What is polystyrene foam block?
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), is the generic industry name for a white rigid material made by expanding polystyrene beads with steam and bonding the beads together under pressure in a block or shape mold. EPS is used in the construction industry for insulation and void fill.
What is expanded polystyrene used for?
Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) is a white foam plastic material produced from solid beads of polystyrene. It is primarily used for packaging, insulation, etc. It is a closed-cell, rigid foam material produced from: Styrene – which forms the cellular structure.
What are foam blocks used for?
Structural foam blocks are engineered lightweight fill designed to deliver the highest level of stability for transportation, commercial construction and landscaping applications.
Is expanded polystyrene waterproof?
Styrofoam, as well as all kinds of rigid expanded and extruded polystyrene foam, resist water for a short period of time. However, they’re not entirely waterproof, so you have to waterproof them with sealants before exposing them to continuous moisture.
Is XPS the same as polystyrene?
Expanded Polystyrene, referred to as XPS, is a closed cell insulation product commonly used in remodeling and new construction applications. Due to the manufacturing process, XPS insulation is typically available only in standard dimension square or rectangular boards.
Why is polystyrene banned?
The chemical can easily contaminate food and drinks, and may affect our hormones and contribute to health problems. The manufacturing of the product can also release harmful chemicals that pollute the air and water, and cause ozone layer depletion.
What is the difference between Styrofoam and 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.
How do you cut polystyrene without making a mess?
Using a hot knife is the best way tool to cut styrofoam without making a mess. The heat from the knife seals the styrofoam and prevents the crumbling and crumbs that would be creating by sawing styrofoam with a traditional knife.
How do you cut polystyrene smoothly?
Use a blade for straight cuts. Bladed implements like knives, box cutters, precision blades (like X-acto knives) or hacksaws are great for cutting through styrofoam, especially if you don’t need to make any curved cuts. For a smoother cut, run the blade along an old candle before cutting your styrofoam.
Will polystyrene last outside?
Styrofoam is commonly used in disposable products that are only used once. These products can persist in the environment for more than a million years, however, since polystyrene is not biodegradable.