Plastic foams polystyrene

MIL-P-60312C(2XAR) Parts, Molded, Plastic Foam, Polystyrene (For Use with Ammunition), 5 December 1986, 4 pp amend + 14 pp base spec (FSC 8140) (AR)... 

Modifier for polystyrene foamed plastics Foamed polystyrene modifier... 

Fig. 2ab. Photomicrographs of foam cell stmcture (a) extmded polystyrene foam, reflected light, 26 x (b) polyurethane foam, transmitted light, 26 x (c) polyurethane foam, reflected light, 12 x (d) high density plastic foam, transmitted light, 50x (22).

Creep. The creep characteristic of plastic foams must be considered when they are used in stmctural appHcations. Creep is the change in dimensions of a material when it is maintained under a constant stress. Data on the deformation of polystyrene foam under various static loads have been compiled (158). There are two types of creep in this material short-term and long-term. Short-term creep exists in foams at all stress levels however, a threshold stress level exists below which there is no detectable long-term creep. The minimum load required to cause long-term creep in molded polystyrene foam varies with density ranging from 50 kPa (7.3 psi) for foam density 16 kg/m (1 lb /ft ) to 455 kPa (66 psi) at foam density 160 kg/m (10... 

Fig. 4. Load vs compression for plastic foams (149). A, polystyrene, 32 kg/m (2 lbs/fT) B, polyethylene, 32 kg/m C, latex mbber foam. To convert...

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). 

Foaming polystyrene resin prepared by blending with gas deHvers an opaque, low density sheet useful for beverage-bottle and plastic can labels as a water-resistant paper substitute (see Styrene polymers). 

Foamed plastics (qv) were developed in Europe and the United States in the mid-to-late 1930s. In the mid-1940s, extmded foamed polystyrene (XEPS) was produced commercially, foUowed by polyurethanes and expanded (molded) polystyrene (EPS) which were manufactured from beads (1,2). In response to the requirement for more fire-resistant ceUular plastics, polyisocyanurate foams and modified urethanes containing additives were developed in the late 1960s urea—formaldehyde, phenoHc, and other foams were also used in Europe at this time. 

Plastics. Citric acid and bicarbonate are used as an effervescent blowing agent to foam polystyrene for insulated food and beverage containers replacing blowing agents such as chlorinated fluorocarbons (194—206). 

About half of the styrene produced is polymerized to polystyrene, an easily molded, low-cost thermoplastic that is somewhat brittle. Foamed polystyrene can be made by polymerizing it in the presence of low-boiling hydrocarbons, which cause bubbles of gas in the solid polymer after which it migrates out and evaporates. Modification and property enhancement of polystyrene-based plastics can be readily accomplished by copolymerization with other substituted ethylenes (vinyl monomers) for example, copolymerization with butadiene produces a widely used synthetic rubber. 

Table 2 presents the results of tests to measure the calorific power, ash content, and chlorides concentration of some of the materials obtained from the separation process, such as polystyrene, aluminum foil, plastic foam, and other plastics (general, clear, colored, black, and vinyl). Polystyrene and clear plastic have very high calorific power and low levels of chlorides, but polystyrene has very high ash content. Figures 10-17 present the samples of waste components from the separation and composting plant of Cantagalo. 

Thermoplastic foams - mainly polystyrene, PVC, polyethylene and polypropylene -account for roughly 50% of all plastic foams, the other 50% being polyurethane, a thermoset material. For all uses added together, EPS accounts for more than 90% of all thermoplastic foams, followed by PVC with a few percent, and polyethylene and polypropylene. 

Uses. Plastics and synthetic rubber are the major uses for styrene. They account for the exponential growth from a few million pounds per year in 1938 to more than 8 billion pounds today. The numerous plastics include polystyrene, styrenated polyesters, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), and styrene-butadiene (SB). Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) was a landmark chemical achievement when it was comrner-cialized during World War II. The styrene derivatives are found everywhere—in food-grade film, coys, construction pipe, foam, boats, latex paints, tires, luggage, and furniture. 

L. Guricza, HungP 153950(1967) CA 67, 110247b(1967) [Industrial expls of low bulk density were prepd by mixing usual AN expls with 2—15% by wt of plastic foam (such as urea-formaldehyde, polystyrene or polyurethane of 10-50kg/m3 bulk density). 

As of 1992, the first specialty platable plastic, acrylonitrile—butadiene—styrene (ABS) terpolymer (see Acrylonitrile polymers, abs resins), is used in over 90% of POP applications. Other platable plastics include poly(phenylene ether) (see Polyethers), nylon (see Polyamides), polysulfone (see Polymers containing sulfur), polypropylene, polycarbonate, phenolics (see Pphenolic resins), polycarbonate—ABS alloys, polyesters (qv), foamed polystyrene (see Styrene plastics), and other foamed plastics (qv). 

The creep characteristic of plastic foams is important in structural applications. Creep, either short-term or long-term, is the change in dimensions caused by constant stress. The deformation of polystyrene foam under various static loads... 

Cellular plastics, mainly polystyrene, are used for display and novelty pieces because of ease of fabrication, light weight, attractive appearance, and low cost. Phenolic foam is used in floral displays, where it can hold large amounts of water for long periods. Polyurethane and polystyrene foams are also used in other floral applications. Cellular poly(vinyl chloride) is used in toys and athletic goods. 

In foundation insulation, rigid plastic foams are widely used. A covering over the foam provides protection against ultraviolet light and physical damage. The properties of extruded polystyrene foam make it a desirable insulation for foundation applications. 

Mackowski, R., Majewski, S., Ostowski, K. Phenol-polystyrene plastic foams. Polim.-Tworz. Wielkoraasteczkowe 3, 107 (1978) (in Polish)... 

Ingram, A.R. and Fogel, J., Chapter 10, "Polystyrene and Related Thermoplastic Foams," in Plastic Foams, Part II, edited by K.C. Frisch and J.H. Saimders, Marcel Dekker, New York (1972). 

Bromine compounds are also used as fire retardants. These compounds are about twice as effective as chlorine compounds on a weight basis, so that significantly lower concentrations are needed. However, bromine compounds are higher in cost than chlorinated compounds and are generally less stable under exposure to heat and light (29). Those compounds containing aromatic bromine are significantly more stable to heat and hydrolysis than the aliphatic type. Examples are decabromodiphenyl oxide (DBDPO), tetrabromobisphenol and tetrabromobisphenol A. A pentabromodiphenyl oxide blend is available for urethane foams and polyesters (34). Aliphatic bromine-type additives are used as flame retardants in plastic foams (polyurethane and polystyrene (33). 

Thermal insulators comprise an equally broad range of materials. Such inorganics as mineral fibers, magnesia, aluminum silicate, cellulose, and glass fibers are widely used for steam and hot-water pipes, furnaces, and blown-in home insulation. Organic products that are effective include plastic foams (polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene) and cellular rubber. There are a number of materials that may be called double insulators, since they have both electrical and thermal insulating properties,... 

---