Is Styrofoam a Good Insulator and How to Use It in Our Life

Is Styrofoam a good insulator? Here, you can get the ultimate answer to this question. Also, this post will mention the property and common uses of Styrofoam. Keep reading to learn more about this material.

What Is Styrofoam

Styrofoam is closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam and is commonly referred to as the "Blue Board". It is manufactured as an insulating sheet and can be used in roofs, walls, and structures such as water barriers and insulation. The material is light blue in color, but the term is used worldwide to refer to the white (expanded) polystyrene material. You can also buy this expanded polystyrene in the form of polystyrene sheets or even a polystyrene container.

Polystyrene foam is made from a petroleum-based product called styrene, and it is purified to polystyrene by polymerization, followed by the addition of a hydrofluorocarbon agent. This combination allows it to extrude and expand until the foam sheet is formed. 

Is Styrofoam a Good Insulator

The answer to the question is Styrofoam a good insulator is definitely yes. The secret to polystyrene foam being such a good insulator is actually not the plastic, but the air trapped inside the plastic. Air is a poor insulator because most of the heat needs molecules to move through it, and in air, the molecules are far apart. Plus, there are billions of tiny air pockets in the Styrofoam that are linked together and you're also preventing heat from passing through the product. There are billions of tiny air bubbles that are sealed together so that air cannot "flow" through the material, and nothing can heat up. This is how Styrofoam prevents heat flow. 

The Use of Styrofoam in Daily Life

Now you know the answer to the question is Styrofoam a good insulator? Styrofoam today has many uses, from packaging and insulation to crafts and food preservation. Here, check its common use in our daily life.

lInsulation

Styrofoam is also used in construction as a form of insulation. In fact, you probably have foam that helps keep your home warm right now. Insulation foam board, also known as a blue board in the construction industry, is used to insulate floors, walls, pipes, and roofs inside all kinds of buildings. Foam insulates buildings from extreme heat and humidity, protecting you from the outside elements and also providing a sound barrier.

lHandicraft

Many people use polystyrene for craft projects and other household uses. Spherical, block, and conical pieces of polystyrene can be decorated with craft materials such as paints, fabrics, handmade jewelry, and beads. If you've ever helped your child with a project at school, from planet replicas to depth-of-field paintings, you've probably used polystyrene before. Styrofoam is also often used as a base for silk flower arrangements. Styrofoam also comes in many specialized shapes, including heart, disc, egg, and cube.

lPackaging

When you opened a package, you may find it filled with Styrofoam-packed peanuts. This is because Styrofoam is commonly found in the packaging industry. This is because polystyrene foam provides a high level of cushioning and protection for products being transported. Packaged peanuts are really just small pieces of extruded polystyrene that cushion products, such as electronics, during transit to prevent damage. Large pieces of polystyrene can also be custom shaped to accommodate expensive shipping goods, such as home audio systems.

lFood industry

If you've ever gone out to eat and had to bring home leftovers, you probably have Styrofoam in your fridge. Extruded polystyrene is used throughout the food industry in the form of takeout containers, beverage containers, coolers and trays. While many companies are looking for products to replace the use of polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam is still popularly used due to its low cost as well as its ability to hold shape, insulate food, and keep food temperature.

lRecycling

It is important to understand that polystyrene foam is not the most environmentally friendly product. Styrofoam takes a long time to decompose in landfills and is never burned, as it releases styrene gas, which can be dangerous to your nervous system. Although many recycling programs do not yet accept Styrofoam, consider recycling it at home. Save it to use for packing or shipping. Large pieces of polystyrene can be easily broken. You can also try taking leftover foam to craft stores to give to customers or create your own fun project, such as a Styrofoam bag chair.