Polystyrene (polystyrene) is widely used for numerous applications: across Europe, over 1000 companies process approximately 1.5 million tons per year of raw material to produce decorative elements, protections, packaging, artistic creations, attractions, acoustic and thermal insulation, etc.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS), recently also known as AIRPOP, is a lightweight and rigid material composed of 98% air and hydrogen.
How is it made?
It is made using styrene, a monomeric derivative of petroleum, which is polymerized to take on a glass-like appearance.
In the expansion phase, styrene is mixed with steam at 90° and pentane, along with other additives to make it flame-resistant. During this process, the styrene beads increase their volume up to fifty times, generating closed-cell beads that trap air, so the material takes on shock-absorbing and thermal insulating properties.
In the final phase, sintering, the beads are subjected to steam at 120°, bonding together to form a block of expanded polystyrene.
Why Airpop?
There are many terms used to refer to polystyrene, even within the same language. Some of the most common names for polystyrene include: EPS, Polystyrene, Styrofoam, or Expanded Polystyrene.
Recently, EUMEPS (European Association of EPS Producers), in collaboration with various national organizations, coined a new term to refer to expanded polystyrene, Airpop engineered air, in order to raise awareness in the market by making the unique characteristic of this material, which is composed of 98% air, evident in the name itself.
Airpop engineered air is a material that is increasingly appreciated by the market for its cost-benefit ratio and for certain characteristics that remain unchanged over time: lightness, impact resistance, and insulating properties, which make it extremely versatile and suitable for many applications.
Additionally, its use is eco-sustainable as it can be recycled up to seven times before it deteriorates.
If you want to work with this material for your business, check out our CNC foam Cutting Machines.
Related posts.
Polystyrene sculpture of the Queen of Hearts
Queen of hearts foam sculpture card Let’s see together how to create this magnificent Queen of Hearts card using only expanded
How to make a deco EPS cake
Decorative foam cake Recently, we’ve noticed that fake styrofoam cakes are popping up everywhere on social media, so we thought we’d