Today, foam is one of the most popular materials in construction. Builders and owners of the premises speak well of its safety and relatively low price. They value polystyrene as a heater. If we take into account all the qualities of polystyrene foam (the source material for the foam material), we can distinguish the main characteristics of this porous material.
Styrofoam. Characteristics of technical and operational properties
- What is polystyrene foam? This is air enclosed in closed polystyrene foam cells. This structure determines one of the most popular and main properties of the material - extremely low thermal conductivity. What can you compare with polystyrene foam? Its thermal conductivity is almost 20 times lower than that of a brick, three times lower than a tree. A 12-centimeter thick foam layer retains heat just as effectively as a 2-meter-thick brick wall . However, he does not react in any way to heat or cold.
- What else can polystyrene foam? Its moisture resistance is close to 100%. It has been experimentally established that a foam wall is capable of absorbing no more than 3% (of its own weight) of moisture. However, it does not swell, does not change either its shape or its dimensions. The density of the foam also does not change.
Other foam properties
- Need a good sound absorber? The same polystyrene will perfectly cope with this role. Its characteristics as a material that protects the building from the wind and does not allow noise, due to the structure. Porous airborne material is much more beneficial than other soundproofs, better than a windproof film. All 3 centimeters of polystyrene completely block external noise.
- What else is polystyrene good for? Ease of installation. Light in weight, easily cutting, not emitting harmful fumes, the material can be assembled into the desired structure even by one person. For its installation does not need special equipment or special devices. It does not dust when slicing, it is easily drilled.
Styrofoam. Chemical properties
If you need a completely neutral and very durable material, take polystyrene. The characteristics of its chemical composition ensure that neither fungi, nor bacteria, nor harmful insects can settle in it.
He is not afraid of decay and is not at all susceptible to mold. The structure of the foam makes it neutral with most
chemicals. He is not afraid of not only moisture: polystyrene is indifferent to most aggressive substances. Foams do not interact with lime or cement. They can not be dissolved with soap or paints - they are resistant to most acids and saline solutions. The only thing the
polystyrene foams are afraid of are solvents based on benzene or acetone. The latter can partially dissolve the foam. As the temperature rises, the foam layers begin to melt, thereby stopping decay: the foam does not support combustion or decay. Only in direct contact with fire it ignites, but after 4 seconds it goes out. Finally, the foam is made from environmentally neutral materials, and its disposal is also safe: no harmful substances are released. That is why the foam, the characteristics of which are only positive, is used not only in construction, but also in the manufacture of children's toys and interior decorations.