EPSvaahto

EPSvaahto, known in English as expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), is a lightweight closed-cell plastic foam produced by expanding and fusing polystyrene beads. The beads contain a blowing agent and, when heated, they expand and fuse to form a solid, rigid foam. The resulting material is available in various forms, including boards, sheets, blocks, and molded shapes.

Production and characteristics: EPS is made by pre-expanding polystyrene beads, which are then placed in a mold or extruded into desired shapes and cured with steam. The closed-cell structure gives EPSlow moisture uptake, good insulating properties, and relatively high compressive strength for its density. The density of EPS varies with grade, but it is generally a low-density material suitable for lightweight applications. EPS is chemically stable and resistant to many solvents, but it can be damaged by sharp impacts and prolonged exposure to some oils or hydrocarbons.

Applications: EPSvaahto is widely used for insulation in buildings (walls, roofs, and floors), as protective packaging material for electronics and consumer goods, for foam inserts and cushioning, and in some flotation and buoyancy applications. It is also used in construction components, such as insulating blocks and forms for lightweight concrete.

Environmental and safety considerations: EPS is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment if not properly managed. Recycling options include mechanical recycling into regranulated beads or repurposing into new EPS products, though collection and contamination issues can limit recycling rates. In fire scenarios, EPS is flammable and typically requires fire protection measures in construction. Incineration can recover energy but generates emissions that must be controlled.