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Foams

There are 3 major rigid foam materials commonly used for residential, commercial and industrial insulation: extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane (PUR/PIR). Each type has individual characteristics and specific advantages and disadvantages for particular building applications. Foams are recommended for places where high mechanical properties and light weight are required.
We propose 3 types of foam products; they all offer excellent insulation performances:
  • EPS, expanded polystyrene
  • XPS, extruded polystyrene
  • PUR/PIR, polyurethane
     

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

Extruded polystyrene (XPS)

Polyurethane (PUR/PIR)

Expanded Polystyrene is a lightweight, rigid and closed-cell plastic foam insulation material produced from solid beads of polystyrene. Expansion is achieved by pentane gas dissolved into the polystyrene base material during production. The gas expands under the action of steam. The EPS beads are then moulded into appropriate forms suited to their application.
 
Extruded polystyrene is highly resistant to pressure and moisture. It is produced by a continuous extrusion process: polystyrene granules are melted in an extruder and a blowing agent is injected into the extruder under high pressure where it dissolves into the polystyrene melt. The main used blowing agent is CO2. The continuous extrusion process results in a foam product with a uniform closed-cell structure, a smooth continuous skin. Polyurethane is a generic term, which covers a wide range of different formulations derived from a chemical reaction of diisocyanate with a polyol. Polyurethane insulation refers to a group of insulation materials based on PUR (polyurethane) or PIR (Polyisocyanurate). The closed cell structure and high crosslinking density of PUR and PIR gives it the characteristics of good heat stability, high compressive strength and excellent insulation properties.
More information
 
Expanded Polystyrene  
EPS
EPS
EPS
EPS
EPS

EPS production process

Illustration PSE process
PSE Process
Arthur Raihno
PIR
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