Technical characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam

Extruded polystyrene is used for ceiling insulation, Wall and floor space

General information about foamed polystyrene

For the production of extruded polystyrene foam, the characteristics of which depend on the material thickness and density of the granules used. They consist of a polymer having the name polystyrene. In the production process, the pellets are melted, and at a certain pressure the mass begins to boil forming foam. The mixture was added at this point special plasticizing additives, freon or carbon dioxide mixture. The liquid mass flows into special molds, where it is compressed. After complete solidification of the finished material is cut into a standard slab. About 90% of the total volume of the plate is air, and that caused original specifications extruded polystyrene.

Table Performance extruded polystyrene

Standard sizes Penoplex plates have a relatively narrow range. The length of one plate 1000, 1250 or 2000 mm, its width is 500 or 600 mm, but the thickness varies in a much broader range of 2 to 10 cm. Furthermore they have differences in device and the side surfaces. In addition, there are straight edges and construction "in spike", which allows for more tightly laid material, if necessary. The internal structure of the plate is a large number of small air bubbles like foam, but in contrast, these granules comprise integrally, as interconnected in all directions. It is this and not allow the material to crumble as its predecessor.

Useful advice!For insulation of external walls of buildings it is desirable to use a plate having protrusions at the edges. This will provide better protection from freezing.

Different areas of the use of extruded polystyrene foam

Scope of a material such as penoplex not limited to purely domestic needs. It is used, and with success, for thermal insulation of prefabricated constructions of shopping centers, hangars, warehouses and even small industrial buildings. Extruded polystyrene, technical harakteristikikotorogo consider later, has the following indisputable advantages by anyone:

• The material is produced in a very convenient format for consumers of varying thickness, that allows to select the best option for being like this or that problem.
• Plates are very light. With increasing density of the weight varies from 20 to 50 kg / m³.
• Manufacturers assure us that the plates can last 50 years without any changes in the structure.
• Ecological purity of the material.
• Chemical resistance.
• Very low moisture absorption.
• And technical characteristics of extruded polystyrene, and the price is very attractive. After 1 m³ Today this material is from 60 USD

Plates of extruded polystyrene have high chemical resistance

In comparison, for example, from basalt wool penoplex it has a higher thermal conductivity, that affects its ability to keep warm. In addition, some types have a low compressive strength. These facts may be considered drawbacks of this material. Another, less can be considered:

• Low permeability to steam, creating a greenhouse effect in the room. In homes where there is no ventilation system, it will be very hard to breathe because of the closeness and have to constantly ventilate the room.
• Extruded polystyrene foam, specifications and price which are in good combination will have a thickness of 2 - 3 cm. Such slabs have a very weak sound insulating qualities. For this reason, they can not be used for soundproofing purposes.
• Polyvinyl chloride is a "killer" of expanded polystyrene. Prolonged contact of these substances gradually destroys the latter.
• Penoplex very poorly protected from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which makes it impossible to use in public places.

The use of extruded polystyrene foam for thermal insulation of building foundation

Useful advice!In the design of insulation systems need to always pay attention to the density of Penoplex. The higher it is, the higher the conductivity. Therefore, to achieve an optimal effect at a constant density thermal barrier qualities can be modified by increasing the thickness of the sheets. This makes pre-calculate the necessary amount of space that will be "donated" to the heat.

Technical characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam

For a full understanding of the whole picture, you need to understand in more detail in the technical characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam. They are more than sufficient for insulation. The object of any insulation is to maintain the heat in the heated room. Since heat transfer rate varies according to the laws of thermodynamics, depending on the density substances, it is obvious that the gases have lower thermal conductivity than solids. Since the thermal conductivity of air 0.026 W / m * ° C. Penoplex, being 90% air mixture, this indicator has a 0.030 W / m * ° C. The difference is tiny. It speaks of his lovely ability to retain heat.

Polystyrene plates are mounted on the wall using a special adhesive

Penopolistirlol produced with a large range of densities. It varies among different products from 25 to 47 kg / m³. This rate greatly affects the strength of the material, which increases with increasing density from 20000 to 50000 kg / m². Penoplex is a material which absorbs water very poorly. 28 days plate can absorb liquid only 0.4% of its volume, and then the process stops completely.

Index factor such as vapor permeability, is only 0.0128 mg / (h * m * Pa). It does, in some cases, an optional additional layer device vapor barrier the installation of separate systems. The ability to withstand low to - 50 ° C and higher to + 75 ° C temperature allows the use of this type of heater in virtually any climate. However, polystyrene quite flammable. Depending on the amount of added flame retardant therein, flammability class may vary from T1 to T4.

Penoplex widely used for insulation of balconies and loggias

Some brands of extruded polystyrene foam, the characteristics of which is beyond praise, have also T - shaped groove on the edges. It is necessary for a more snug fit panels to each other by increasing the insulation joints. This circumstance does not form bridges between such products cold.

With Penoplex conducted tests, consisting in repeated freezing and thawing of wet plates. Most of the tests showed that the plate can withstand up to 80 such cycles, which in practice may correspond to the number of years of operation.

Expanded polystyrene is used for interior and exterior construction work

When compared with the material in its fellow foam immediately rush dramatic differences in the eye. They arose as a result of the production of Penoplex modern unique technology which allowed us to make this material a thin and durable. Indeed, to achieve the same effect, the foam layer must be increased two-fold compared with a layer Penoplex, and, in addition, put in two rows, not to create cold bridges on seams.

If you compare with other polystyrene foam insulation, the characteristics such as acoustic permeability, it is losing some of them., But it has no equal for ease of installation. It is much easier to lay rigid sheets, than to suffer with soft rolls of mineral wool.

Warming of the roof attic space polystyrene plates

Useful advice!During the construction of baths or saunas never use for thermal insulation of extruded polystyrene. Its characteristics are such that do not allow it to place in conditions where the room temperature rises above + 75 ° C.

Technical characteristics of extruded polystyrene foam allow it to be used in virtually all areas of the construction sector, regardless of the region of the object. He is equally well show itself as a small balcony or a loggia in the apartment, and in the walls of a huge shopping complex. Therefore, its use is more than justified.

Extruded polystyrene (video)