Expandable plastic foam

An outstanding property of EPS is its extremely low density (when compared to other processes), that by alteration of the preforming treatment can be varied according to the end use. Other types of plastics are employed to produce expandable plastic foam (EPF), including PE, PP, PMMA, and ethylene-styrene copolymers. They can use the same equipment, with only slight modifications. These plastics have different properties from those of EPS and open up different markets. They provide improved sound insulation, resistances to additional heat deformation, better recovery of shapes in moldings, and so on. 

EPS molding generates pressures of less than 30 psi (2 kPa) in most mold applications. This low pressure allows the use of inexpensive molds such as aluminum. To process the other expandable plastic foams (EPFs), such as PE, PP, and PMMA, the equipment for EPS can be used with only slight modifications. 

It is generally accepted that the contents of containers will be stacked two pallets high, so it is essential that the goods are adequately attached to the pallet. The load will need to be stabilised as much as possible and this is done by systems of air bags blown up to take up the vacant load spaces, sacks of straw or plastic chips, or sometimes expanding plastic foams in specialised applications. 

Cushioning materials in widespread use include air bubble sheet, cellulose padding, cork-based granules/sheet, corrugated plastic comers, corrugated sleeves, embossed paper, expanded polystyrene, other expanded plastics, foam in place, free flow polystyrene, sawdust and shavings, straw, wood wool. 

Over time, CFC production increased dramatically as their uses increased. They were used as propellants in spray cans, as gases to expand plastic foam, and in many other applications. By 1985 production of CFCs reached 850,000 tons. Much of this leaked into the atmosphere and in that year the concentration of CFCs reached 0.6 parts per billion. Another observation was made by groups of concerned scientists as the level of CFCs rose, the ozone level in the upper atmosphere declined. Does this correlation between CFC levels and ozone levels prove a relationship between these two phenomena Explain your reasoning. 

Ozone (O3) exists in the atmosphere, 20-40 km above sea level. Ozone absorbs UV radiation which would otherwise harm living things. The effects of ozone loss could include increased human cataracts and skin cancer, reduction of plankton in ocean waters and destruction of plants, including crops. Ozone layer destruction in the Antarctic was reported in 1985 a major cause of this was believed to be the release of chlorofluorocarbon compounds, such as CCI2F2 (CFCs). These compounds are chemically unreactive, non-toxic and odourless, properties which at one time caused them to be used as solvents, aerosol propellants, refrigerant fluids and blowing agents for expanded plastic foams. They are so stable, however, that they persist in the atmosphere for years and eventually enter its upper layers, where they are broken down by the powerful UV radiation emitted by the sun. Their decomposition products can then destroy ozone ... 

EPF expandable plastic foam ufacturers for the Rubber and Plastics... 

Cellular plastic (expanded plastic, foamed plastic) 169... 

Expanded plastic (foams etc.) Do not use solvent Roughen the surface with emery paper Remove all dust and contaminants... 

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