SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 02 September 2021
STP162920200011

A Survey of the Thermal Resistivity of Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Insulation

Source

This survey examines the thermal resistivity for a variety of polystyrene insulation products. Several expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) products were evaluated, and their thermal resistivity over time was evaluated. The polystyrene insulation products evaluated were sampled from commercially available sources, and the materials conformed to ASTM C578, Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation. Testing for thermal resistivity was conducted using ASTM C518, Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus. The Research Method of ASTM C1303, Standard Test Method for Predicting Long-Term Thermal Resistance of Closed-Cell Foam Insulation, was used to estimate the aged thermal resistivity of the polystyrene insulation products for up to 50 years. The ASTM C1303 aged thermal resistivity values are compared to the ASTM C518 thermal resistivity results. This survey identifies the range of thermal resistivity or R-value per inch expected for various polystyrene insulation products over varying time domains.

Author Information

Zimmermann, Eugene
EPS Industry Alliance, Crofton, MD, US
Bergstrom, Todd
AFM Corporation, Lakeville, MN, US
Grant, Ted
Atlas Molded Products, Byron Center, MI, US
Whalen, James
Plasti-Fab Ltd.
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Pages: 1–16
DOI: 10.1520/STP162920200011
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7705-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7704-8