What Is Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)?

XPS foam board is a rigid thermoplastic material made from polystyrene. XPS is a synthetic hydrocarbon polymer derived from two petroleum products, benzene, and ethylene. XPS foam panels are typically used in upper insulation applications such as walls, ceilings, attics, and roofs, as well as underground applications such as foundations and basements. When used at the upper level, it reduces thermal bridging and improves energy efficiency. 

Thermal Performance

R-value is a measure of a material's resistance to heat transfer. It depends on the thickness and density of the building material. the higher the R-value, the greater the material's resistance to conducted heat transfer and the better it will perform as an insulating material. XPS foam panels have a uniformly distributed closed cell structure, which helps them achieve an initial R-value of about R-5 per inch (25 mm). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, XPS foam boards have twice the thermal resistance of most other insulation materials of the same thickness. 

Foil-Clad XPS

The continuous extrusion process used to make XPS foam panels produces a uniform cross-section of closed pores, each of which is completely closed by a polystyrene wall, leaving no voids. This helps the R-value of XPS foam boards maintain a consistent and reliable R-5 thermal rating over time, regardless of their density.

However, in addition to air, XPS cells contain insulating gases or blowing agents that eventually diffuse out of the cell. This process is called "aging". In fact, the aging process reduces the insulation value of XPS foam panels over time, making their long-term thermal resistance lower than the specified initial R-value. 

Because of their high thermal performance, the use of XPS foam boards in building construction can help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a building. rigid insulation boards such as XPS foam boards can help homeowners save up to 40 BTUs of energy per BTU consumed by home heating and cooling systems. In older homes, this can improve the energy efficiency of the home by as much as 70%.

Environmental Impact

As we've seen, XPS foam board is a sustainable product that can be melted down and reused to make more products. It is also an energy-efficient product, saving much more energy than it takes to make it. And, with an initial R-value of 5 per inch, using XPS foam panels can significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a building. This helps conserve our natural resources. In fact, XPS foam panels are ENERGY STAR® qualified.

XPS foam board has most of the key attributes of "green" building material. It's energy-efficient, sustainable, heat and water-resistant, and durable - up to 50 years. Because it is a man-made material, it reduces the use of natural resources. 

Huamei XPS Extruded Board is a good deadening product. It effectively absorbs various vibrations and noises produced from the system, maintaining the comfort of the environment. At the same time, as an energy-saving product, its excellent heat preservation and pressure strength properties allow it to provide more advantageous conditions for the air ducts of air conditioners. As compared with other types of air ducts, such as phenomenon composite air duct, polyurethane composite air duct, and glass fiber composite air duct.

Huamei XPS Extruded Composite Air Duct has the flowing advantages:

1. Environment-friendly;

2. Light in weight and beautiful in appearance;

3. Frostproof, endurable;

4. Sound isolating and energy-saving;

5. Simple production and low cost.

Welcome to contact us today or visit our website to learn more about the XPS panel.