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Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a construction material capable of improving the layout and structural soundness of the building. Since being accepted as the standard insulating material in the 1950s, EPS has advanced quickly in various new applications.
Due to its sustainability benefit and advancements in terms of energy efficiency, durability, and interior natural quality, EPS is currently used in many building structures.
The development sector has recently shown a sharp increase in interest in the utilisation of expanded polystyrene (EPS). Because it has a light, stiff foam with great thermal insulation and strong impact resistance, EPS is a well-known protective material used in a variety of applications.
The globally renowned firm ISOVER has developed and sold the highest-quality insulation products since 1936. It was established in France around 1665. It is the biggest producer of EPS polystyrene on the planet.
EPS can offer a few outstanding benefits in various construction projects:
- Thermal insulation
The closed cell structure of EPS is composed of 98% air and is held together by a cellular polymer matrix, results in a very low thermal conductivity.
This has a tremendous impact on the construction sector, leading to much less heat loss and significantly more energy-efficient structures. The full thermal efficiency will be maintained for the duration of the building because of this insulation performance’s indestructible nature.
After the building is occupied, the energy needed to make the EPS is returned in just six months.
- Material and labour saving
In addition to being a very affordable material (usually 20% less expensive than poly-isocyanurate or mineral wool), EPS only needs one waterproof barrier as opposed to two for the competing materials.
Without the need for safety precautions like protective clothes, masks, or goggles, it is also simple to handle, carry, store, and cut on-site. This entails significant labour and material cost savings.
- Lightweight
EPS is one of the lightest building materials because it is made up of 98% air. In terms of handling, transportation, and fuel expenses, this has considerable positive effects.
- Mechanical strength
High compressive strength for load-bearing applications is one level of mechanical strength that can be added to EPS during manufacturing to suit specific applications.
- Durable and Versatile
EPS could be utilized in foundations or in combination with conventional building materials like bitumen-based DPM, cement, mortar, steel, concrete, plaster, brick, and masonry.
Since it is non-hygroscopic, moisture from the air cannot be easily absorbed or retained by it. Additionally, it is rot-proof, which makes it perfect for applications involving direct ground contact in substructures. It does not get friable or saturated and does not need dry indoor storage.
- Environmentally safe and recyclable
EPS is harmless, inert, and free of CFCs or HCFCs. Animal, bacterial, or fungal growth is not supported. Where facilities are available, EPS can be simply recycled or usefully recovered.
EPS has excellent cradle-to-grave credentials according to the BRE Environmental Profiles, rating just 0.043 over a sixty-year life period – far lower than alternative materials.
Due to all these reasons, EPS polystyrene is used extensively by the construction industries.
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