What is Polystyrene (EPS)

EPS stands for expanded polystyrene. It is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of spherical shaped particles comprised of 98% air. This air is trapped within a number of closed hollow cells in each particle. EPS contains no CFC’S (chloro fluorocarbon) or HFC’S (hydro fluorocarbon).

EPS has exceptional insulating properties with a thermal resistance for the six classes as laid down by AS1366.3-1992.

Polystyrene:

• is light and easy to handle.
• is self – supporting.
• has an excellent strength to weight ratio. The cellular structure providing the strength.
• is easily bonded to most materials using suitable adhesives.
• is odourless, non irritant and does not support insect or pest life.
• has low water absorption properties.
• breathes and does not form vapour dams.

Polyblock International manufactures white EPS in grades L, SL, S, M, H ,VH and coloured M grade.

How is Polystyrene Manufactured

Polyblock International Pty Limited manufactures polystyrene (EPS) in accordance with the Australian Standard AS 1366.3 – 1992

• Pre Expanding:
  The raw EPS bead containing pentane is heated with steam expanding the bead up to 50 times its original size. The period of steaming determines the density (grade) of the EPS.

• Curing:
  After the above process the bead is stored in silos to allow air to be drawn into the expanded bead. This process takes from three to four days depending on the grade of polystyrene being manufactured.

• Moulding:
  After curing the bead is transferred to the block mould where further steaming fuses the bead together to form a block of polystyrene.

• Drying:
  The blocks are dried in a temperature-controlled oven to remove the moisture created during the steaming process and the residual pentane gas.

Coloured Polystyrene

Polyblock International is a leading manufacturer of coloured polystyrene. During the manufacturing process the polystyrene is treated with coloured dye and Poligard® making it a distinctive polystyrene board which is termite, ant & insect repellent.

POLIGARD®

Polystyrene treated with Poligard® provides an effective insect deterrent that will inhibit the nesting of insects within the polystyrene board. The active ingredient of Poligard® is bifenthrin a proven chemical used world wide for the management of termites, ants and other insects. The low percentage of bifenthrin used in Poligard® ensures that the polystyrene board is unattractive to termites, ants and other insects while not creating a health risk for the installer of the board or the end user. The polystyrene board treated with Poligard® can be re-cycled. It will not decompose, decay or leach out and is safe as landfill.
Poligard® is not a termite barrier and must be used in conjunction with a termite management program in accordance with the Australian Standard A3660 “Protection of buildings from subterranean termites”.