Expanded Polystyrene Sheets, An Eye Catching Material by Foamex

The Styroboard™ expanded polystyrene sheets from Foamex offers an eye-catching, versatile and high performing material for the building and construction industry.

Aside from its application to building and construction, Foamex Styroboard™ expanded polystyrene sheets are also a choice material for artistic use. Its lightweight quality allows for ease of use when creating designs for shop fittings, events decoration, theatre production props, signages and EPS lettering.

Styroboard™ can be cut into the required shape and size using Foamex hot wire cutting machine. The expanded polystyrene sheets are water resistant and durable; they are able to retain their quality as compared to fibreglass alternatives. Expanded polystyrene sheets are adaptable to any texture coating, paint and polyurethane adhesive. Thus, making Styroboard™ an ideal material for creative design.

The expanded polystyrene sheets are a lightweight cellular plastic material made from styrene monomer. Low levels of styrene are found in most fruits, plants, nuts, meat and vegetables. Expanded polystyrene sheets are composed of small, spherical balls - creating a rigid, closed cellular structure that accounts for many of its remarkable features.

The manufacturing process involving expanded polystyrene foam doesn't use harmful chemicals such as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons). Expanded polystyrene sheets are a highly recyclable material with a long life service with little to no wastage in the manufacturing process.

How Expanded Polystyrene are Made
The polymerisation process begins in the first stage, the pre-expansion stage. The sugar-sized polymer granules are heated in a special pre-expansion machine with steam at temperatures ranging from 80 to 100°C. This is when the compact beads expand between 40 to 50 times their original volume.

The second stage is known as the intermediate maturing and stabilisation stage. The newly expanded beads are placed in aerated silos and undergo a maturing period to achieve greater mechanical elasticity and expansion capacity.

The third stage is known as the expansion and final moulding stage, where the pre-expanded polystyrene beads are placed within a mould and reheated with steam. The beads fully expand, filling the mould cavity as its spherical ball structure fuse together to create a tight, closed cell matrix.

The following are the benefits of using Foamex Styroboard™ expanded polystyrene sheets:

Sturdy, durable and flexible material for long lasting applications
Resistant to weather
Fire retardant
Lightweight materials composed of 98% air volume
Styroboard™ are easy to transport, handle and install
Maintains original shape and size
Doesn't deteriorate even after prolonged exposure to water
Creates a barrier against water, moisture and vapour
An inert material that is resistant to vermin attack
Vapour and water resistance creates a clean substrate or environment
Resistant to mould and mildew
Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties
Styroboard™ is compliant with Australian Building Code Standards AS 1366 Part 3 - 1992

Foamex is an advocate of a green and sustainable environment. As a proud member of REPSA (Recycling Expanded Polystyrene Australia), Foamex fully commits itself to recycling expanded polystyrene sheet manufacturing waste and converting it into other usable products like the protective packaging for food and produce, stationery products, plant pots and coat hangers.

Contact Foamex at 02 9773 1655 or visit www.foamex.com.au today.