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EPS is a lightweight cellular plastics
material consisting of small spherical shaped particles containing about
98% air. This micro cellular closed cell construction provides EPS with
excellent insulating and shock absorbing characteristics.
EPS is produced in a wide range of
densities providing a varying range of physical properties. These are
matched to the various applications where the material is used to
optimize its performance.
EPS is widely used in many everyday
situations where its light weight, strength, thermal insulation and
shock absorption characteristics provide economic, high performance
products. |
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DURABILITY
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EPS is an inert, organic material,
and therefore will not rot and is highly resistant to mildew. It
provides no nutritive value to plants, animals, micro organisms or
rodents.
EPS will last the life of most
buildings in which it is used, provided it does not suffer physical
damage. |
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SHOCK ABSORPTION
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EPS exhibits excellent shock
absorbing characteristics making it the first choice for packaging
of a wide range of products including appliances, electronic
products, computers and chemicals.
Its predictable characteristics
enable packaging to be accurately designed to suit each product, and
provide cost effective packaging. |
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MOISTURE RESISTANCE
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EPS is a closed cell material and
does not readily absorb water, unless subjected to prolonged
saturation. Even in this situation it maintains its shape, size,
structure, physical appearance and approximately 85% of its
insulation value.
The ability of EPS to resist
moisture is exemplified by its widespread use in fishing floats and
marinas, involving exposure to water for prolonged periods of time.
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Properties
of the Various Classes of EPS Produced to as 1366-Part 3, 1992
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PHYSICAL PROPERTY |
UNIT |
SL |
S |
M |
H |
VH |
TEST METHOD |
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Compressive stress at 10% deformation (min) |
kPa |
70 |
85 |
105 |
135 |
165 |
AS
2498.3 |
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Cross-breaking strength (min) |
kPa |
135 |
165 |
200 |
260 |
320 |
AS
2498.4 |
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Rate of water vapour transmission (max) measured parallel to rise at
23oC |
mg/m2s |
630 |
580 |
520 |
460 |
400 |
AS2498.5 |
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Dimensional stability of length, width, thickness (max) at 70oC,
dry condition 7 days |
% |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
AS2498.6 |
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Thermal resistance (min) at a mean temperature of 25oC |
m2.K/W |
1.13 |
1.17 |
1.20 |
1.25 |
1.28 |
AS
2464.5 or
AS2464.6 |
Flame propagation
characteristics: |
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AS
2122.1 |
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median flame duration (max) |
s |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
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eighth value (max) |
s |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
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median volume retained |
% |
18 |
22 |
30 |
40 |
50 |
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eighth value (min) |
% |
15 |
19 |
27 |
37 |
47 |
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EPS is environmentally friendly, containing no
CFCs or HCFCs, it is inert and safe for contact with food products,
and requires much less energy to produce than many other materials.
In applications where fire resistance is
necessary or desirable, such as building products, EPS is supplied
containing a flame retardant which in normal use prevents ignition
of the EPS if exposed to a flame. In a fire situation EPS generates
less heat and smoke than most timbers and wood based products.
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EPS is an extremely light weight material.
Typically weighing between 12 and 30 kg per cubic meter, EPS has
many advantages over other materials in packaging applications.
Equally in building situations, this
lightweight characteristic is a major advantage in providing
structural design economies. Additionally, when shaped to provide
intricate architectural features, it allows architects the freedom
to create historical, innovative and economic enhancements to
buildings while still meeting strength and earthquake codes.
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All EPS used in construction
products in New Zealand contains a flame retardant conforming to AS
1366, part 3 - 1992.
The flame retardant reduces the flammability and spread of flame on
the surface of EPS products, to such an extent that it is classified
as "flame retardant" according to the European Standard DIN 4102.
The flammability of EPS construction products is reduced with
surface coatings, such as plaster, and metal cladding as in sandwich
panels. Non flame retardant EPS, typically used in packaging, will
sustain combustion and the resultant fire spread at a rate of about
3cm per minute over the surface. This is comparable to other
combustible solid materials. EPS does not catch fire spontaneously,
and small sources of ignition will not ignite it |
For more information on EPS, see New Zealand Plastic's
website
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CHEMICAL RESISTANCE |
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EPS is resistant to almost all aqueous media
including dilute acids and alkalis, methanol, ethanol and silicone
oils.
It has limited resistance to
paraffin oil, vegetable oils, diesel fuel and Vaseline.
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Moisture Resistance Insulating Properties Product Range
Website
designed by
Abelx Software Solutions |
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Follow these links
for more info on Insulform Polystyrene Building Blocks
Product Range
Moisture Resistant
Fire Resistant
Insulating Properties
Insulating Fundamentals
EPS Properties
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Polystyrene Building Blocks
