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Polystyrene Sheets are an aromatic polymer made from the aromatic monomer styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon that is commercially manufactured from oil. Polystyrene is a thermoplastic substance, normally existing in solid state at room temperature, but melting if heated, and becoming solid again when cooling off. Polystyrene sheets are very easy to cut and are extremely light.

White polystyrene sheets are often used in packaging and is also known as expanded polystyrene (EPS). Expanded polystyrene sheets are produced from a mixture of about 90-95% polystyrene and 5-10% gaseous blowing agent, most commonly carbon dioxide or pentane. The solid plastic is expanded into a foam through the use of heat, usually steam.

Extruded polystyrene (XPS), which is different from expanded polystyrene (EPS), is commonly known by the trade name Styrofoam. The voids filled with trapped air give it low thermal conductivity. This makes it ideal as a construction material and it is therefore sometimes used in structural insulated panel building systems. It is also used as insulation in building structures, as molded packing material for cushioning fragile equipment inside boxes, as packing "peanuts", as non-weight-bearing architectural structures (such as pillars), and also in crafts and model building, particularly architectural models. Foamed between two sheets of paper, it makes a more-uniform substitute for corrugated cardboard, tradenamed Foamcore. A more unexpected use for the material is as a lightweight fill for embankments in the civil engineering industry.

Expanded polystyrene used to contain CFCs, but now, more environmentally friendly blowing agents are used. Because it’s a hydrocarbon, it burns with an orange-yellow flame, giving off soot, as opposed to none hydrocarbon polymers such as polyethylene, which burn with a light yellow flame (often with a blue tinge) and no soot.

Polystyrene sheets are ideal for protecting layers within boxes and pallets and glass. It gives high shock protection and is reusable.

About the Author:

Kevin Thomas works for Davpack, a uk packaging supplier. Their friendly staff are waiting to help you choose the right packaging for your business. www.davpack.co.uk

Text and content © Copyright of Davenport Paper Co. Ltd 2008

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