Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) is a type of foam insulation material made from polystyrene beads that are melted and extruded into board-like form. XPS is known for its high insulation value, durability, and moisture resistance, making it a popular choice for use in construction and building insulation. XPS is also used in various other applications, including packaging, cushioning, and custom molding.
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With its extruded polystyrene (XPS) construction, this board does not absorb water, is not a food source for mold, and is not subject to moisture-related damage and deterioration. An R-Value of 5.0 per inch of thickness makes it an excellent thermal insulator that increases the energy efficiency of your structures. The board also provides an extra barrier against moisture infiltration. XPS is available with square edge and an interlocking shiplap edge that helps reduce energy-robbing air leaks at seams and gaps.
XPS Insulation Board is ideal for a variety of applications in walls, roofs, and foundations, including below slab, below grade, inside basement walls, and exterior insulation over wood sheathing.
Like many construction materials, XPS insulation is combustible and may constitute a fire hazard if improperly installed. These products should not be left exposed in the interiors of buildings where people reside, work or assemble. An approved thermal barrier, such as gypsum board or its equivalent, should be mechanically attached over the foam in interior applications. Recommendations of fire and building codes should always be followed.
The uniquely resistant and durable qualities, inherent to extruded polystyrene foam, make XPS one of the most dependable long-term insulation materials available.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation is considered to be safe and non-toxic. XPS is made from polystyrene beads that are melted and then molded into foam board insulation. The manufacturing process does not use any harmful chemicals, and the finished product does not contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could be toxic to humans or the environment. The products of XPS combustion are toxic, however, thus XPS should always be installed with an approved thermal barrier to protect it from fire.
XPS is extruded polystyrene, a type of foamed polystyrene board that is intended for insulation purposes. Conventionally, foamed polystyrene boards are known as EPS. So, how do we distinguish them? Hence, the letter X was chosen to emphasize the extrusion process that is required for production. Other examples include XEPS (extruded expandable PS beads), XPET (extruded foam PET) etc.
XPS is undergoes a continuous extrusion process, during which the physical blowing agents are injected into the molten PS. The mixed PS, blowing agents, and other additives are subsequently cooled by the cooling extruder. As the result, the pressurized and viscous molten material are extruded through the slot die. When the material exudes from the slot die, pressure is released, and the foaming process initiates. The foamed material will pass through the calibration system to embody shapes and models.
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ComparisonsExpanded Polystyrene (EPS)Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Raw materialsPolystyrene resinPolystyrene resin Manufacturing processPolystyrene (PS) initially expands, and then it is molded to form a close cell material.PS and other ingredients are mixed and fed into the extruder with blowing agents injected. The rigid foam board is extruded and expands through the slot die. Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) ≤0.042≤0.030 Compressive strengthUp to 400KpaUp to Kpa Water absorption ％ (v/v)≤4≤2 SizeWidths: up to mmThe biggest difference between EPS and XPS is cell structure, that results in EPS having worse (higher) water absorption and worse (lower) R-value per inch.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam insulation has very well defined, uniform closed cells with continuous walls. The combination of hydrophobic (water-resistant) polystyrene polymer and closed cell walls results in a very low water absorption rate for XPS rigid foam insulation.
There are hundreds of XPS brands all over the world.
Below we list some global brands or brands that have a higher reputation in certain regions. For your reference when choosing XPS board.
The Kingspan Group was formed in the mid s in Ireland and today is one of the world’s leading construction product manufacturers.
Kingspan GreenGuard® XPS insulation board offers an R–value of 5.0 per inch of thickness and is ideal for a variety of applications including below slab, below grade along the foundation, inside basement walls, exterior insulation over wood sheathing and residing.
Beijing Beipeng specializes in R&D and production of thermal insulation materials. Beipeng has more than 7 XPS production lines. It is one of the most influential companies in energy-saving thermal insulation industry in China.
Its headquarter is located in Beijing, the capital of China, with production bases and subsidiaries in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and overseas.
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