Energy In Manufacture Of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) The EPS
manufacturing process unlike many synthetic materials does not
involved the use of ozone-layer-depleting CFCs and HCFCs, nor
are there harmful materials present in the finished product. In
order to expand polystyrene, steam is applied to tiny grains of
styrene that contain a minute amount of pentane. The expanded
beads are then moulded into a shape or a large block which is
then sliced into boards. The minuscule amount of pentane gas
used in the process has no known effect on the upper ozone
layer. No residual solid waste is generated during its
manufacture as EPS is uniquely recyclable - all manufacturing
waste can be completely reprocessed in the production process.
EPS is an excellent example of an efficient use of a natural
resource as the transformation process uses relatively little
energy. Energy Saving Qualities of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) -
Fully recyclable - reducing environment waste - Insulating
Properties - reducing energy when heating