Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is one of the organic insulation materials made from synthetic raw materials and belongs to the group of foam plastics. EPS is a petroleum refinery product and is made from foamed polystyrene granules.
Expanded polystyrene gets its insulating effect from the air pockets in the inflated cells. Although EPS is resistant to rotting, vermin and fungal infestation, it is not solvent and UV resistant. It has a low bulk density, which has a comparatively disadvantageous effect in terms of summer thermal insulation as well as sound insulation. The production is very energy-intensive and although the raw material is biologically neutral, EPS sheets are only partially recyclable. EPS is a particularly cost-effective insulation material.
Since expanded polystyrene is more open-pored than extruded polystyrene (XPS), it absorbs more water and must therefore not be used as perimeter insulation in the event of pressing or accumulating leachate. However, in the case of soil moisture and non-accumulating leachate, EPS is suitable as perimeter insulation, but only under consideration of some restrictions and the existence of a corresponding building authority approval.
Since March 2016, the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), which was previously used in EPS insulation materials, has been largely banned, which is considered difficult to degrade and has a toxic effect.
Source: bauwion
