INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ON THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF POLYSTYRENE INSULATION MATERIALS

Abstract

Polymers based on polystyrene are widely used as thermoplastic materials due to the diversity in application, easy processability and a relatively low price. About 45% of the produced polystyrene is produced as compact and foamed products. Cellular foam polystyrene could be produced as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) and is mainly used as insulation material. Therefore, physical and chemical properties of expanded and extruded polystyrene is of particular importance for thermal conductivity of the material. In this study, four types of expanded polystyrene were tested. Coefficient of thermal conductivity and the resistance of heat transfer were measured and compared to as well as mecahnical properties of the materials. It was confirmed that the density and thickness of the polystyrene influence the resistance of heat transfer.