There is an opinion that polystyrene and expanded polystyrene are exactly the same material. On some sites on the Internet there is information that it is generally the same. Perhaps this is due to the fact that these materials have much in common, and first of all - their "parent", polystyrene. And the main area of application is the same - insulation and sound insulation of various surfaces. However, if you look more closely, there is a difference, and quite noticeable.
Difference between Styrofoam and Styrofoam
Firstly, has a big difference in the technology of production of these materials. Polyfoam is produced by the method of dry steam processing of granules of the starting material, polystyrene. As a result of thermal expansion, they simply "mesh" with each other. And this contributes to the formation of certain voids - micropores. Styrofoam is manufactured using a method known as "extrusion".If the production process is characterized in general, melting of polystyrene granules occurs. Consequently, bonds are formed at the molecular level, a single structure emerges.
Secondly, has differences in physical properties and technical characteristics. This difference logically follows from the features of the technology of production of these materials. It can be said with certainty that styrofoam in some respects exceeds its "younger brother" - polystyrene foam. Let's try to figure out what.
Advantages of expanded polystyrene
- Strength. As already mentioned, polystyrene is a single mass of matter, while foam is simply a "coupling" of individual particles. If certain conditions of the environment change, the foam can crumble, but polystyrene is never. In addition, when bending foam is very easily broken, so it can only be used where the surface will not be subjected to mechanical stress. Judging by the characteristics, expanded polystyrene is stronger by a bend in 5 - 6 times;
- Permeability. In view of the fact that there are many voids in the foam, under certain conditions they can easily fill up, for example, with moisture. If you take a characteristic such as moisture absorption, then its exponent in expanded polystyrene is 10 times lower than that of foam. The same applies to sound permeability;
- Density. This figure for expanded polystyrene is 3 to 5 times higher. Therefore, it is somewhat heavier. But here it should be taken into account that, in principle, we are talking about small masses of matter. Although both of these materials have a rather low weight, however, polystyrene foam can withstand a certain load.
The following conclusion can be drawn - polystyrene foam( for example Penoplex brand) for use as insulation and insulating material in some cases is better, but where inexpensive material is not under heavy loads, it is more advantageous to use foam.
