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Expanded polystyrene (EPS) can be manufactured in nearly unlimited shapes and sizes with a broad range of physical properties. |
Moisture: The unique closed-cell structure of EPS allows water vapor in wall cavities to escape without significantly affecting insulation properties. It is one of the foam materials most resistant to moisture absorption. Although molded EPS has a low water vapor transmission rate, it is not a vapor barrier. It is acceptable for cold storage applications.
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Chemical Properties: EPS molded products are resistant to virtually all aqueous media including dilute acids and alkalis, as well as water-soluble alcohols and silicones. EPS products have limited resistance to paraffin oil, vegetable oils, diesel fuel, and Vaseline®.
These substances may attack the
surface after long-term contact
and cause deformation. EPS products
are not resistant to organic solvents
such as hydrocarbons, chlorinated
hydrocarbons, ketones and esters.
Anhydrous acids destroy organics
such as EPS.
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Adhesive: Products
molded from EPS are easily bonded
to many materials with nonhydrocarbon-base
adhesives and cements. Latex paints
provide an excellent finish coat
for EPS point-of-sale displays
and consumer end-use food containers.
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Exposure to Sunlight: Long-term direct exposure to sunlight may cause yellowing and slight surface embrittlement. Suitable coverings are recommended for long-term outdoor use.
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Fungus and Bacterial Resistance: EPS molded products don’t support fungus and bacterial growth. Soiled foam, however, can supply nutrient for fungal or bacterial growth.
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| Load-Bearing Properties: Products molded from EPS can be designed to withstand extremely high loads without buckling or crushing. The design parameters used are dependent on end-use requirements. |
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