What is the difference between expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene?

Expanded polystyrene or EPS is a thermoplastic foam material that we produce from solid beads of polystyrene whereas the extruded polystyrene or XPS is a foam material that we produce from solid polystyrene crystals. This is the key difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene.

What is extruded polystyrene used for?

Extruded polystyrene is a type of plastic used to make products ranging from building materials to storage containers. This product may also be referred to as XPS, and is also referred to as Styrofoam® after a popular brand name version of this material.

Is polystyrene foam the same as Styrofoam?

The foam that you formerly knew as styrofoam is actually expanded polystyrene foam or EPS. This material is made from polystyrene, a plastic that’s often used to make clear products like food packaging or lab equipment.

What is the R value of extruded polystyrene?

about R-5
Extruded polystyrene: Extruded polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam is usually blue or pink in color, with a smooth plastic surface. XPS panels typically aren’t faced with other material. The R-value is about R-5.

Which is better expanded or extruded polystyrene?

If it’s only handled a little, expanded polystyrene will largely do the trick. On the other hand, if this element needs to have a minimum resistance, then it will be better to opt for extruded polystyrene. As you can see, these materials may seem very similar, but they have very different qualities.

What is stronger EPS or XPS?

In general, when comparing EPS and XPS board densities, the compressive strength of XPS is greater than that of EPS. For EPS to achieve the same compressive strength as XPS, the density of the foam would need to be increased, often resulting in a greater thickness of board being required.

How long does extruded polystyrene insulation last?

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is essentially inert. There have been multiple studies of EPS in the soil for 15 to 30 years demonstrating only minor degradation of the EPS foam. EPS foam is expanded using steam. It is the entrained air that provide the insulation value in the material.

Is extruded polystyrene toxic?

Polystyrene foam contains likely cancer-causing chemicals that can leach into the food and drinks they hold, making them dangerous to consumers. Heating up polystyrene foam containers can cause the styrene to leach into the food or drinks. This toxin has no place in our bodies, schools, restaurants or homes.

How do you make polystyrene foam at home?

Things You’ll Need

2 tsp. borax.
1/2 cup water.
1/4 cup Elmer’s glue.
1/4 cup water.
Air-tight plastic bag, gallon size.
2/3 cups micro-beads (1mm in diameter)
1 cup 1/8-inch bean bag filler beads.

How is extruded polystyrene made?

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), is manufactured via an extrusion process where plastic resin and other additives are combined and extruded through a die. The extruded foam then cools and expands into it’s final shape.

What is the R-value of 2 inch extruded polystyrene?

A wall utilizing STYROFOAM T-MASS Technology with a 2-inch exterior layer and a 4-inch interior layer of concrete along with a 2-inch layer of STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene insulation would result in a material R-value of approximately 11.33.

What is the R-value of 2 inch thick extruded polystyrene foam?

Extruded Polystyrene Foam XPS has an R value of 4.5 to 5.0 per inch of thickness. This is the product that I typically use to insulate basement walls.