Styrofoam or polystyrene which is better. What to choose, foam or polystyrene foam

If the walls of the house are not able to retain heat, no modern heating systems will be able to warm the room to acceptable temperatures. A budget option insulation - foam. It has earned great popularity due to its low cost and good thermal insulation properties. The abundance of trademarks and names of building insulation has led to the need to distinguish between expanded polystyrene - it is foam or not.

Is Styrofoam Styrofoam Question

Description of insulation and terminology

The possibilities of using polymers in construction have long been of great interest, since there was a chance to reduce the cost of building buildings without losing them. operational properties. Such an approach would allow to support large volumes of construction, because polymer elements can be produced in significant quantities.

Styrofoam was invented in the middle of the twentieth century. Almost immediately, the industrial production of innovative material was launched as heat-insulating panels for construction needs. The growth in popularity of this heater was facilitated by the following benefits:

1. Low density and easy installation. The mass of sheets is so insignificant that it is easy and cheap to transport them. Working with the material is quite simple. The sheet can be held at the desired height without much effort. High machinability further facilitates construction work. The most common is cutting with a blade tool and heated metal wire.
2. Low fluid absorption. Contrary to popular belief, foam, which does not contain fibers, practically does not absorb moisture. Even when the material is completely immersed in water, the volume of absorbed liquid does not exceed 0.4%. Impact Tests ground water showed an even better result - no more than 0.1%.
3. Environmental friendliness. According to the European Chemicals Agency, Styrofoam has no carcinogenic, mutagenic or other toxic effects. And in accordance with the British scale of impact on the environment, it has the highest safety class.
4. High durability. Studies show that the service life of the material can exceed 80 years when used in conditions of significant temperature and humidity fluctuations.
5. biological stability. The material does not support the development of fungi and microorganisms. He has no interest and nutritional value for rodents.
6. Good soundproof properties. Foam used in floors and walls, provides effective attenuation sound waves generated by construction work, shock, furniture movement and vibration household appliances.

Foams include several different foamed plastics. The most popular polymers are::

• polystyrene;
• polyvinyl chloride;
• polyurethane;
• phenol-formaldehyde resins;
• urea-formaldehyde resins.

For application in certain conditions and solving specific problems, the material is made from the appropriate plastic.

In addition, differences in the processing technology of raw materials make it possible to obtain a product with desired properties:

• density;
• strength;
• resistance to various influences.

In this video you will learn the pros and cons of foam:

Varieties of expanded polystyrene

The vast majority of foam is made from polystyrene. Widespread and long known in our country, foam is no exception. Therefore, it is incorrect to compare which is better, polystyrene or polystyrene.

However, foam sheets are on sale that differ appearance and structure. The reason of that - different technologies production. There are two main types of Styrofoam:

1. Bespressovy - the most common. It is with this variety that foam is usually associated. This material, with its invention, received the trade name "styrofoam". It is produced by polymerization of styrene with the addition of a pore-forming substance. A high tendency to pore formation made it possible to achieve a content of up to 98% in the gas composition. All gas is contained in microscopic cells made of polystyrene.
2. Extrusion - produced by extrusion, that is, by pressure treatment at elevated temperature with the addition of a blowing agent and subsequent extrusion from the extruder.

The main visual difference between styrofoam and extruded polystyrene foam is the porosity structure. Extrusion makes it possible to achieve cells with a size of several tenths of a millimeter, and classic polystyrene has spherical granules that are significantly enlarged during steaming and are easily separated from each other.

It is impossible to unequivocally determine which is better, extruded polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam obtained by the non-pressing method. Each material has its own characteristics that determine its application.

Non-press material

The relatively large size of classic foam plastic granules is determined by the technology of its manufacture.

Simplified the production process can be described by the following algorithm:

1. The starting material is styrene granules. At the first stage, the granules are initially saturated with gas; for this, it is dissolved in the polymer mass. Conventional technology uses natural gas for this purpose. The use of pentane, isopentane or mixtures thereof is widespread. They are volatile liquids, the vapors of which are used in production. The process is called suspension polymerization because these liquids are highly soluble in styrene but insoluble in polystyrene. Special fire-resistant modifications of the material are also produced, in which carbon dioxide acts as a filler of granules. Sometimes vacuum technology can be used, in which there is no gas filler.
2. At the second stage, the granules are subjected to steam treatment. Alternative processes may use water or air treatment. In the process of such exposure, the granules begin to grow significantly and can increase in size up to 30 times.
3. At the final stage, the granules are subjected to sintering with simultaneous filling of the form of the future product.

Extrusion production method

The technology for producing extruded polystyrene foam differs from the classical analogue.

The algorithm for its production is as follows:

1. Styrene granules are also used as starting material. At the initial stage, various auxiliary substances can be added to the raw materials, which are responsible for the fire resistance and color of the material. The first operation in technological process- pre-foaming of the granules. It is carried out under pressure and at elevated temperature. As a result, the granules increase in size. The integrity of the cells at this stage is not violated.
2. After the end of the procedure, the resulting granules are usually aged. This is required to stabilize the pressure inside the granules and partially replace the foaming gas with air.
3. After exposure, the granules are again subjected to heat treatment and again increase in volume, and then squeezed out through a spinneret - a special shape of the extruder outlet. During the operation, the granules are subjected to mechanical stress, deformed into polyhedrons and sintered. At this stage, the blank of the future sheet is formed.
4. The resulting web is calibrated and pre-cooled. This operation can be carried out with chill plates or forming rolls.
5. This is followed by another shaping process that affects the grain size - passing through the pulling device. At this stage, the final structure of the material is formed.
6. At the final stage, the sheets undergo final cooling in air. The structure of the sheet is finally stabilized, so it goes to cutting and surface treatment. Fine granularity allows for mechanical processing of sheets from all sides.

Choosing the optimal insulation As can be seen from the description of the production technology, classic non-pressed foam plastic and extruded polystyrene foam are obtained from the same source material. The difference between them is fundamental. Therefore, the choice will depend on the operating conditions.

Traditional foam - classic insulation. Its main task is to effectively keep the heat in the room. It has good thermal insulation properties, is very light and easy to install. However, its use is possible only in conjunction with a reliable frame. The strength of the foam is at a very low level, it is easily destroyed as a result of mechanical stress and crumbles.

The extrusion analogue is characterized by much more significant strength characteristics and can even be used as an independent building material. High strength is the main advantage of extruded sheets, which allows it to be used for thermal insulation of facades, foundations and roofs, as well as for organizing underfloor heating in rooms. This material is also used in road construction to prevent freezing and swelling of the soil.

When it is necessary to insulate a building, the question arises which is warmer, polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam obtained using extrusion. Although extruded polystyrene foam slightly superior to its classical counterpart in terms of thermal insulation properties, this difference is insignificant.

Another indicator is much more important - vapor permeability, which is five times lower for extruded material. This creates certain difficulties in the operation of residential premises.

To ensure a favorable microclimate, it is necessary to install improved ventilation systems that will maintain humidity at an optimal level.

However, the walls of most buildings are not able to replace ventilation. Thus, the main exchange of water vapor occurs through the ventilation ducts. There is no reason to believe that the rejection of the use of expanded polystyrene as a wall insulation can improve the removal of excess moisture from the room.

We should not forget about such an indicator as the combustibility of the material. It is believed that expanded polystyrene burns well. Indeed, in some cases it can be classified as a highly combustible material. But this applies only to raw sheets. Proper chemical treatment can greatly reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion and obtain low-flammable modifications.

Addition of flame retardants allows you to get self-extinguishing modifications, and use carbon dioxide in the process of foaming reduces the overall flammability. Practical experiments show that polystyrene foam burns on its own for no more than four seconds, after which it fades when the flame source is removed. The fire hazard does not depend on the application in the extrusion process, therefore, in this indicator, both types of thermal insulation polymer are identical.

The use of efficient and safe insulation materials during construction allows not only to reduce the cost of heating buildings, but also to improve the indoor climate by reducing the carbon dioxide content. The uniqueness of the foam - in successful combination good thermal insulation properties with low weight and ease of installation.

Classic non-pressed polystyrene foam differs from extruded polystyrene in manufacturing technology. A comparison of these types of insulation shows that there is no significant difference in thermal insulation properties.

The main advantage of the extrusion material is its increased strength, which allows the use of the polymer in conditions of increased loads and special areas of construction.

If you are thinking about the question of which is better - foam or foam, then you need to pay attention not only to the fact that these materials have similar names, but also to the production technology, as well as characteristics. Some are wondering why manufacturers "fool" people's heads and make almost identical materials.

What material to choose

In order to answer these questions, one should understand the differences, and then draw conclusions. In fact, these materials are not just similar, but almost identical. The main one is the first root "foam-", which indicates the porosity of the structure. Penoplex and polystyrene are easy to install, have low weight, almost do not absorb moisture, do not rot, and also easily tolerate the effects of external negative negative factors.

In addition to the advantages, it is also worth highlighting the disadvantages, which are the poor tolerance of solvents like acetone. Other chemically aggressive substances should also be included here. As practice shows, penoplex and polystyrene are characterized by low strength and suggest the need for external protection. The first difference is that the foam has White color, while penoplex has a canary tint. However, this is by no means a complete list of differences, they will be discussed below.

Comparison of the main properties of heaters

First of all, consumers decide what keeps heat better - polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam. This is discussed in the article, however, before choosing, it is important to decide which properties you need to pay attention to. At first glance, it may seem that penoplex is still better, because it has more impressive indicators in terms of resistance class, and the working layer of insulation in it is almost 2 times smaller. It absorbs moisture 4 times less, and to be more precise, it does not absorb it at all.

A big advantage is also low flammability, especially when compared with this parameter, which is characteristic of foam. If you are concerned about the question of how it is better to insulate a balcony - with foam plastic or foam plastic, then it is important to pay attention to the density. For the latter material, it is 2.5 times higher than for traditional polystyrene foam. As practice shows, you can walk on foam plastic, while it will only partially be squeezed through, but foam plastic is not afraid of long-term serious loads. That is why foam plastic is used for, but foam plastic is preferred not to be used in such work.

Experts draw the attention of consumers to the fact that, in general, the performance of penoplex is, of course, better, but in the main articles they differ little. Having learned about this, many consumers refuse to pay more, because if you need to insulate the walls, then its strength and water absorption coefficient do not play a role. This can be said about the thickness of the working layer, but the cost will affect the choice.

If you still cannot decide which is better - polystyrene foam, the facade surface can be covered with the first option, but only if it is a question of outdoor decoration. This is also true for floor insulation in situations where there are funds and a desire to use high-quality materials. In all other cases, traditional foam will suffice. But it is better not to use it for finishing the facade, because it will not have the best effect on the fire safety of the building.

Comparison by composition

The materials described in the article are actively used in construction, mostly in the field of thermal insulation, they can also be used to isolate sound. They are made using similar technologies, which involve the foaming of polystyrene. Styrofoam is insulating material, which is composed of 98% air and 2% polystyrene. This affects the cheapness, because only 2% of raw materials are needed for the plate. Penoplex acts as a synthetic material for thermal insulation, it is made from extruded polystyrene foam, its creation is carried out using the technology of foaming raw materials.

Thermal insulation comparison

If you are thinking about the question of which is better - foam or foam, then first of all you need to pay attention to the quality of thermal conductivity. These parameters are different for the described materials. varies within 0.035-0.05 W / m * C, while for penoplex this parameter is 0.028 W / m * C. This allows us to conclude that the penoplex retains heat somewhat better. If you take a slab of 25 mm foam, then it will be identical in terms of thermal insulation qualities to a 20 mm foam slab. The first option is only slightly inferior to the second, and on large areas this can result in good space savings.

Water absorption comparison

When consumers think about the question of which is better - foam or foam, they pay attention to the ability to absorb water. It must be admitted that penoplex does not like water, but absorbs it no more than 0.4% per month. But the foam did not go far, its water absorption is 4% in 30 days. In this regard, penoplex was also a little ahead. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that foam plastic is characterized by vapor permeability, which cannot be said about polystyrene foam. The latter still has this indicator.

Strength comparison

Quite often, experts ask themselves the question of which is better - foam or foam. Trying to determine this, it is necessary to pay attention also to strength. If the expanded polystyrene is clamped and pressure is applied to it, it becomes clear that the foam is able to endure a pressure of 0.5 MPa, while for the foam this parameter is 0.2 MPa. There is a significant difference here, so it is best to cover the floor with the first analogue, which is especially true for garages, runways and skating rinks. However, it is also necessary to take into account the density of the foam, which is lower and equal to the limit from 15 to 35 kg / m 3, for the second material this parameter varies from 28 to 45 kg / m 3. This indicates that the specific gravity is also less.

Comparison of materials by operating temperature

Quite often in construction today, foam or polystyrene is used. Which is better, you can decide by reading the information provided in the article. For example, it is also necessary to take into account the temperature at which normal operation is possible. In this regard, the difference is almost imperceptible, because both materials feel great at low temperatures, but if the thermometer does not fall below -50 ° C. After reaching this mark, the material begins to lose its properties, while the upper maximum reaches +70 ° C, which is true for foam plastic, and 75 ° C - for foam plastic. These insulation materials should not be left exposed to direct sun rays. If you put a piece of foam in the sun, the result will not be long in coming.

Comparison by cost

Today is very accessible, you will be able to decide by reading the positive and negative sides these materials. The most painful issue for the consumer today is the cost. Surely you have never seen a material with the best quality characteristics cost less compared to an analogue that loses in many factors. Due to the fact that penoplex is ahead in many respects, it costs more than polystyrene, and the price can be one and a half times higher. That is why most consumers today choose foam, which is explained by its lower cost. It must be admitted that this choice in some types of work can be justified, because the materials for thermal insulation of a number of structures will hardly differ in properties.

The choice of thermal insulation for combustibility

As practice shows, both of the described materials burn well, but the foam does it more slowly, because it belongs to the G3 category. If we are talking about penoplex, then it can be classified as G4. Numbers from 1 to 4 indicate the degree of flammability - from weak to strong. However, manufacturers today are trying to solve these problems by impregnating materials with flame retardants at the production stage. But this does not at all indicate that the thermal insulation will not light up at all. It will burn, but slightly worse, while releasing toxic substances from fire retardants.

The choice of material by area of ​​​​use

Quite often, modern developers are wondering what is better - penoplex or To solve this problem, it is necessary to decide on which part of the building the material will be installed. For example, for a facade, it is best to prefer foam, as it is cheaper and able to pass air. This choice will reduce the cost of vapor barrier, because the wall will not lose its ability to breathe. For internal insulation at home it is best not to use such materials, although they themselves are environmentally friendly, but can be impregnated special solutions. The latter emit toxic substances during operation.

If you are thinking about the best way to insulate the house - with polystyrene foam / foam plastic, then the last option is better to choose for loggias or balconies. It has a lower thermal conductivity and does not reduce the internal space as much. But if available flat roof and the need for its insulation, both options are suitable. The ceiling can also be insulated with any material of your choice. However, this decision is justified if after you do not plan to walk around the attic. Otherwise, it is best to choose penoplex. Both materials are suitable for floor insulation, however, it is better to perform a rough surface along the logs.

Conclusion

If you are also one of those consumers who have thought about the question of how best to insulate the walls, it is recommended to consider polystyrene / foam plastic before going to the store. Analysis of their main qualitative characteristics will allow you to understand which material to give preference to. For example, there are surfaces and structures that are best insulated with foam, foam or mineral wool. Everything will depend on the budget and the desired effect.

After deciding on the need for insulation, the owner of the home faces questions about the choice of heaters. Some of the most popular materials in this area are polystyrene foam and polystyrene. Due to them, many owners carry out wall insulation with their own hands.

Data Construction Materials have both similar positive features and parameters that differ from each other, reducing the overall thermal conductivity of the building. As a result, the house receives high-quality protection from external weather factors. Many still confuse one with the other, especially since outwardly they are really similar. What is different in technical specifications, scope and production - in our article.

Plate production

Before describing what the difference is, it is necessary to point out the similarities between the substances used. The basis for their production are polystyrene granules.

The production of polystyrene consists of several steaming cycles of prepared raw materials in the form of granulated polystyrene. Previously, it is placed in a special form. The result of processing is an increase in the final volume by several times. Due to repeated high-temperature exposure, polystyrene granules are sintered with outer shells to each other.

The photo under a microscope shows that the cells of the foam are closed and filled with air.

The granules themselves also grow. Due to this, the surface of individual particles swells, and micropores form in it. Sintering discrete particles in a structure does not create a very strong structure. In this regard, under the influence of certain external circumstances, the bonds can be broken, scattering the material into separate granules. Usually, under natural conditions, the destruction of integrity occurs in 10-20 years. The service life is affected by the quality of the material.

You can notice the difference between polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam in the production of the latter. It is made by extrusion. The prepared mass of granules is brought to a molten state, as a result a fairly homogeneous viscous consistency is formed, which is pressed into prepared forms. Further, baking takes place according to a technology similar to foam plastic.

As a result of such extrusion, the cells are tightly sealed, without air, and sinter together as closely as possible. XPS does not crumble and does not crumble during operation.

There is practically no air in the XPS cells, so this material is denser and stronger

The resulting substance is exposed to steam and high temperature. As a result, a strong integral structure without through micropores is formed. Inside the material there are many closed air cavities. Only the extreme cavities interact with the external environment. They cut through the material. At the same time, the finished plate is not able to absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.

Styrofoam differences

The finishing characteristics that the foam in the boards will have are influenced by such parameters as the processing technology used and the primary composition of the raw materials. Depending on such inputs, density, strength parameters and durability can vary.

Manufacturers offer several types of materials of this kind, created on a personal basis from raw materials:

• urea-formaldehyde;
• polyurethane;
• polystyrene;
• polyvinyl chloride.

The density of the foam for facade insulation should be at least 25 kg / m³

Based on the field of operation, ready-made slabs with optimal physical characteristics are selected. The positive parameters of the material include:

• minimum density;
• high thermal insulation properties;
• environmental friendliness;
• durability;
• ease of installation.

Let's see what the shortcomings are. These include the fact that the structure is quickly destroyed by exposure to aggressive chemical liquids, which include:

• benzene;
• acetone (even its vapors);
• dichloroethane, etc.

Such nuances must be taken into account during installation and subsequent processing of the structure. Care must be taken with those substances that will be in direct contact with the surface of the plate. For example, adhesive compositions or reinforcing agents. To protect against the effects of microorganisms, it is necessary to cover the insulation with a layer of protective plaster.

VIDEO: How to insulate a house with foam

Styrofoam differences

Due to their higher strength and thermal insulation characteristics, expanded polystyrene boards made by extrusion have a fairly wide scope, unlike classic foam. XPS, in addition to domestic construction, is used in such critical areas:

• construction of railway roads;
• construction of modern roads;
• on the sports grounds;
• during the construction of ice arenas, etc.

It is necessary to know that a special type of extruded polystyrene foam can be found in the process of making the runway at the airport, which significantly reduces the possibility of soil freezing in this area.

To insulate the walls of the house from the outside, it is enough to install plates with a density of 25 kg / m.

The positive parameters of a more perfect structure include the following characteristics:

• vapor tightness;
• minimum value of thermal conductivity;
• light weight;
• resistance to the effects of various biological organisms;
• large range of operating temperatures;
• durable operation;
• resistance to water absorption.

Since the material has vapor-permeable parameters, it is necessary to pay special attention to ventilation insulation schemes. Due to the resistance to mold and fungi, extruded polystyrene foam has become widespread in the insulation of areas located in a humid atmosphere.

Often, extruded polystyrene foam is isolated office partitions, interroom and interior walls. They use plates in the insulation of refrigerated warehouses, areas with refrigerators, various thermal booths, etc.

VIDEO: Where you can use EPS, and where not

Physical and chemical data of materials

The fundamental difference between polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene lies in the physical and chemical characteristics. These include density, thermal conductivity, etc.

One of the important values ​​is water absorption. At great importance the structure will lose its thermal insulation ability when wet. The coefficient is calculated as a percentage of the volume that the test beam is able to absorb in 30 days:

• polystyrene - 4%;
• expanded polystyrene - 0.4%.

Accordingly, the value of EPS is ten times better than that of foam.

The ability to load the building structure depends on the density. The lower the indicator, the less load the plates will create. The couple has the following:

• polystyrene - 14-35 kg / m 3;
• expanded polystyrene - 27-48 kg / m 3.

Styrofoam in this case wins, as it is lighter.

The thermal conductivity value is calculated in the compound unit W/(m.K). Reference measurements in laboratories are carried out in dry conditions and at a constant temperature of +25°C. The value is characterized by the possibility of transferring thermal energy from one of its sections to another.

For thermal insulation materials, the minimum value possible will be correct. Thus, the smaller the amount of heat stored in the house goes through the walls, the better. The cost of heating housing with a low coefficient of thermal conductivity is reduced. The desired pair has the following values:

• polystyrene - 0.035-0.05;
• expanded polystyrene - 0.028.

From the available parameters, it is obvious that expanded polystyrene is better able to retain heat in an insulated room.

Modern thermal insulation material must have sufficient strength to withstand all kinds of loads. The value is determined under stationary impact of the same load on the existing slab samples. The tensile strength is set in (kgf / m 2) MPa and is equal to:

• for foam plastics - 0.07-0.2;
• for expanded polystyrene - 0.4-1.0.

This means that a styrofoam slab with a thickness equal to a PPS slab will break earlier. With power loads, extruded polystyrene foam should be preferred.

Due to the special production technology, the extrusion is very dense, it breaks harder

The operating temperature range for both substances is comparable. They equally behave similarly in the range of -50…+75°С. However, their service life varies significantly:

• polystyrene is able to withstand 10-25 years;
• expanded polystyrene will last about 50 years.

In some cases, with proper operation, extruded polystyrene foam can last up to 100 years. These indications are based on practical data.

VIDEO: The better to plaster extrusion

Wall insulation has become very relevant for most people, in winter time This is the protection of the house from the cold, and in the summer - from the heat. The quality of insulation will depend on the heat-insulating material, the more efficient it is, the better it will be able to keep the heat in the room.

Currently, there is a large selection of materials for insulating the walls of the house from the outside, more and more of them appear on the construction market every year. Experts advise to insulate the walls of the house with certain materials, such as polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam. It is difficult for ordinary consumers to understand what is the difference between these two names and which one is better, because at first glance they are very similar.

Polyfoam, its characteristics and advantages

This thermal insulation material is made from polystyrene by foaming and in finished form in it 98% air, it is a classic type of insulation. Polystyrene granules are treated with dry steam and at the moment of thermal expansion they adhere to each other, resulting in micropores in the finished material. For a long time, people began to use it for thermal insulation at home, use the material to insulate walls, floors, roofs. Such protection saves not only from the cold in winter, but also serves as a kind of protection for the walls of the building.

Due to the main characteristics of foam, many believe that it is best suited as a heater. Among its main qualities, include the following properties.

1. It consists of 98% air.
2. Its thermal conductivity ranges from 0.038 to 0.050 W / m K, which is significantly lower than that of wood or brick. For example, a tree in terms of thermal conductivity exceeds polystyrene by 3 times, and a brick by 17 times.
3. Only 2-3 cm of polystyrene can make a complete soundproofing of a building.
4. Do not absorb moisture more than 3% of its mass and at the same time its thermal insulation properties remain unchanged.
5. Light weight facilitates work with the material, it is easy to install, no special tools are required for cutting.
6. It is non-toxic, odorless, does not generate dust during operation, so protective equipment is not needed during operation.
7. Styrofoam is resistant to cement, gypsum, alkalis, water-based paints, but is afraid of acetone and benzene.
8. In contact with an open flame, it ignites, but quickly extinguishes.
9. The material is environmentally friendly, safe to use and dispose of, it is also widely used in the food industry and as packaging for many goods, including for children.

Styrofoam also has disadvantages, it very brittle material, which in bad weather complicates the work with it, as well as the transportation of insulation.

Despite the fact that the foam appeared a long time ago and now there are many new and modern materials, it has not lost its relevance. Attractive to many and its low price, which makes it possible to use foam in many types of construction work.

Expanded polystyrene (foam)

The extrusion method produces extruded polystyrene foam, the method causes the polymer to first melt, after which a viscous mass is formed. From solid state granules become viscous, resulting in a single liquid-phase substance with a solid and strong microstructure.

Extruded polystyrene foam looks like a mass of closed cells, inside of which there is a gas, it is much stronger than polystyrene foam. Expanded polystyrene cells are impermeable, they do not have micropores, like polystyrene foam, so water or gas cannot penetrate inside the cells. Expanded polystyrene cells look like a solid mass, air or water can only penetrate from the cut side of the side surfaces. In its whole state, the material cannot absorb moisture, steam, and more from the outside.

We often call expanded polystyrene penoplex, since the domestic brand of extruded polystyrene foam is produced with this name, in fact, they are the same insulating material. The polyspen brand is also common, it is used in various industries: agriculture, in the construction of runways, when laying oil and gas pipelines, with it they make a heat-insulating layer in building structures of civil and industrial type.

From the moment of mass production, foam plastic has become widely used in construction as a high-strength heat-insulating material. It is always used for outdoor work, since it is not suitable for internal insulation, polystyrene foam can release styrene at high temperatures. Main characteristics material are:

1. Increased compressive and flexural strength.
2. High density foam.
3. Doesn't crumble like styrofoam.
4. Thermal conductivity 0.028 W/m K.
5. It absorbs moisture no more than 3% of its mass, this indicator does not affect its thermal insulation, strength and structure.
6. It has excellent sound insulation.
7. Penoplex is not afraid of insects and rodents.
8. Doesn't rot and doesn't burn well.

Styrofoam or Styrofoam, which is better

Comparing both heaters, we can say that they very similar to each other. Having carefully studied their main characteristics, we can say for sure that penoplexes have a higher degree of strength, moisture resistance and breathability. Due to its density, the insulation has the best thermal insulation qualities, but without special treatment it is more combustible than polystyrene.

Compared to foam plastic, foam loses in density, is less insulating from noise. Styrofoam retains heat better due to its friability, but this property protects against moisture worse. Styrofoam always needs to be coated with other materials so that it lasts a long time.

If we compare the price one and the other insulation, then penoplex will cost more than polystyrene foam, which means that you will have to spend more money on all construction work. When choosing foam, you need to know which brand you need to purchase, they have differences in their characteristics.

Before buying, you need to compare all the main properties of the two materials, know in advance where they will be used for insulation and make your choice correctly.

In the construction industry and many other areas of industry, materials such as foam plastic and expanded polystyrene are in demand. What are their specifics?

What is penoplex?

Under penoplex traditionally understood as a material obtained from polystyrene by means of foaming, as well as extrusion with pressing. It is actively used as a heat-insulating material in the field of construction.

The structure of the penoplex is presented large quantity isolated cells that are filled with air. Their size is usually less than a millimeter. The material is characterized by high strength. The foam density is about 29-35 kg / cu. m, the thermal conductivity index is about 0.029-0.039 W / (m * K). The material has low water absorption and vapor permeability.

What is polystyrene foam?

Under polystyrene foam, or foam plastic, refers to a material that, like foam plastic, is made from polystyrene by foaming, but without the use of extrusion with pressing. As a result, significantly larger cells are formed in the structure of the material - a few millimeters in diameter.

Foam plastic can, in principle, be used for the same purposes as foam plastic - as a heat-insulating material. In addition, expanded polystyrene is often used in the factory packaging of household appliances - due to the combination of lightness, softness and elasticity.

Expanded polystyrene is much less durable than expanded polystyrene, has a higher thermal conductivity. The density of the foam is about 17-18 kg / cu. m. Its water absorption is noticeably higher than foam, but the vapor permeability of both materials is approximately at the same level.

Comparison

The main difference between penoplex and polystyrene foam is that the first material is produced using extrusion with compression, as a result of which small cells are formed in its structure. Styrofoam is produced without using the noted technology - and therefore its cells are larger. The specificity of the manufacture of materials predetermines the difference in their density, thermal conductivity, water absorption.

Having determined what is the difference between penoplex and polystyrene foam, we will reflect the conclusions in the table.

Table

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