Styrofoam (Expanded Polystyrene) Insulation at Low Temperature

Abstract

Where extremely low temperature products or spaces are utilized, materials with superior thermal resistance are needed to confine or maintain them. It is only natural that expansion of plastics, which are poor conductors of heat, would produce such an insulation material. Most plastics can be expanded and with active development programs taking place they will find many uses. Of the expanded plastics, pre-expanded polystyrene has become the most widely used not only because of its desirable characteristics but also because of its low cost since it is made by a continuous manufacturing process and from a low cost base resin. Materials like cellulose acetate, polyvinyl chloride and other thermoplastic foams, although they have excellent thermal properties, find limited use because of present cost. As applications are developed and production increases the price will be lowered, Thermosetting plastic foams that can be foamed in containers or structures are very much desired in the field because of low shipping costs and working flexibility on the job. Lower cost, better foaming methods and more uniform foams will advance their position.