Polyfoam, is considered one of the most versatile materials in many areas of construction. Foam is used to insulate the walls outside and inside, as well as for the floor, ceiling, facade and many other purposes.

The reasons for this widespread use lie in its universal characteristics and properties, which greatly benefit in comparison with other similar materials.

Foam production

So why foam is so popular? Before answering this question, let's briefly analyze what the production technology of foam plastic is.

Polyfoam manufacturing technology

Under the influence of water vapor, polystyrene granules (contain isopentane and pentane), foaming, increasing in volume. This is due to the fact that under the influence of strong heating (up to 100 degrees) the substance pentane in the granules evaporates, thereby increasing the size of the polystyrene granules. This procedure is repeated several times in order to reduce the weight of the source material, as well as reduce its density.

In the next stage of the technological process, the entire mass produced is placed on time for drying in order to remove the remaining moisture. For the most part, this part of the process is carried out in an open space, with access to fresh air. At this stage, the foam gradually begins to receive the final shape of the granules, which is planned. Well, and then you can turn the finished granules with the help of machines and presses into objects - plates of the required shape.

At the final stage, the fabricated material is subjected to steam treatment for the third time. The output is already a white block, which has the strictly necessary width. Then it is cut according to the required dimensions. Here, the shapes and sizes can be any, depending on the task.

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Foam properties

• Thermal conductivity

In the construction of buildings and structures, the use of foam is difficult to overestimate. After all, the thermal conductivity of this material is much less than the same expanded clay or wood. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is very often used as an insulating material.

For example, if we compare such a property as thermal conductivity, the brickwork will significantly lose to the foam. Because 14 cm foam thermal conductivity will be equal to 245 cm masonry of bricks. Not a bad result, is it? Thus, this material is not only guaranteed to retain heat in the house, but also significantly saves the cost of heating and space heating.

• Soundproofing

In addition, due to the porous structure of the plates, the foam copes very well with insulation from various noises. But to improve the properties of noise suppression it is necessary to take into account, the thicker the foam plate, the better the effect.

• Environmental friendliness and resistance to chemical influences

The indisputable advantage of the foam will also be the fact that this material is very resistant to various harmful chemical effects. When using polyfoam it is possible not to be afraid of development of a various type of a mold, including fungi. And his fireproof and moisture resistant properties have long earned him great popularity.

• Durability

With all this, the material is considered to be very durable. If it is used in the construction of a house or a country site, then its service life reaches from 20 to 50 years. Depending on the type of foam, it is even able to withstand certain mechanical loads, while practically without being subjected to deformation.

• Easy installation

From the point of view of its application, even very large slabs are light enough. Therefore, the technology of styling foam is simple, convenient and does not take much time and effort.

The main drawback of polystyrene is that, despite the fact that it does not actually burn, gaseous compounds dangerous for the human body are released during combustion (exposure to high temperature).

Technical characteristics of the foam

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If we consider the technical indicators of the material, then the most important are density, its water-absorbing properties, fire resistance and humidity.

For example, if you take a parameter such as fire resistance, here, depending on where the material will be applied, you need to buy a certain brand of foam. If the material will be used for cladding the facades of a building, then it is worth choosing a material depending on the combustibility group (Г-1, Г-2 - the smaller the number, the less combustible). Also, before buying, you should ask for a sample and check it yourself. If the foam is burning and dripping, then you should not take it for facing the building, but if it starts to burn, and then it goes dead, then you can take it.

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Conclusion

Summing up, we can say that the foam is a versatile material for construction, insulation, and noise insulation. Using this type of product, you can significantly save on building materials, reduce physical and moral costs, as well as make living in the house comfortable, quiet and cozy.