Expandable polystyrene plastic

Other Plastics Uses. The plasticizer range alcohols have a number of other uses in plastics hexanol and 2-ethylhexanol are used as part of the catalyst system in the polymerization of acrylates, ethylene, and propylene (55) the peroxydicarbonate of 2-ethylhexanol is utilized as a polymerization initiator for vinyl chloride various trialkyl phosphites find usage as heat and light stabHizers for plastics organotin derivatives are used as heat stabHizers for PVC octanol improves the compatibHity of calcium carbonate filler in various plastics 2-ethylhexanol is used to make expanded polystyrene beads (56) and acrylate esters serve as pressure sensitive adhesives. 

The insulating value and mechanical properties of rigid plastic foams have led to the development of several novel methods of buUding constmction. Polyurethane foam panels may be used as unit stmctural components (220) and expanded polystyrene is employed as a concrete base in thin-sheU constmction (221). 

CeUular urea—formaldehyde and phenoHc resin foams have been used to some extent in interior sound-absorbing panels and, in Europe, expanded polystyrene has been used in the design of sound-absorbing doors (233). In general, cost, dammabUity, and cleaning difficulties have prevented significant penetration of the acoustical tile market. The low percent of redection of sound waves from plastic foam surfaces has led to their use in anechoic chambers (216). 

Styrene [100-42-5] (phenylethene, viaylben2ene, phenylethylene, styrol, cinnamene), CgH5CH=CH2, is the simplest and by far the most important member of a series of aromatic monomers. Also known commercially as styrene monomer (SM), styrene is produced in large quantities for polymerization. It is a versatile monomer extensively used for the manufacture of plastics, including crystalline polystyrene, mbber-modifted impact polystyrene, expandable polystyrene, acrylonitrile—butadiene—styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene—acrylonitrile resins (SAN), styrene—butadiene latex, styrene—butadiene mbber (qv) (SBR), and unsaturated polyester resins (see Acrylonithile polya rs Styrene plastics). 

Fire and explosion risks from pentane m expandable polystyrene (EPS) Plastics recycling... 

Polystyrene (PS) The volume of expanded polystyrene produced probably exceeds the volume production of all other plastics (excluding the polyurethanes) put together. At least half the weight of polystyrene produced is in the form of high impact polystyrene (HIPS)—a complex blend containing styrene-butadiene rubber or polybutadiene. 

Expanded polystyrene. The plastic is formed into beads containing an expanding agent. When placed in a mould and heated they swell and stick together. The blocks are then cut into thicknesses as required. 

Polystyrene can be moulded, cast or extruded in sheets, rods and tubes. It can be easily pigmented. It finds wide, application in making household goods, lenses, plastic moulds, toys, wood laminates, films, battery boxes and electrical components. Expanded polystyrene is used as thermal insulating material and packaging. It is also used in lifejackets and floats. 

The PBDEs (decaBDE, octaBDE, and pentaBDE) and are used as flame retardants in plastics, electronic equipment, printed circuit boards, vehicles, furniture, textiles, carpets, and building materials. Global demand has increased rapidly since the 1970s with 70,000 tonnes produced in 2001. Their flame retardant activity relies on decomposition at high temperatures, leading to the release of bromine atoms. This slows the chemical reactions that drive 02-dependent fires. HBCDs are a flame retardant added to extruded and expanded polystyrene that is used as thermal insulation in buildings. 

While unaffected by water, styrofoam is dissolved by many organic solvents and is unsuitable for high-temperature applications because its heat-distortion temperature is around 77°C. Molded styrofoam objects are produced commercially from expandable polystyrene beads, but this process does not appear attractive for laboratory applications because polyurethane foams are much easier to foam in place. However, extruded polystyrene foam is available in slabs and boards which may be sawed, carved, or sanded into desired shapes and may be cemented. It is generally undesirable to join expanded polystyrene parts with cements that contain solvents which will dissolve the plastic and thus cause collapse of the cellular structure. This excludes from use a large number of cements which contain volatile aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, or esters. Some suitable cements are room-temperature-vulcanizing silicone rubber (see below) and solvent-free epoxy cements. When a strong bond is not necessary, polyvinyl-acetate emulsion (Elmer s Glue-All) will work. 

Flame-retardant styrenic polymers find utility in applications such as building insulation (expanded polystyrene foam) and electronic enclosures (flame-retardant HIPS, ABS and styrenic blends). The most effective flame retardants are halogen-(particularly bromine)-containing compounds these flame retardants act by inhibiting the radical combustion reactions occurring in the vapor phase. Flame-retardant plastics are in a state of flux, due to influences of... 

Expansion of anall beads of a thermoplastic resin by heating an internally controlled blowing agent, such as pentane. This technique is used to expand polystyrene beads used in making plastic cups, packaging, and mannequin heads. 

Copies of the proceedings are available from Technomic Publishing Co., Inc., Lancaster, PA. Other SPI divisions holding technical conferences include the Expanded Polystyrene Division, the Polyurethane Foam Contractors Division, and the Structural Plastics Division. The 18th Annual Structural Foam Conference was held April 1-4, 1990 in New Orleans, LA. The 19th Conference was held April 14-17, 1991 in Atlanta, GA. 

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