polystyrene plate and its proper installation.
Resistance to biological and chemical effects
Expanded polystyrene plates are resistant to aggressive environments, including solutions of salts, alkalis and acids, sea water, lime, gypsum, cement, bitumen, silicone and water-soluble paints. Substances containing animal and vegetable oils, as well as gasoline and diesel fuel can have a certain effect during prolonged exposure.
When using polystyrene as a building material, its contact with aggressive chemical compounds should be avoided, including:
- organic solvents (paint thinners, turpentine, ethyl acetate, acetone);
- saturated hydrocarbons (alcohols) and oil products (kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil).
The cellular structure, which is the basis of the foam, in contact with the listed compounds is broken and can completely dissolve in them.
Video: Polyfoam and acetone - chemical experience
Polyfoam is an unfavorable environment for microorganisms. However, in case of significant contamination, the appearance and reproduction of harmful microorganisms on its surface is possible.
Easy installation and ease of use
Foam plates are unusually lightweight, due to which they are easy to handle, and their installation does not cause difficulties. They are cut into pieces of the required size with conventional tools.
Expanded polystyrene is recognized as an environmentally friendly material and does not emit harmful substances. Therefore, builders working with him do not need individual protective equipment. The material is not toxic, does not form dust, does not irritate the skin and does not have an odor.
Fire safety
High-quality building materials must meet all fire safety requirements and be resistant to open fire. Polyfoam does not support the combustion process and flashes at a temperature that is two times higher than that of wood. Moreover, when burning polystyrene, energy is released 8 times less than when burning wood. This means that the temperature of the flame during burning of the foam is much lower.
Expanded polystyrene can only be ignited during direct contact with an open flame. When the exposure ceases, the foam self-extinguishes within four seconds. These indicators characterize it as a relatively fireproof building material. Although manufacturers, sellers claim that it is completely fireproof.
Video: Foam Flammability Test
Foam grades depending on the density and their application
The numbers in the foam label indicate its density, the larger the number, the higher the density.
Polyfoam brand PPT-10 is used for:
- warming of construction change houses, trailers and containers;
- thermal insulation of water pipes (protecting them from freezing and increasing the operating life).
Polyfoam brand PPT-15 is used for:
- sound and heat insulation of internal walls;
- insulation of balconies and loggias;
- insulation of houses, apartments and other premises;
- sound insulation and insulation of structures that do not experience significant mechanical stress;
- thermal insulation of water pipes (protecting them from freezing and increasing the operating life).
Polyfoam brand PPT-20-A is used for:
- thermal insulation of building facades;
- manufacture of decorative and finishing materials.
Polyfoam brand PPT-25 is used for:
- sound and heat insulation of internal and external walls;
- thermal insulation of foundations and floors;
- thermal insulation of attic floors and ceilings;
- sound and thermal insulation of attic rooms and roofs;
- insulation of balconies and loggias, facades of houses and apartments;
- manufacture of structures of multilayer panels (including reinforced concrete);
- arrangement of access areas, heated walkways, car boxes, car parks;
- hydro and thermal insulation of underground utilities;
- protection of soils from swelling and freezing;
- thermal insulation of water pipes;
- thermal insulation of sewage;
- strengthening slopes of pools, sports fields, flower lawns.
Polyfoam brand PPT-35 is used:
- for internal and external sound and wall insulation;
- for sound and thermal insulation of foundations and floors;
- for sound and thermal insulation of attic rooms and roofs;
- for warming the facades of apartments and houses, loggias and balconies;
- when arranging floors and walls of refrigerators in multi-storey refrigerators;
- for thermal insulation of heated soils, ventilated underground in auto repair shops;
- when laying or reconstructing roads in wetlands and moving soils;
- during the installation of refrigeration equipment (refrigerated wagons, freezers) and cold insulation of storage facilities;
- to protect the bases from freezing and increase their strength during the construction of highways and runways;
- when laying and repairing railway lines (protection against frost, protection from distortions and subsidence of roads on wetlands);
- to cover the soil in the process of strengthening the ledges of bridges and slopes of embankments.
Foam marking is supplemented by conventional lettering:
- A - a plate with even edges in the shape of a parallelepiped;
- B - the plate has edges in the form of an L-edge;
- P - plate, cut to the outer size of a hot string;
- F - plate made by the outer size in a special form;
- N - foam plate intended for outdoor use.
We give an example of what the foam marking looks like:
PPT-35-N-A-R 1000x500x50mm.
Disadvantages of Styrofoam
#1. The main disadvantage of polystyrene foam is its flammability. Styrofoam sheets are highly flammable and release toxic substances. To counter this, special additives and technologies for the production of self-extinguishing foam have been developed.
#2. Styrofoam structures must be protected from the damaging effects of solvents and ultraviolet radiation. The use of expanded polystyrene plates in the open air requires their protection from sunlight.
