Technical characteristics of expanded polystyrene extrusion plates. Thermal insulation using epps boards. Specifications of extruded polystyrene foam

XPS TECHNOPLEX is one of the best thermal insulation materials for country and apartment insulation.

In the production of TECHNOPLEX extruded polystyrene foam, nanosized graphite particles are used. Nanographite reduces the thermal conductivity of the material and increases its strength. Due to saturation with nanographite, XPS TECHNOPEX boards acquire a light silver tint.

Application

Extruded polystyrene foam TECHNOPLEX is specially designed for thermal insulation in private housing construction, including "heat-insulated floors" in apartments, insulation of balconies and loggias, floors on the ground and foundations of private houses.

Specifications

Indicators	TECHNOPLEX
Thermal conductivity at (25±5)°С, W/(m*°С), no more
Calculated values of thermal conductivity A and B, W/(m*°C)
Compressive strength at 10% linear deformation, kPa
Ultimate strength in static bending, kPa, not less than
Water absorption by volume, %, no more
Vapor permeability coefficient, mg/(mhPa)
Specific heat capacity, kJ/(kg*°C)
Modulus of elasticity, MPa
Initial density, kg / m 3, within
Flammability group
Temperature range of operation, °C	-70 to +75
Length, mm
Width, mm
Thickness, mm	20,30,40,50, 100

the presence of "L" - the edge prevents the appearance of "cold bridges", improves bonding to each other

Price

XPS TECHNOPLEX 1200x600x20 - 95.20 rubles / m2

XPS TECHNOPLEX 1180x580x30-L - 138.30 rubles / m2

XPS TECHNOPLEX 1180x580x40-L - 184.40 rubles / m2

XPS TECHNOPLEX 1180x580x50-L - 225.50 rubles / m2

ХРS TECHNOPLEX 1180x580x100-L – 496.00 rubles/m2

Styrofoam and rodents

One of the most important problems is the possible damage of heat-insulating materials by rodents.

Damage to inedible objects by rodents is usually random in nature and is caused by the need to overcome obstacles on the way to food, water, shelter and is the result of gnawing and burrowing activities of rodents. Sometimes material damage is caused by exploratory behavior rodents.

The nature and extent of damage depends on the type of rodents, their biological features. At the same time, the probability of damage to materials by rodents depends on the nature of the surface (smooth or rough), its hardness and structure (porous, viscous, dense, etc.).

The damage of heat-insulating materials by rodents still remains topical issue and has a great practical value, because as a result of rodent activity, the thermal insulation of buildings or technical devices is violated. Protrusions, holes and cracks on the surface of hard materials contribute to the damaging activity of rodents. To build nests in the territory adjacent to the buildings, rodents use various materials. It can be paper, burlap, wire, rubber braiding of electrical wires, heat-insulating materials, wood, etc.

The protection of heat-insulating materials from damage by rodents involves the implementation of preventive, constructive and technological measures. Reducing the damage of thermal insulation can be achieved by applying paints to their surface to make the surface smooth, by creating architectural and building systems, or by using repellents, impregnating the material with a substance that repels rodents.

Existing protection methods often aim to reduce overall rodent abundance and exposure to materials, which reduces the possibility of damage, but does not eliminate it.

In order to protect expanded polystyrene, which allows to minimize its damage, various architectural and construction systems can be used. The application of this system provides for internal and outer cladding polystyrene foam boards in the form of cement-sand or thin-layer facade plaster on steel mesh facing brick, finish natural or artificial stone, which allows to minimize the damage to the plates.

As additional measures to reduce the impact on polystyrene blocks, technology can be applied paintwork polystyrene blocks, as well as GVL (GKL) sheets for interior decoration.

Reducing the damage of polystyrene foam blocks can also be achieved with the help of repellents, which have a deterrent effect on rodents. Their use is possible in the form of powders, solutions, suspensions, which are applied to the surface of the boards with a brush, roller or sprayer, as well as by adding repellents to polystyrene foam during the formation of blocks.

Based on the results obtained, the following conclusions can be drawn:

Extruded polystyrene foam TECHNOPLEX, as a material consisting of hydrocarbons, is not a breeding ground for rodents.
Under forced conditions, rodents act on extruded and granulated polystyrene foam as well as on any other material, in cases where it is an obstacle (obstacle) to access to food and water or to satisfy other physiological needs of the animal. Extruded polystyrene foam TECHNOPLEX, in comparison with granulated polystyrene foam, is damaged by rodents to a much lesser extent.
Under free-choice conditions, rodents are exposed to Styrofoam to a lesser extent than under coercion, and only if they need bedding material or there is a need to grind incisors.
If there is a choice of nesting material (burlap, paper, polystyrene foam), extruded polystyrene foam TECHNOPLEX attracts rodents last.

Taking into account the results of the biological tests, we believe that TECHNOPLEX extruded polystyrene foam can be affected by rodents, but to a much lesser extent than ordinary, granulated polystyrene foam, if it is an obstacle on the way to possible food and water.

Reducing the number of rodents, as well as carrying out preventive, constructive and technological measures provided for by the architectural and construction system, can significantly reduce the impact of rodents on polystyrene foam. Reducing the damage of expanded polystyrene can also be achieved by applying paints and varnishes to its surface or using repellents added in certain proportions and consistencies to / or onto expanded polystyrene, which requires additional study to obtain the most complete conclusions and conclusions.

One of the persistent misconceptions says that any materials with a closed-cell structure, such as cork, various foams, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, etc., can improve acoustic properties protection from airborne noise (conversation, TV, vacuum cleaner, etc.). However, if pasted similar material common wall or ceiling with a neighbor, the expected effect will not work, although it specifications promise a soundproofing effect of up to 15-20 dB. And even by increasing the layer thickness to 50 mm, you will only waste a lot of money, but it is unlikely that you will achieve sound comfort.

The fact is that these materials are not intended to improve the acoustics of the premises in general, but to isolate from impact noise (steps, impacts of objects falling on the floor, etc.).

Sound insulation of partitions

To clarify the effect of the filling material of partitions on their sound insulation, a study was made of airborne noise insulation of a frame-sheathed partition made of plasterboard sheets with filling the air gap with extruded polystyrene foam.

It should be noted that when using relatively rigid materials such as expanded polystyrene, phenol-resol foam, etc. as filling frame-sheathing partitions. sound insulation is seriously inferior to partitions filled with porous-fibrous materials, such as mineral wool or fiberglass mats and plates.

In addition, heat and sound insulation are closely related, since most heaters (mineral wool) are also sound insulators. True, specialized noise-absorbing materials from the same feedstock are produced using a slightly different technology and are more efficient than conventional insulation.

Floor soundproofing

Acoustic testing of samples of extruded polystyrene foam showed that, according to the values of dynamic characteristics, they belong to the class of soundproof gasket materials.

The use of soundproof gaskets made of the specified material with a thickness of 20-30 mm in the construction of floating screeds with surface density slabs of at least 100 kg / m 2 provides an index of improvement in impact sound insulation by overlapping ΔL nw = 21 dB, which in most real cases allows one to perform regulatory requirements for impact sound insulation.

An increase in the thickness of the layer of extruded polystyrene foam from 20 mm to 30 mm and more seems to be inexpedient and unjustified economically due to the rather high values of the dynamic modulus of elasticity of the specified material (the values of the impact noise reduction indices under the ceiling almost coincide with each other).

Most interesting for practical application it may turn out to be a combined design of the soundproofing layer, consisting of a layer of extruded polystyrene foam with a thickness of not more than 20 mm and a layer of geotextile underlay, laid between the XPS layer and carrier plate overlap. This floating screed design, as determined by laboratory measurements, will provide an index of improvement in floor impact sound insulation. ΔL nw = 28 dB.

For the effective use of soundproofing gaskets made of extruded polystyrene foam, it is necessary right choice the relationship between the thickness of the layer of insulating material and the load (mass of the screed) so that the resonance frequency of the screed is below 100 Hz. At the same time, with a relatively high dynamic modulus of elasticity and low compressibility of the material, an increase in the load on the soundproofing layer by 1.5–2 times makes it possible to reduce the resonance frequency of the structure below the indicated 100 Hz, which in turn will increase the impact noise insulation index by 2–3 dB.

The optimal ratio of the thickness of the soundproofing layer and the load of the floor should be selected in each specific case, depending on the purpose of the interfloor overlap and the required insulation of both impact and airborne noise.

What is extruded polystyrene foam? - nothing more than a special dense foam. In our century this synthetic thermal insulation material, often orange color, rapidly gained popularity.

Developed in the distant 50s of the last century by the American company The Dow Chemical Company, extruded polystyrene foam has found wide application as thermal insulation for foundations, plinths, and there is probably not enough paper to list all the places where this bright modern material can be laid.

The material is produced according to the perfect method of foaming polymer compositions in the extrusion process. That is why we can hear the name of the material as extruded polystyrene foam. After forcing the material through a special high-strength mold, a very strong reliable material with almost unique thermal insulation properties.

Before it was found that freon gas had a destructive effect on the planet's ozone layer, it was used as a blowing agent.

Since the current 21st century, the so-called “CFC-free” method of manufacturing heat-insulating material has been used all over the world.

Extruded polystyrene foam, or rather the technical characteristics that it has, are not the same and differ depending on manufacturers. On the Russian market the brands with the highest sales volume are:

If there are no above-designated brands on the market, carefully study the technical instructions. The EPP designation begins with two digits. Refuse to buy if the marking value is less than index 28, such a polymer is not suitable for construction and insulation work. It is not profitable for the seller to mention this, and most likely, he will modestly keep silent about it. For facade work on thermal insulation, the PSB-S-40 brand is perfect, in addition, it is a self-extinguishing material.

A quick quality check can be done by breaking a small piece of Styrofoam. A flat break indicates that you have an EPP in front of you. Otherwise, if the break line is uneven, there are many small balls, then most likely you have ordinary foam in your hands, which is only suitable as a package for household utensils.

It must be understood that the manufacture of EPP difficult process, and different manufacturers do it according to different technologies. Some of them are completely safe for health, others irreparably harm a person.

When choosing extruded polystyrene foam, look at large companies that have long established themselves as decent manufacturers. In this case, we can confidently speak about a undoubtedly high-quality product. Not famous brands with high-profile names may be initially more profitable, but the risks associated with subsequent alteration will cost you much more!

remember, that poor quality expanded polystyrene will not only not serve as a good heat insulator, but will not affect better side for the health of your loved ones.

Extruded polystyrene foam boards

During the construction and repair of a building, the question of its insulation necessarily arises. Warm house- this is a guarantee of the health of your family, as well as an opportunity to save on utility bills. As soon as you asked this question, the need for a decision arises: what material is better to choose as a heater? Currently, the market offers several options for insulation: glass wool, stone wool, extruded polystyrene foam or polystyrene.

You need to choose one of these materials depending on the characteristics of your home and the specific area of \u200b\u200bwork: floor, balcony, walls, etc. There is certain rules to be followed when choosing a heater.

Practically universal material Extruded polystyrene foam boards are used to insulate the room and the building from the outside. It has the following positive qualities: moisture resistance, strength, high thermal protection, durability and safety for the health of residents of the house. Why these properties of the material are important, we will understand in more detail.

MOISTURE RESISTANCE.

The building insulation material must be resistant to moisture from the environment, and also prevent the accumulation of condensate inside the insulated surface. If during operation the insulation will accumulate water, it will lose its heat-shielding properties and your home will be cold in winter and hot in summer.

In addition, mold will begin to accumulate in a wet insulation; it will gradually destroy it and harm the health of the residents, who will have to inhale mold spores. Expanded polystyrene is resistant to moisture and is ideal for insulating walls, foundations, roofs, floors.

STRENGTH.

When insulating the floor, foundation or basement, it is necessary to durable material capable of withstanding high pressure. Extruded polystyrene foam boards are such material, because. they do not settle over time, do not collapse for a long time, do not sag. These same qualities are also useful for wall insulation, which will increase their strength and prevent shrinkage.

THERMAL PROTECTION.

Thermal protection is the main property that we wanted to get when choosing a material. Thermal protection is determined by the coefficient of thermal conductivity. This component is always indicated by the manufacturer in the accompanying documents for the product. The lower the coefficient of thermal conductivity, the higher the thermal insulation properties of the insulation. The thermal conductivity coefficient of expanded polystyrene ranges from 0.030. This is a good indicator that will allow you to save on the amount of material when calculating the thickness of the heat-insulating layer.

DURABILITY.

The estimated service life of extruded polystyrene foam boards is from 40 to 50 years.

SAFETY FOR HEALTH.

extruded polystyrene foam for heat-insulating boards used mainly by the same brands as children's toys, disposable tableware, medical supplies. With a temperature difference, this insulation does not emit external environment no substances hazardous to health.

But polystyrene foam plates also have their drawbacks. Some consider low vapor permeability to be such a disadvantage, since the walls do not breathe. But the same “disadvantage” is a great advantage when insulating the foundation and floor, as it provides reliable waterproofing. But the combustibility of extruded polystyrene foam really limits its scope somewhat.

And although some manufacturers have learned to add special substances that increase the resistance of the material to fire, this is still a rarity. More often on sale there are extruded polystyrene foam in the form of a plate of the combustibility group G3-G4. In any case, you will not use such plates without protective coating, they will be inside the structure. With high requirements for fire safety, it is allowed to use a heat-insulating material of a combustibility group of at least G3.

by the most a major producer boards made of extruded polystyrene foam in Russia is the company "PENOPLEKS". The company's factories are equipped with modern European equipment and produce materials High Quality. The choice of goods for the intended purpose is also great. You can choose slabs: for roofing, for walls, for foundations, etc.

When choosing a heater, pay attention to its purpose, technical characteristics, appearance. If the insulation is of high quality, then it will have a uniform structure, an even and smooth edge and resistance to mechanical pressure.

September 7, 2016
Specialization: Capital construction works(laying the foundation, erecting walls, constructing the roof, etc.). Internal construction works (laying of internal communications, rough and fine finishing). Hobby: mobile connection, high tech, computer technology, programming.

Among all thermal insulation materials used in private and commercial construction, one of the most effective and versatile, in my opinion, is EPP insulation - polystyrene foam obtained by extrusion.

Today I want to tell you about what kind of material it is, how it is made and what properties it has. I will also list the main manufacturers of this insulation with detailed description model range products.

Material Description

For the first time, extruded polystyrene foam was made about 60 years ago. It was invented in 1941 by specialists from the American company Dow Chemical. The material immediately gained great popularity due to the unique combination of two qualities - very low thermal conductivity and excellent water resistance.

In the photo - a technological line for the production of XPS.

This insulation not only prevents unproductive losses of thermal energy, but also does not change the technical characteristics when wet. Moreover, it can act as an additional waterproof material that does not allow moistening of building envelopes.

Initially, EPPS was used only in the US Navy for the manufacture of rescue equipment. However, over time, the insulation began to be used in the production of industrial refrigeration equipment.

The material came into construction ten years later, and at present its importance can hardly be overestimated. Extruded polystyrene foam is used in both private and commercial construction for thermal insulation of any structure. In addition, some types of EPS are used for insulation of engineering communications and complex production equipment.

This insulation is made from polymer raw materials - styrene, to which a foaming agent is added (usually a mixture of freon and carbon dioxide). Under the influence high temperature and a pair of polystyrene granules increase in size and fill with air, after which all this mass is squeezed out (extruded) through special holes in the machines, forming plates.

As a result of such processing, a heat-insulating material is obtained, which, according to chemical composition very similar to its closest relative - polystyrene, but in structure it is completely different from the latter. The fact is that the foam, unlike XPS, is not subjected to the extrusion procedure. Namely, thanks to this procedure, the described building material acquires its inherent properties.

EPPS cells have a much smaller size and a closed structure, due to which, in addition to high thermal resistance acquire many other useful properties.

It is about them that I want to talk in more detail in the next section.

Technical characteristics of the insulation

Here I will only talk about those properties of extruded polystyrene foam that are important in terms of its application in civil and commercial construction. I depicted each of them in the diagram:

I note right away that I will not focus on the exact values of certain coefficients, since they are described in detail in the next section.

So let's get started:

Water absorption. The main advantage of the insulation in question is that, unlike other common heat-insulating materials, it practically does not absorb water.

Lifetime. XPS is able to maintain its technical characteristics for a long time. Again, this is due to high hydrophobic properties. The liquid does not get inside the heat insulator, and therefore does not freeze during the cold season, destroying the internal structure.

As a result, the material is able to withstand great amount freeze and thaw cycles without changing their performance.

The exact lifespan of the EPS has not been established. But many modern manufacturers extruded polystyrene foam guarantee that their products will continue to perform as intended even 50 years after installation.

Strength. According to this indicator, the material also occupies one of the leading positions. The high strength of EPPS is associated with a very small size of the individual cells of the insulation in question, as well as their uniform distribution throughout the thickness of the sheet.

As a result, expanded polystyrene is able to withstand a very significant external load without visible deformation of the surface. The material is used not only for insulation various surfaces followed by decoration cement screed, but also for thermal insulation of structures that are under heavy load - highways, runways of airfields, and so on.

Environmental friendliness. The only harm that XPS has on the environment is the emission of a large number freons, which are used for foaming polystyrene granules. However, modern manufacturers use special gases that do not destroy the ozone layer of the earth.

The material itself, with proper installation and operation, is absolutely safe for nature and people. Therefore, it can be used not only for external, but also for internal insulation residential premises. including those with special requirements in terms of sanitary norms(kindergartens, schools, hospitals, chemical laboratories).

Chemical and biological resistance. A feature of extruded polystyrene foam is that it perfectly tolerates contact with chemicals contained in other building materials. Including with an alkaline environment, characteristic of a solution based on a cement binder.

However, this does not mean that the material will withstand contact with other aggressive chemicals. I compiled a small table in which I indicated substances that are dangerous and safe for EPS:

Hazardous Substances	Safe Substances
Toluene, benzene, xylene and aromatics	Organic and inorganic acids
Formaldehyde, formalin	Salt solutions of any concentration
Acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and other substances from the ketone class	Alkaline solutions and compounds
Solvents based on ethyl and methyl acetate, diethyl ether and similar substances	Alcohols and alcohol-containing decorative materials(paints)
Diesel fuel, kerosene, gasoline and other similar petroleum products.	Water-dispersion coloring compositions
Polyester compounds used as a component in the manufacture of adhesive epoxy resin.	Lime and lime mortar
Tar based on coal	Butane, propane and other gases.
Oil paints	Animal and vegetable oils, paraffin.
	Freons.

I also want to note the biological stability of extruded polystyrene foam. Microorganisms such as mold and fungi do not develop on its surface and inside. Therefore, it is not worth fearing the destruction of the insulating layer due to the factors described above.

Ease of processing. Despite its high strength, extruded polystyrene foam insulation is easy to process. hand tool. For cutting boards into pieces right size it is enough to use a saw with small teeth or a sharp clerical knife.

Material does not emit harmful substances during installation, therefore, during work with it, it is not necessary to use protective equipment for the skin, respiratory organs and eyes.

The main disadvantage inherent in the described material is high price. But it fully complies with the excellent technical characteristics, as you can see for yourself.

Briefly, I went over all the features. Now I want to talk about various types EPS more specifically.

Manufacturers and lines of XPS

The specific technical characteristics of a particular type of extruded polystyrene foam depend on the manufacturer of this material. I am familiar with several companies offering this material on the Russian building materials market, which I will talk about.

Ursa

This company produces extruded polystyrene foam under the brand name URSA XPS. Due to the very low thermal conductivity and high strength this material is excellent for use in private and large commercial construction. They can be insulated as structures country cottage, as well as railway embankments or highways.

This material is especially appreciated when used in extreme conditions- where the insulation layer is installed under conditions high humidity, may be under heavy loads or in direct contact with the soil.

Briefly about the features of URSA XPS:

Efficiency. The material has a combination of high compressive strength and low thermal conductivity, which is unique in the construction industry. Therefore, it is used in cases where a heat-insulating material is needed that can withstand increased loads.
Rigidity. The deformation characteristics of the URSA insulation boards make it possible to perceive and subsequently distribute an external load equal to 50 tons per square meter. In addition, the material is characterized by increased bending strength, so it can be laid directly on sand cushion for the arrangement of insulated floors on the ground.
Environmental friendliness. As a foaming agent in the manufacture of plates, natural carbon dioxide is used, and not freons. Therefore, the company's products fully comply with the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol on environmental protection.
Frost resistance. According to the conducted studies of EPPS trademark URSA is able to withstand more than 500 consecutive freezing and thawing cycles without any consequences for its own technical characteristics. Experts recommend using this material for warming structures subject to frequent changes in temperature conditions.
Flammability. In the manufacture of XPS boards, fire retardants are added to the raw polystyrene mass, which reduce the combustibility of the material, limiting the access of oxygen in direct contact with the flame.

The product line of this manufacturer consists of several types of heaters, which I will now describe in detail:

URSA XPS N-III. Extruded polystyrene foam high rigidity, which has perhaps the lowest coefficient of thermal conductivity among similar materials. Can be used to insulate surfaces that are in direct contact with liquid, earth or plants. The edge of the plates is designed in the form of a step, which ensures a tighter fit of the material parts to each other.

This material is ideal for thermal insulation of flat and pitched roofs, laminated masonry (with insulation between blocks), walls with subsequent plastering, basements inside and out, pitched roofs, balconies and underfloor heating.

URSA XPS N-III. Rigid slabs of extruded polystyrene foam, which are specially designed for use in private construction. Unlike the previous one, this material has a wide variety of sizes.

Completely all types of URSA plates of this category are shown in the illustration below:

The main areas of application of this material are basement insulation and ground floors, balconies, walls with plaster facades, garden paths, pitched roofs. It is not very suitable for thermal insulation flat roofs and installation inside the layered masonry walls.

URSA XPS N-V. Material for professional use, which is characterized by increased strength characteristics. Due to its ability to perceive and distribute loads in excess of 50 tons per square meter, this XPS is used in the construction of automobile and railways, airfields and so on.

In the photo - URSA XPS N-V - material for professional use.

The exact technical characteristics of EPPS are presented in the table:

Ursa is not the only manufacturer of extruded polystyrene foam, which is used by domestic builders. Another brand is discussed below.

Styrofoam

According to some studies, the insulation of this brand occupies the first place in popularity in terms of use in civil, industrial and commercial construction in Russia.

Thermal insulation boards of this brand are painted in a characteristic blue color and are used for thermal insulation of various building structures. I will talk about specific types of products and how to use them in private construction.

Styrofoam 250A. extruded polystyrene foam smooth surface suitable for insulation pitched roofs structures buried in the soil, mansards, wells and multilayer walls.

The exact characteristics of this type of material are given in the table.

Styrofoam 300A. Insulation used to protect against heat loss flat roofs, external surfaces of foundations and basement floors, underground and basement structures. Extruded polystyrene foam boards of this category are used for thermal insulation of walls inside and out, followed by protection with thin-layer cement plaster.

The peculiarity of the 300A plates is the stepped edge shape, due to which the parts are connected to each other “in a quarter”. This installation method not only facilitates the work, but also prevents the formation of condensate. To fix the XPS on the surface, glue or cement mortar. Insulation can be used as part fixed formwork during concrete work.

Styrofoam 500A. Plates of extruded polystyrene foam, which are suitable for increasing the thermal resistance of enclosing structures of structures of any type and purpose. The material of this brand is able to withstand very large external mechanical loads. Does not contain organic components, is anti-allergic and protected from biocorrosion.

The main areas of application are thermal insulation and sound insulation of pitched and flat roofs, basements strip foundations, walls, highways, railway embankments, hangars, industrial utilities. To achieve greater efficiency, laying of the material in several layers is allowed.

Polyurethane adhesives are used to fix the boards to the surface. bituminous mastics. In the latter case, the mastic forms an additional waterproof layer that prevents moisture in buried structures. If there is no need for protection from water, the plates can be fixed with dowels-umbrellas. To increase the adhesion of the EPS surface during its plastering, it is necessary to treat the insulation with coarse-grained sandpaper.