Today, polystyrene is one of the most demanded materials in construction. Builders and owners of premises speak well of its safety and relatively low price. Styrofoam is valued as a heater. If we take into account all the qualities of expanded polystyrene (the starting material for foam), we can highlight the main characteristics of this porous material.
Polyfoam. Characteristics of technical and operational properties
- What is Styrofoam? This is air enclosed in closed cells made of expanded polystyrene. Such a structure determines one of the most demanded and main properties of the material - extremely low thermal conductivity. What can foam be compared to? Characteristics of its thermal conductivity is almost 20 times lower than that of a brick, three times lower than wood. A 12-centimeter layer of foam retains heat as effectively as a brick wall 2 meters thick. At the same time, he does not react in any way to either heat or cold.
- What else can Styrofoam do? The characteristics of its moisture resistance approach 100%. Experiencedit has been established that a foam plastic wall can absorb no more than 3% (of its own weight) of moisture. At the same time, it will not swell, will not change either its shape or its dimensions. Styrofoam density will not change either.
Other foam properties
- Need a good sound deadener? The same foam plastic will perfectly cope with this role. Its characteristics as a material that protects the building from the wind and does not let in noise are due to the structure. Porous air material is much more profitable than other sound insulators, better than a windproof film. All 3 centimeters of foam completely block out external noise.
- What else is Styrofoam good for? Ease of installation. Light in weight, easy to cut, does not emit harmful fumes, the material can be assembled into the desired design even by one person. For its installation does not require special equipment or special devices. It does not generate dust when cutting, it is easy to drill.
Polyfoam. Chemical Properties
If you want a completely neutral and very durable material, go with Styrofoam. The characteristics of its chemical composition ensure that neither fungi nor bacteria nor harmful insects can settle in it.
He is not afraid of decay and is not at all susceptible to mold. The structure of the foam makes it neutral to most chemicals. He is not afraid not only of moisture: the foam is indifferent to most aggressive substances. Foam plastics do not interact with lime or cement. They cannot be dissolved with soap or paints -they are resistant to most acids and saline solutions. The only thing that foams made from polystyrene are afraid of is solvents based on benzene or acetone. The latter can partially dissolve the foam. When the temperature rises, the foam layers begin to melt, thereby stopping smoldering: the foam does not support either combustion or smoldering. Only in direct contact with fire, it ignites, but after 4 seconds it goes out. Finally, the foam is made from environmentally friendly materials, and its disposal is just as safe: no harmful substances are emitted. That is why polystyrene, whose characteristics are only positive, is used not only in construction, but also in the production of children's toys and interior decorations.
