Styrofoam granules are becoming more and more popular in the construction industry. They are not inferior in their characteristics to other types of heaters, while they are distinguished by low cost and environmental friendliness. Their size can vary from 2 to 8 mm. The granules have a dense structure filled with air, due to which they acquire a low level of thermal conductivity and water absorption.
Varieties
There are two kinds of material:
- Primary polystyrene foam. All elements have identical parameters and are sold in various modifications, for example, "Mark-50" and "Mark-15", each of which has certain mechanical and physical characteristics.
- Secondary. It is a by-product obtained in the manufacture of foam. Expanded polystyrene granules have an irregular shape, but their properties are not inferior to the first type.
Optionsuse
The material has become widespread and is used as:
- bulk filling into packing boxes;
- bases for filters in water treatment systems;
- filler for soft toys, furniture, pillows;
- insulation for wall structures, floors and floors;
- heat-saving and noise-insulating layer in enclosing structures;
- decorative tool (creating crafts and interior elements);
- filling for pontoons.
Foamed polystyrene granules act as one of the main components in the preparation of expanded polystyrene concrete, which is optimally suited for insulating interfloor ceilings, roofs and floors. To make a dense solution, it is necessary to combine polystyrene itself, cement and water in a concrete mixer. Before laying the composition, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface. In the process of work, the speed of action has a special role, since the solution hardens almost immediately. Installation of reinforcing meshes is carried out if the working surface exceeds 50 mm or is made of moisture-proof material, profiled flooring, linoleum of any kind and wood. If the surface thickness is less than 5 cm, then reinforcement becomes optional. During installation, the ambient temperature must be at least 5 degrees.
Dignity
Expanded polystyrene foam pellets have many positive aspects, among which the following are worth noting:
- invariant form;
- environmental safety;
- easy to use;
- low cost;
- minimum weight;
- can be used for various design solutions;
- resistance to frost and fire;
- extensive scope;
- high level of heat and sound insulation.
How Styrofoam is made
Pellets, the price of which starts from 1600 rubles per cubic meter, are produced as follows:
- Multiple or single frothing. The elements are fed into the pre-expander where their structure expands and takes on a round shape. The process can be performed several times in a row, until the required level of density is obtained.
- Aging is necessary to form a stable pressure in the internal cavity of the elements. It takes at least 12 hours to dry.
The foaming stage has two stages, while its passage time is selected for each individual batch, depending on the quality of the material. Compliance with all the rules is of particular importance, since if the required time is exceeded, the structure begins to collapse. As mentioned earlier, expanded polystyrene granules enter the pre-expander, which is a tank with holes for steam supply and a device for mixing raw materials. In the process of foaming, the temperature reaches 110 degrees. At this time, pentane under the influence of hot steam contributes to the expansion and softening of the material, the gener althe volume increases by 40-50 times, while the structure remains the same.
Mechanical agitation is used to speed up this process. The cells are then lifted under high pressure and passed into an intermediate tank, from which they are fed into a drying tank.
Features
The foam material contains approximately 10% moisture. Due to the fact that the condensation of steam and pentane causes a vacuum in the internal cavity, there is a possibility of compression of the material, which reduces the thermal insulation characteristics and reduces the total volume. That is why aging is an integral stage of production. This stage ensures the normalization of the pressure inside the cells and the strengthening of the outer surface.
The required resistance properties are achieved by exposure to a warm air stream penetrating the cells. At the same time, with a decrease in the degree of density, the rate of air absorption increases.
Styrofoam granules dry within 5-10 minutes. This process can be combined with material transportation. Maturing provides not only obtaining the required level of humidity, but also an increase in the fluidity of polystyrene.
