EPS
“High-performance Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) with outstanding insulation properties. Also known as Styrofoam, Polystyrene Foam, and Thermocol – the ideal choice for lightweight and cost-effective solutions!”
Description
“Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid thermoplastic foam made from polystyrene beads polymerized from styrene monomer. During production, the beads are expanded with a gas, typically pentane, which causes them to expand and form a lightweight foam. The material is then molded into blocks or sheets, offering versatility in various applications. EPS provides excellent thermal insulation, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for packaging, construction, and other industrial uses.”
Application Area
Graphite EPS
- Exterior Wall Insulation (ETICS/EIFS) – Provides superior thermal performance in façade insulation systems.
- Passive House & Energy-Efficient Buildings – Ideal for high-performance insulation in low-energy and passive house designs.
- Roof Insulation – Used in flat and pitched roofs for improved heat retention.
- Floor Insulation – Suitable for underfloor heating systems and high-insulation flooring applications.
- Cold Storage & Refrigeration – Enhances energy efficiency in cold rooms and refrigeration units.
- Industrial & Commercial Buildings – Used in warehouses, factories, and offices for high thermal efficiency.
White EPS
- General Wall Insulation – Used in residential and commercial buildings for cost-effective thermal insulation.
- EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) – Commonly applied in façade cladding systems.
- Roof & Ceiling Insulation – Provides lightweight insulation for various roofing applications.
- Packaging & Protective Cushioning – Used for product packaging, shipping, and protective casing.
- Decorative & Architectural Elements – Suitable for moldings, cornices, and 3D design applications.
- Concrete Formwork & Lightweight Fill – Used in construction for void filling and concrete shaping.
- Road & Railway Embankments – Helps reduce ground settlement and improves infrastructure stability.
Advantages
- Effective Thermal Insulation – Both provide excellent insulation, with Graphite EPS offering 20-25% higher thermal efficiency than White EPS.
- Energy Efficiency – Helps reduce heating and cooling costs, making buildings more energy-efficient.
- Lightweight & Easy to Install – Simple to cut, shape, and apply in various construction projects.
- Moisture Resistance – Resists water absorption, maintaining long-term insulation performance.
- Durability – Maintains structural integrity over time without shrinking or deteriorating.
- Cost-Effective Solutions – White EPS is more affordable, while Graphite EPS provides enhanced performance for long-term savings.
- Versatile Applications – Used in walls, roofs, floors, packaging, and decorative elements.
- Sustainable & Recyclable – Environmentally friendly materials that can be reused or recycled.
Graphite EPS is the premium choice for high-performance insulation, while White EPS remains a cost-effective and widely used option in construction and packaging.
Fire Safety & Classification
1. Fire Behavior of Standard EPS (White & Graphite EPS)
- Flammable Material – Standard EPS can ignite and burn when exposed to high temperatures.
- Melts & Shrinks Under Heat – Does not maintain structural integrity in fire conditions.
- Produces Smoke & Toxic Gases – Can release carbon monoxide and other harmful gases when burning.
- Requires Protective Covering – Must be covered with materials like plaster, cement, or fire-resistant boards for improved fire safety.
2. Fire-Retardant EPS (FR-EPS) Properties
- Self-Extinguishing (Flame-Retardant Additives) – Contains special additives that slow down ignition.
- Stops Burning Without External Flame – Once the flame source is removed, FR-EPS stops burning instead of spreading fire.
- Lower Smoke Production – Compared to standard EPS, it produces less smoke but still requires protective barriers in fire-sensitive areas.
3. Fire Classification of EPS (According to EN 13501-1 European Standard)
| EPS Type | Fire Class | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard EPS | E | Easily flammable, spreads fire, high smoke production. |
| Fire-Retardant EPS (FR-EPS) | B1/B2 (Depending on Composition) | B1: Hardly flammable (self-extinguishing), B2: Normally flammable but with delayed ignition. |
| EPS with Protective Coating | A2/B (With Fireproof Covering like Cement, Plaster, or Alu-Foil) | Non-combustible or very limited flammability when properly installed. |
4. Fire Safety Recommendations
- Always use FR-EPS (B1-rated) for construction to improve fire safety.
- Ensure proper installation with fire-resistant coatings such as plaster, cement, or fireproof cladding.
- Avoid exposing EPS directly to open flames or high heat sources to prevent ignition.
- Consider alternative non-combustible materials like Stone Wool for applications requiring high fire resistance.
EPS is widely used in construction, but for projects with strict fire safety requirements, fire-retardant versions or protective coverings are essential.
Thermal Conductivity of White EPS
| Product Type | Dimension (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Density (kg/m³) | Thermal Conductivity (W/mK) | Thermal Resistance (m²K/W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS 30 White | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 10-12-14-16-18-22 | 0.041 | 0.20-2.40 |
| EPS 40 White | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 10-12-14-16-18-22 | 0.041 | 0.20-2.40 |
| EPS 50 White | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 10-12-14-16-18-22 | 0.040 | 0.25-2.50 |
| EPS 60 White | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 10-12-14-16-18-22 | 0.039 | 0.25-2.55 |
| EPS 80 White | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 10-12-14-16-18-22 | 0.038 | 0.25-2.60 |
| EPS 90 White | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 10-12-14-16-18-22 | 0.037 | 0.25-2.70 |
| EPS 100 White | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 10-12-14-16-18-22 | 0.036 | 0.25-2.75 |
| EPS 110 White | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 10-12-14-16-18-22 | 0.036 | 0.25-2.75 |
| EPS 120 White | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 10-12-14-16-18-22 | 0.034 | 0.25-2.90 |
Thermal Conductivity of Graphite EPS
| Product Type | Dimension (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Density (kg/m³) | Thermal Conductivity (W/mK) | Thermal Resistance (m²K/W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS 30 Graphite | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 14-16-20 | 0.035 | 0.25-2.90 |
| EPS 40 Graphite | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 14-16-20 | 0.035 | 0.25-2.85 |
| EPS 50 Graphite | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 14-16-20 | 0.034 | 0.30-3.10 |
| EPS 60 Graphite | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 14-16-20 | 0.032 | 0.30-3.10 |
| EPS 60 Graphite | 500x1000 | 10-100 | 14-16-20 | 0.031 | 0.30-3.20 |