The University of Melbourne
Browse
DOCUMENT
EPiC DB 2019_Polystyrene insulation.pdf (246.47 kB)
DATASET
EPiC DB 2019_Detailed Report_Polystyrene (EPS-XPS) insulation.xlsx (19.59 MB)
1/0
2 files

EPiC database - Polystyrene (EPS/XPS) insulation

Version 2 2020-12-10, 20:46
Version 1 2019-11-20, 05:26
dataset
posted on 2020-12-10, 20:46 authored by Robert CrawfordRobert Crawford, André StephanAndré Stephan, Fabian PrideauxFabian Prideaux
This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.

Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic polymer and thermoplastic. Polystyrene insulation is made from Expanded (EPS) or Extruded Polystyrene (XPS). It has a low thermal conductivity (0.03-0.038 W/(m·K)) and is a lightweight material.

PS insulation is made by polymerising styrene monomers in polystyrene before moulding it (EPS) or extruding it (XPS) into rigid foam panels.

PS insulation is widely used in the construction industry. EPS is used in walls and on roofs that do not require stepping onto. XPS, with its increased compressive strengths, can be stepped upon and is therefore more common on roofs.

History