The Pros And Cons Of Polystyrene - One Of The Widely Used Plastics In The World
Posted by Carrick Ranffervis in Uncategorized, tags: equipment, general, Home improvement.Business, misc, Miscellaneous, news, tools, UncategorizedPolystyrene is one of the most commonly utilized plastics, with worldwide production totaling to billions of kilograms each year. Polystyrene has impressive utility and it is ubiquitous in the packaging and construction industry used as structural component or for insulation purposes. Products made out of the said polymer are nearly ubiquitous as they can be molded into disposable cutlery, food containers, and beverage cups. Polystyrene can also be shaped into compact disc cases, registration plate covers and frames, and other items wherein relatively firm plastic is preferred. You can find them in a variety of colors as well.
There are two main types of polystyrene, namely expanded polystyrene or EPS and extruded polystyrene or XPS. EPS stands for expanded polystyrene and it is produced from solid beads of the said polymer which undergo a process of expansion by the introduction of pentane gas during the manufacturing process. Expanded polystyrene sheets are commonly packaged as rigid panels, which are also known as bead boards.
XPS has a smooth surface and is stronger than EPS. They are ideal for blocking air-infiltration. A high-density extruded polystyrene sheet can be used for foundation slabs, concrete floors, roofs and other structural applications that require higher bearing strength. Styrofoam, a trademark of the Dow Chemical Company for XPS foam, has become a proprietary eponym for extruded polystyrene products.
Polystyrene is well-received by the public because of its utility. When used for residential and commercial construction, polystyrene sheets help create quiet, and energy efficient spaces since air leaks and heat loss are minimal. It also is more resilient against damage due to insects and moisture, providing better structural integrity compared to wood frame construction. Because of its longevity of such material, the property can be sold for a much greater price. For food-contact applications, the said plastic is very hygienic and do not add considerable weight to the total package. When used for packaging, the said material can adequately protect fragile or shock-sensitive items. Regardless of application, polystyrene products are less expensive to buy.
One of the drawbacks with the use of polystyrene is that it is made from non-renewable petroleum products and its continued manufacturing puts a significant strain in our fossil fuel reserves. Also, extruded polystyrene are usually made with hydrofluorocarbons which have great global warming potential. There are also worries of a substance from foam containers called as styrene migrating onto the food items. Styrene is toxic and is associated with the development of certain cancers. Lastly, no known microorganism has yet been shown to biodegrade polystyrene, and as such remain to be a significant form of pollution in the outdoor environment.
Polystyrene is a popular kind of plastic with impressive utility and versatility. Polystyrene sheets can be used in a variety of settings from packaging to insulation. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of polystyrene sheet use by clicking here.
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