|
It is a closed cell, resilient, lightweight rigid cellular plastics material produced in a range of densities between 10 kg/m3 and 35 kg/m3. The main applications for products manufactured from Isolite are thermal insulation systems (wall, roof and sub-floor), ceiling panels and other decorative surfaces, Voidforms and blockouts, pipe insulation, protective packaging, floatation and buoyancy applications, and stage sets.
Expanded polystyrene is supplied as plastic beads in which an expanding agent, usually pentane, has been dissolved. In the presence of steam the thermoplastic polystyrene softens and the increasing vapour pressure of the expanding agent causes the beads to expand up to 50 times their original volume. During this stage the degree of expansion is controlled to achieve the desired density.
Expanded polystyrene does not contain any ozone depleting substance and none is used in it's manufacture.
Conditioning:
From the pre-expander the beads are gently transported to large hoppers for ageing. The time of ageing is set to cool and stabilise the beads and allow for infusion of air to replace the expanding agent in the cells.
Moulding:
After conditioning, the beads are charged into a closed mould where they are further expanded and fused together by steam heating.
Finishing:
The freshly moulded blocks of Isolite are passed through temperature controlled ovens to remove moisture and the final traces of the expanding agent, and to provide blocks of constant dimensional stability.
Resistance to fungi and bacteria:
Fungus attack has not been observed on Isolite, and it does not support bacterial
growth. Surface spoilage (in the form of spilt soft drink, sugar, etc) can however supply the nutrient for fungal or bacterial growth.
Resistance to ants, termites, rodents and marine borers:
Since is has no food value, Isolite does not attract ants, termites, or rodents, however, it is not a barrier to them. Ants, termites and rodents will chew through Isolite to reach food or establish a comfortable home. Marine borers can attack EPS, as they do wood and Isolite should be protected by an anti-fouling paint over a suitable primer.
Electrical properties:
The electrical characteristics of Isolite and air are similar. This applies to arc resistance, as well as other electrical properties. The EPS melts about the path of an arc as soon as the arc penetrates it. Dielectric loss of Isolite is quite low. |
