Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Polymer Type: Thermoplastic foam
Key Properties
- Lightweight
- Good thermal insulation
- Sound absorption
- Impact resistance
Applications
- Packaging materials
- Building insulation
- Construction products
- Disposable cups
Additional Information
Expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as styrofoam, is a popular thermoplastic foam valued for its combination of lightweight properties, thermal insulation, and affordability. Its low density makes it ideal for lightweight packaging applications, protecting products during transportation and storage. In the construction industry, EPS serves as a valuable insulation material due to its excellent thermal resistance, contributing to energy efficiency in buildings.
EPS offers good sound absorption properties, finding use in applications like acoustic panels and packaging for noise-sensitive products. Its impact resistance makes it suitable for protective packaging and disposable food containers. However, EPS has faced criticism due to environmental concerns around its disposal and potential microplastic pollution.
