Expanded polystyrene is made of polystyrene, whose granules are expanded (swollen) pentane (pure hydrocarbon) as a foaming agent and heated by steam, what causes, that the pentane volatilizes and expands. A large amount of air is trapped in the pores of the polystyrene, thanks to which polystyrene has high thermal insulation. Currently, only self-extinguishing polystyrene is produced (designation FS), which only burns when exposed to fire, does not support it and goes out after a while. The polystyrene should not be used in places, where the temperature exceeds 80 ° C, in the vicinity of organic solvents, oils and greases.
Styrofoam is produced in variants that differ in terms of bulk density and compressive strength, most often in the form of boards with straight or tongue-and-groove sides or fittings.
The type of polystyrene should be selected depending on the place of its application.
– EPS variety 50-042 (FS 12) – for use in places without mechanical stress (e.g. in diaphragm walls, between the joists, e.t.c.)
– EPS variety 70-040, EPS 80-036, EPS 80-040 (FS 15)- for use in places with low mechanical loads – facades
– EPS variety 100-038 (FS 20) – transmission of mechanical loads – floor , roofs, sandwich panels with roofing felt facings (ceiling)
– EPS variety 200-036 (FS 30), EPS 250-036 (FS 40) – places with high mechanical stress - parking lot floors, garages, e.t.c.
– variety EPS T 24 dB, EPS T 30 dB – resilient sound insulation layer and perimeter insulation in floating floors