Styrofoam crumb - how to use? The use of foam chips Insulation with foam chips

Currently, during the construction of buildings, internal and external energy-saving cladding is very often performed using bulk materials. The world market offers a huge selection of such options for insulation. This article will analyze what types of bulk insulation are for walls and ceilings, which types of insulation backfills are better to choose for walls, and which ones are for floors and ceilings.

Types of bulk insulation

Manufacturers of bulk granular heat insulators present a fairly large selection of materials. Bulk insulation is made from paper, stone, resin, polymers and even clay. Let's see what are the advantages and disadvantages of certain types, and also describe the main technical characteristics.

To replace the insulation in the house was carried out correctly, you need to have some experience. The recommendations of experts will help in this. It is necessary to mix everything in the right proportions, choose a hygroscopic material, and foam crumb can also be used.

Expanded clay

It is likely that this is the most ancient and well-known type of raw material. In modern construction, expanded clay can be safely called the "classic" of loose heat insulators. This type has a good advantage - light weight and porous structure. It is produced by firing alloy clay and is an environmentally friendly raw material. Expanded clay does not burn and practically does not absorb moisture, does not enter into any chemical reactions, mold does not start in it, mice do not live.

The main disadvantage is that, with the possible absorption of moisture, expanded clay does not give it well - it is very difficult to dry a wet insulation layer.

There are three types of this raw material:

• expanded clay sand (screening);
• expanded claydite crushed stone;
• expanded clay gravel.

It should be noted that this bulk heat insulator is much cheaper than its competitors. It can be mixed with sawdust, while the layer of insulation should be slightly larger, since wood has a slightly lower resistance to heat transfer.

Granulated polystyrene foam

We often hear this loose insulation under a different name - polystyrene foam. If you look closely at a sheet of expanded polystyrene, you can see that it consists of many balls. If they are well loosened, then their density decreases, and the volume increases.

This type of heat insulator is used mainly when filling voids in ready-made structures. The crumb is simply blown in using a special device, and it is very important to bring the process to maximum compaction. The disadvantage of this raw material is that over time it can shrink.

Its use is possible for warming the floor, ceiling, sloping roofs. But there is still controversy about the use of expanded polystyrene in this area:

• on the one hand, it is a lightweight material that is used for insulating walls and roofs or is used as an additive to concrete (polystyrene concrete);
• on the other hand, they warn of its toxicity and flammability.

This material in the form of a heater began to be used relatively recently, and its properties have not yet been fully studied. Expanded polystyrene does not absorb moisture, but it is afraid of very high air temperatures.

Vermiculite

Many do not even know what vermiculite is, despite its natural origin. The basis of this heat-insulating material is mica, which explains its layered structure. During the production of vermiculite, the addition of chemical additives and impurities is avoided, which allows its frequent use in the insulation of loggias, balconies, and residential premises.

When this heat insulator is covered with a layer of 5 cm, heat loss is reduced by 75%, and with a thickness of 10 cm, heat loss is guaranteed to drop by 92%. The service life is unlimited because it does not contain any perishable impurities. The insulation is non-flammable and non-toxic.

Even with a strong wetting of a separate area, this insulation will evenly distribute moisture over the entire area, and then completely bring it out. Thanks to this "smart" property, all the consequences of wetting the heat insulator are minimized. Mold and pathogens will not develop in it, and the load on the foundation from structures with this type of insulation will be minimal.

And also it can be mixed with sawdust in a 50/50 ratio.

sawdust

Sawdust is called particles of recycled wood obtained by sawing, outwardly they look like small dust. These bulk heaters have been traditionally used for more than one century. And yet, due to their tendency to absorb moisture, sawdust rots over time. Many are mixed with other materials such as clay or vermiculite. It is important to know that only small sawdust can be used as a heater, which are obtained by processing wood on modern high-speed machines.

Cellulose insulation - ecowool

This loose insulation is a mixture of shredded newsprint (81%), antiseptics (12%) and flame retardants (7%). In the world construction market, this type of heat insulator was first used about a hundred years ago, but in Russia it became known about ten years ago. The main antiseptic component is boric acid, and as a flame retardant (fire-retardant element) - borax. Thanks to these substances, ecowool fully justifies its name. The material is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

The downside of ecowool is the rapid absorption of moisture, which leads to shrinkage of the insulation, so it is not recommended to use it in regions with high humidity. Cellulose insulation is perfect for building complex structures, as the fibers of the material fill all the voids in an energy-saving finish.

Foam glass in granules

Foam glass is produced from broken glass, which is crushed into tiny particles, melted down, then mixed with coal. As a result, carbon dioxide escapes from this alloy, which forms air bubbles in the foam glass structure. The manufacture of this heat insulator is quite expensive, as a result of which it is very rarely used in private construction. But it is often used in industrial facilities or in the construction of high-rise buildings.

This material is found in two fractions - in the form of granules and crushed stone. Its advantages are that it does not absorb water, does not burn, does not let steam through, and has high compressive and flexural strength.

Most often, this loose insulation is used for the ceiling due to its light weight. Foam glass can be used for the manufacture of cement mortars, for example, when pouring a screed or foundation, replacing ordinary crushed stone.

Aerated concrete chips

It is a mixture of porous gravel and sand, made by crushing aerated concrete blocks and waste. Its fractions are always of different sizes (up to three centimeters) and variously often irregular shapes, but this does not affect the quality of the insulation in any way - the shape of the filled layer does not change.

It is used not only as a bulk insulation, but also as an additional bedding for sound insulation in walls and ceilings. Perfectly maintains optimal humidity and air exchange. Often this material is used instead of expanded clay in lightweight concrete mixes, for example, when pouring a foundation. In this case, this component additionally insulates the foundation and protects it from swelling.

The cost of aerated concrete chips is low, which does not prevent its use as an inexpensive drainage and insulation of road surfaces. The only drawback is the dusting of small pieces when backfilling.

Perlite

It is produced by melting volcanic ore (sour glass) at a temperature of 1000 degrees. When the ore is heated, the water in its structure evaporates, and the material acquires a porous structure. The volume of raw materials sometimes increases up to 90%. Ready granules do not absorb moisture, but pass steam. For better insulation with this raw material, it is treated with bitumen, then the particles stick together and turn into a single insulating layer of any shape.

The main characteristics of this bulk insulation is that it does not burn, does not absorb moisture, passes steam, and is chemically inert. During insulation, the disadvantage is the impossibility of using membranes, as they become clogged with perlite dust.

Granular penoizol

In everyday life, it is also called thermowool or foam insulation crumb. This heat insulator is based on hardened urea resin. The manufacturing process consists in crushing the polymerized material into fractions of 10-15 mm in size. Such granules retain elasticity. The benefit of such a heater is that when it is crushed, the volume of the crumb increases several times.

In its appearance, penoizol is similar to snow flakes, at first glance it can be easily confused with polystyrene foam, but it still differs from it. Its structure is smaller and rather soft, it is very light in weight - it is suitable for warming both walls and ceilings. It is non-flammable and does not absorb moisture.

In order to fill this heat insulator correctly, you need to use the help of a special blowing machine, since it will take much longer manually.

Raw material features

Having become acquainted with the main types of bulk insulation, we can summarize that it is always secondary raw materials. It is produced by processing various waste materials ranging from cellulose to minerals. Loose heat insulators in most cases are pure ecological raw materials. Their common disadvantage is the need to make a facing partition: the insulation is poured between it and the main ceiling, for example, a wall.

Styrofoam can insulate a house, apartment, garage, barn, extension and even a bathhouse. But the latter must be insulated carefully, observing some rules. But are there construction objects that cannot be insulated with foam plastic? Yes, there are. Styrofoam cannot be used to insulate a basement and a building with a ventilated facade. Why?

The advantages of polystyrene foam as a heater are very wide. But its capabilities, as a material with certain physical and chemical properties, have some negative nuances. What are the pros and cons of styrofoam? This article is about this. But first, the positives.

The benefits of foam

One of the thinnest insulation

Among all heaters, ordinary foam, also known as polystyrene foam, has almost the lowest thermal conductivity. What does it mean? This means that its thickness as a heater will be the smallest compared to other materials. Here is a list of these materials in ascending order of their ability to conduct heat:

1. Penoizol (50 mm).
2. Polyfoam insulation (75 mm).
3. Mineral wool (125 mm).
4. Wood (340 mm).
5. Brick wall (900 mm).
6. Concrete (2132 mm).

Note:

• in parentheses is the thickness of the materials at which their equality as heat insulators is achieved;
• penoizol is a liquid material that consists of several components. When mixed, it swells and hardens. At the same time, it acquires a porous light structure similar to hardened polyurethane foam. Its main disadvantage is toxicity. Therefore, it can only be used for warming non-residential premises. Usually, it is poured into a specially prepared cavity inside the wall.

The lightest insulation

Finding out the weight of polystyrene foam boards is very simple. All manufacturers indicate the density of the material on the packaging:

• 15 kg / m 3;
• 25 kg / m 3;
• 35 kg/m 3 .

And the density of one cube is its weight. That is, one cube weighs 15, 25 and 35 kg, respectively. By the way, this way you can check the quality of the material you buy. If the package says 25 kg/m 3 , and the checked package of sheets weighs less, don't hesitate. You have been a little misled.

Sometimes the manufacturer bypasses this point. For example, in a package with a declared density of 25 kg/m 3 there will be sheets with a really lower density. But this package will have some beautiful name of its own. And a pack of sheets with a real declared density will be called differently: "Warm House", "Standard" or "What else is there." But, in any case, the lighter the pack, the lower the density of the insulation. Remember this.

For work, you can use foam of any density. The main thing you need to understand is that the lower it is, the more fragile and fragile the sheet will be in your hands. And the use of such sheets, for example, on the first floor of a building is highly discouraged - the facade can easily be damaged upon impact. Therefore, the denser the sheet, the better.

One of the cheapest heaters

This is really the most inexpensive industrial material for insulation. At the same time, two types of it are used in construction practice:

• sheet foam;
• foam chips or balls.

Today, the sale price for both of these species is approximately equal. Most likely, this is due to an increase in demand for balls. Most often they are used for roof insulation. The cement-sand mixture is mixed with balls and poured onto the floor. It turns out warm, durable and inexpensive.

Styrofoam is a very versatile insulation

Here are its main areas of application:

• wall insulation;
• roof insulation;
• floor insulation;
• insulation of the basement of the house.

Wall insulation with foam sheets has become a classic today. The result is very warm, relatively inexpensive, strong enough and reliable. In terms of operating time, expanded polystyrene covered with a layer of plaster can serve for a very long time. Manufacturers guarantee the service life of the facade of polystyrene boards without overhaul for 30 years. They say that in Germany, foam-insulated houses are insured for longer periods. Up to 100 years.

When insulating the roof, polystyrene chips or balls are most often used as part of a cement-sand mixture.

Extruded polystyrene foam is used for the floor and plinth. It differs from the usual foamed manufacturing technology, greater density and strength. But it also has a much higher price.

A little more positive about polystyrene foam

Styrofoam is the most convenient and pliable building material in work. It can be cut with a knife or hacksaw. You can easily make any hole or recess in it. This property is very much used by builders in the design of curly elements of the facade of the building. It is very easy to make cornices, ledges, window frames and other architectural elements from such a convenient material.

Due to its lightness, the foam element can be glued to the facade in any place. Well, after the glue has dried, it can be easily further processed, for example, with a drywall planer.

These were the strengths of the foam insulation. But, like any other material, it has its weaknesses. What are the disadvantages of polystyrene foam and why can't it be used to insulate a basement or a ventilated facade?

Disadvantages of foam

In order to make the right decision, in addition to everything positive, it will be very useful to know some of the negative aspects inherent in polystyrene foam. There are several.

Styrofoam is a combustible material

Whatever the manufacturer says on the packaging, when in contact with fire, polystyrene foam burns and melts. Therefore, you need to make sure that the fire does not get close to it. The consequences can be very dire.

That is why it is impossible to use expanded polystyrene on a ventilated facade. Direct contact with air and the void between the insulation and the surface of the facade create all the conditions for good combustion. Emptiness, by the way, works as an additional draft of air.

Styrofoam releases hazardous substances

In the process of natural aging - destruction, polystyrene foam releases styrene monomer from itself. Its smell can be clearly heard if you put a pack of foam sheets in a closed room. After a while, a characteristic unpleasant odor will appear in the room. That is why it is impossible to make foam insulation inside residential premises. But, unfortunately, few people know about this.

By the way, that's why you need to carefully and carefully insulate the bath with polystyrene foam. When heated to 90 degrees Celsius, the release of volatile compounds dangerous to human health becomes very large.

Styrofoam is hygroscopic

That is, it draws moisture into itself. Whatever they say, he does it, though not quickly, but confidently. Therefore, insulating a damp, cold basement with ordinary foam will be a very bad idea. It is better to use extruded polystyrene foam for these purposes. It has a different internal structure due to which it does not pull moisture.

To test this statement, you can put a piece of ordinary foam and extruded plastic into the water. After a while, you will receive two materials of different moisture content. One will be heavy and wet, and the second dry and light.

Styrofoam works as a vapor barrier

This is another serious minus, which few people think about at the design and construction stage. It manifests itself especially well in houses that are built entirely of polystyrene foam blocks.

A person in the process of breathing exhales warm water vapor with air. This steam must come out of the room. The main direction of steam movement is up and to the sides. The ceiling and walls work as a kind of steam vent, they "breathe". In a building insulated with polystyrene foam, good forced ventilation must be made. Otherwise, in winter it will be possible to collect water on the windows with buckets, and the room will be very humid.

Styrofoam is a good home for mice

This is a proven fact. Small gray rodents live well in ordinary polystyrene foam. For them, this is a kind of paradise - warm, soft and safe. Whatever happens, it is necessary to limit the contact of the insulation with the places of possible entry of rodents as much as possible. This can be done with mineral wool or metal inserts. Rodents do not like mineral wool, and they cannot gnaw through a metal insert. They also do not live in extruded polystyrene foam.

In this article, it turned out to list the main positive and negative properties of the foam. As a heater, polystyrene foam has a very wide range of positive qualities. But as a material, it has significant disadvantages. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the use of polystyrene foam in the insulation of housing itself in a balanced and thoughtful way.

By the way, the name itself - "polyfoam", came to us from the times of the Soviet Union. At that time, the first import supplier of polystyrene foam boards was a company with the word "Penoplast" in its name. It turned out like with a copier - the name of the company became the designation of a whole class of copiers. The same thing happened with styrofoam.

They have firmly entered almost all spheres of modern industry and the national economy. Most of the artificially synthesized materials are widely used in the construction industry as a heater.

One of the most common polymers for a wide range of uses is, better known as foam. The material is used in the form of plates, sheets or complex structures. Small fractions of polystyrene are also in great demand - polystyrene foam chips.

Due to low cost, availability and good consumer and technological qualities, the material has found many applications - from raw materials for creating various decor, to the basis of lightweight concrete.

Production and main types

Styrofoam chips can be obtained in two ways:

• primary. For this, polystyrene beads are foamed using a special technology. As a result, the so-called “primary” is obtained - granules of a certain size. This technology is quite expensive and the resulting raw materials have practically not been widely used in the construction industry;
• waste recycling. This is a secondary production method, which is based on pieces of foam packaging and other polystyrene foam residues. The raw materials are placed in special devices - crushers, which grind the waste to a homogeneous fraction. The crumb diameter can be set in the device settings. The resulting fraction is called "secondary" or "crushed". The low cost of production allowed this type of raw material to receive the most widespread use in many areas.

Main Applications

Styrofoam crumb, the use of which is due to the size of the fraction and the method of production, is widespread in the construction industry.

The main use of "crushed" is the basis for lungs and. In the manufacture of polystyrene concrete, a certain amount of granules is gradually added to the solution, and the entire mixture is placed in a concrete mixer. The resulting solution is poured over the floor, making a warm and light screed. With the help of a polymer concrete screed, not only the floor is significantly insulated, but also the consumption of the concrete mixture is saved, and given the significant reduction in the total mass of the solution, the load on the foundation is reduced.

The second way to use "crushed" is pneumoinsulation. Waste is converted into a liquid composition, which is pumped under slight pressure into the inter-wall space of houses. This method is considered the most effective when warming old private houses.

It was these structures that were built with an additional air chamber between the inner wall and the outer one. In Soviet times, this was not a tribute to fashion, but a significant savings in building material, since a layer of 10-15 centimeters was equivalent to another row of brickwork. Unfortunately, it was almost impossible to use the full potential of the invisible layer - the construction technologies of those times did not allow making the air chamber airtight, and in winter the house lost most of the heat precisely because of this design.

The warming process itself is as follows:

• first, experts are studying the possibility of warming the house in this way;
• then, at regular intervals, holes are drilled in the outer wall with a puncher;
• through a hose under slight pressure, liquid polystyrene foam is supplied into the cavity, which fills the inter-wall space;
• openings are closed with special plugs.

Despite the advantages of this use of molten foam chips, the method has some disadvantages. The most significant of them is the lack of ventilation, which leads to the accumulation of moisture in the form of condensate, gradually destroying the supporting wooden structures of the house.

The third popular way to use crushed polystyrene foam is to fill the space between walls with dry granules during construction. without mixing with cement mortar. The result is high-quality insulation with the possibility of unhindered ventilation. Compared to standard facade cladding with foam boards, this method is much cheaper.

Additional application of granules

Expanded polystyrene granulated is used not only in construction, but also in other industries. First of all, this is a furniture production. There, the crumb is used to fill frameless models of armchairs, sofas or poufs.

The next industry is the direct production of other configurations, as well as packaging materials and fixed formwork in monolithic construction. Some manufacturers use exclusively "primary", others add some of the "crushed".

One of the promising uses of granular foam is as an absorbent for outdoor septic tanks. Tests have shown an almost complete absence of odor and higher efficiency compared to modern bacteria-based preparations.

As an additional direction, granular raw materials are used for various decor items. Synthetic foam-based snow has become very popular and quite widespread. One of the hits of the last two or three years has been ball plasticine, the basis for which is fine-grained polystyrene foam and a binding gel.

Brief summary

Granulated polystyrene foam, the use of which is not limited only to the manufacture of polymer concrete, has become widespread in other areas due to its low cost and unique properties. Depending on the size of the fraction and the method of production, the cost of a cubic meter of granules can vary greatly. The most expensive is considered a fine-grained granule"primary" polystyrene foam, and the most affordable option is a large "crushed".

Foam crumb (crushed) is a heat-insulating material used as an insulating backfill in inter-wall voids, under floors, as well as insulation in cement mortars.
Styrofoam chips are an excellent substitute for expanded clay, 5 times warmer and 40 times lighter.
It is successfully used as filling in open cavities (walls, ceiling, floor), as a component of warm and light concretes. Such lightweight concrete is used for screeding floors, roofs, load-bearing and internal walls.

PLEASE SPECIFY THE PRICE BY PHONE

ADVANTAGES OF FOAM CRUMBER

It is perfect for inter-wall ceilings and uneven surfaces in wall voids, inter-wall partitions, floors, underground, attics (on logs, boards, etc. materials), where it is inconvenient to lay plates, and is also used instead of expanded clay.

High-quality foam chips have many advantages! The main advantages of the material include:
Environmental friendliness - does not contain substances harmful to humans. For example, from polystyrene, from which foamed granules are produced, packages for various products and utensils are produced.
Resistance to various atmospheric phenomena - effectively protects surfaces from moisture.
Excellent thermal insulation properties - Styrofoam balls differ in various diameters and shapes. As a result, the total area of ​​contact of the foamed granules with air increases, so the material is excellent for insulating various rooms and objects.
Excellent sound insulation - the material stands out for its excellent wave absorption. It is often added to cement and filled into cavities during repairs or construction.
Durability - foamed granules do not change shape, physical or chemical properties under the influence of temperature or humidity changes.

Due to its structure and properties, a foam plastic granule is considered a reliable and inexpensive packaging material: it is actively used to protect especially fragile products.

Styrofoam crumb blowing is one of those services that our company has been offering to its customers for several years now. This is done for heat and sound insulation of residential, office and industrial premises. In recent years, this method of insulating houses has become very popular due to the fact that there is a steady increase in prices for utilities, and the cost of the insulation itself is relatively low, and allows you to save a significant amount of money in the future.

This method of insulation is great for floors between walls, uneven surfaces and voids, inter-wall partitions, floor insulation, basement, attic, any place where laying sheet insulation is not possible.

The house is insulated with foam plastic using a special industrial installation under pressure. Due to the large air flow, a foam ball of various diameters is evenly laid and compacted in voids - almost to the density of sheet foam. Under the influence of pressure, the material clogs all the irregularities of the walls, cracks, potholes, thereby not giving the cold the slightest chance to penetrate into the room. It is also possible to carry out pneumatic laying of such bulk heat-insulating materials as perlite, ecowool, etc.

crumb insulation

The advantages of using this material:

• Insulation with crumbs gives a kind of “thermos” effect, due to which a comfortable temperature is achieved indoors and the absence of its differences;
• Insulation with foam plastic is much cheaper than with mineral wool (by about 35-40%);
• The material itself is absolutely non-toxic to humans, does not emit harmful substances either immediately or after a while;
• Loose foam balls do not start rodents;
• It has good vapor permeability - which means that the vapors freely go outside, and the movement of air between what is inside and outside is free. This will save the walls from the appearance of such unpleasant signs of damage to the material as fungus or mold, which in itself is very harmful. That is why the insulation of walls with polystyrene will not harm the criterion.

In our country, there are many private houses that were built according to the same principle - they all have a fairly wide air gap between the inner walls and the outer ones (the so-called "well" masonry). Our company will help you turn this feature of your building into its trump card! In the voids between the walls, we blow foam chips, crushed basalt wool, perlite, etc., thus, the house becomes not only protected from heat loss, but also acquires additional sound insulation.

Insulation with styrofoam

Styrofoam insulation, namely the blowing of inter-wall voids, occurs as follows: holes with a diameter of 35 mm are drilled in the walls (for comparison, this hole is a little more than a five-kopeck coin), their number can vary from 5 to 10 pieces, depending on the area of ​​wall insulation. A very important point is that the minimum layer for pneumolaying a foam ball should be 3 centimeters. After all the holes are made, foam balls of different calibers are blown into the cavity under strong air pressure and compacted. The procedure is repeated until all cavities are filled with material.

Styrofoam insulation outside takes three to four hours, can be performed regardless of the season. Most often, work of this kind is carried out in spring, summer or autumn, but if necessary, we also perform during the cold winter period, there is no strict binding to the time of year.
Our company has been operating in the field of thermal insulation of buildings for more than a decade. We have acquired rich experience and valuable skills. All this allows us to assert - to cooperate with us is profitable, fast, reliable!

Lightweight, spherical polymer pellets foamed with isopentane gas or produced from the remnants of expanded polystyrene are called foam chips. This is a durable and environmentally friendly material that has found wide application in the construction and repair industry.

Properties and characteristics

Expanded polystyrene crumb has the following properties:

• thermal insulation (complete filling with small granules of an air cushion in a warm place removes any cold bridges);
• sound insulation (granules have a rough surface that does not conduct sound vibrations well);
• environmental friendliness (the material is non-toxic and safe for people);
• cushioning abilities (when squeezing, the balls do not lose their structure and quickly return to their previous shape);
• operational qualities (operating temperature range from -190°C to +87°C);
• moisture resistance (lack of absorbent properties);
• fire resistance (granules are treated with a refractory substance fire retardant);
• ease of operation and transportation (it is lightweight and fills the required space as much as possible);
• odorless and does not cause allergic reactions;
• cost-effectiveness (relatively low prices for the product and the possibility of reducing prices for other materials due to mixing solutions with foam chips).

However, there are a number of restrictions on working with raw materials. Avoid exposure to a direct open source of fire, do not add it to hot asphalt. Also, when dichloroethane, acetone, benzenes, ketones or their vapors contained in some varnishes and paints get on the material, it collapses and almost completely loses its properties. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions and safety precautions when working with granules.

Varieties and applications

Expanded polystyrene foam granules have a smooth white spherical surface with a diameter of 1 - 8 mm, which is not deformed during compression.

Granulated polystyrene foam is produced by heating glassy beads of PS with a temperature above 80 ° C and exposing them to isopentane vapor pressure, which foams the polystyrene into a granule. After that, they are dried and cooled. Such balls become very dense and elastic, which allows them to withstand heavy loads, as well as to use them in the temperature range from -65°C to +75°C.

Due to many specific properties, this material is widely used in industry. Insulation with foam chips is considered the most reliable cold-resistant method of thermal insulation of floors, walls or roofs. In addition, it is added to building mixtures and solutions in order to lighten and warm. Granular foam plastic finds application as a filler for upholstered furniture or children's toys, as a bulk packaging material, in the production of polystyrene concrete and as a filtering component in water purification. Also, balls are used as bait when fishing, to facilitate structures in unmanned aerial vehicles and when lifting sunken ships.

Varieties of granules differ in physical and mechanical parameters. Important indicators of the durability of expanded polystyrene are:

• sizes corresponding to standards (the diameter of the granule must be from 1 to 8 mm, and the maximum deviations in linear dimensions must be less than 0.5 mm);
• coverage density of the space to be filled (from 8 to 30 kg/m 3);
• correct geometric shape and color (spherical white balls);
• compressive strength with a low probability of deformation (0.005 - 0.026 kg / cm 2);
• low thermal conductivity of dry granules at a temperature of 25°C (0.053 - 0.036 W/mxK).

The product is packed in plastic bags with a volume of 0.25 - 1 m 3 .

The price of foam plastic fluctuates in the range from 1270 to 1400 rubles / m 3.

Characteristics and application of "Crusher"

Styrofoam crumb "Droblenka" is polymerized rounded crushed balls with a diameter of 2 - 7 mm, which are made from recycled (detailed) PS waste. This manufacturing method contributes to the reduction in the cost of this material with a partial loss of its primary form in the foam. However, other original properties are retained during the crushing process.

Expanded polystyrene foam is used as a moisture-resistant, heat- and noise-insulating building material. Insulation made of foam chips is of high quality and inexpensive.

In addition, crushed polystyrene foam is used:

• in the insulation of foundation slabs and walls;
• in the production of polystyrene concrete;
• in the form of a shock-absorbing pad;
• for the device of roofing coverings with a flat slope;
• for mixtures with concrete or cement with foam chips;
• for thermal insulation of trench pipes;
• for the manufacture of cement-sand screed;
• as the best filling material for walls with an air gap.

The technical characteristics of crushed foam should approximately correspond to the parameters of granular PS. At the same time, the distinctive indicators of the quality of “Crusher” are the absence of large parts of unground foam plastic in the material and the low number of deformed elements.

The product is packaged in polyethylene bags of 0.5 and 1m 3 .

Prices for crushed expanded polystyrene are several times lower than for granulated ones and range from 150 to 250 rubles/m 3 .

The use of foam chips

Application can be carried out in several ways: by backfilling, laying or blowing.

• the filling process is quite simple. Hollow spaces in interstitial ceilings, cavities in walls, surface irregularities, underground space, attics are filled with balls in an amount sufficient to level or fill the desired space;
• the laying technique is carried out using foam concrete made from a mixture of cement with crumbs. To obtain laying material, 60 kg of sand-cement mixture, 0.5 l of plasticizer, 60 l of granules and 8 l of water are poured into a compact concrete mixer. Then everything gets mixed up. However, the solution must be made sufficiently viscous, since the balls may float to the surface during the laying of the screed;
• screed with foam chips is performed in two stages. First, the first half of the screed (rough) is poured, and after it has dried and hardened, the second half (finish). The screed is periodically moistened to avoid cracking and low surface strength. Thus, after the final stage of work, the floor structure with foam chips becomes insulated, lightweight, moisture resistant, fireproof;
• blowing is carried out using a specialized blower. This technology allows you to completely fill any hollow structures. Under the influence of air flow, balls with a diameter of less than 8 mm evenly fill all the bumps and cracks.

The uniformity, softness and elasticity of the foam balls contribute to the fact that they can take any shape of the filled space. They are an excellent substitute for other traditional heaters (expanded clay, polystyrene, mineral wool), because they do not completely fill the required space and eventually move away from the insulated surface, which can lead to the appearance of a dew point or cold bridges, and then to the destruction of wooden building elements.

Thus, foam chips become the best solution when choosing an insulating, fireproof, high-quality and economical material among most traditional substitutes.