Polimeri Europa Extir Leonardo A 5000 AE Expandable Polystyrene

Subcategory: Polystyrene; Thermoplastic

Material Notes:
Extir A 5000 AE is a flame retardant expandable polystyrene in the form of spherical beads of medium-large particle size, containing pentane as blowing agent. Extir does not contain CFC or HCFC. Extir A 5000 AE is suitable for production of low-medium density blocks for the thermal insulation sector.

Applications: Extir A 5000 AE is used mainly in the construction sector where, for legislative or safety reasons, the use of a flame retardant material is required. Typical applications are: • blocks, especially for external thermal insulation • low density elastified blocks for impact sound absorption (Trittschall) • void formers, trough formers and culvert formers cut from block • blocks or slabs for road foundations and civil construction

It is recommended to keep the product in a dry well ventilated store between 15-20°C. For product packaged in octabins the guaranteed shelf-life is one month; product in steel drums has a six months guaranteed shelf-life. During the processing of Expandable Polystyrene any sparkle or flame must be avoided and smoking should be forbidden. An adequate electrical grounding of machinery and of pneumatic transport lines is recommended. For further information concerning storage, packaging and processing precautions please refer to "Styrenics - Technical data sheets" and to the "Extir Safety Data Sheet". Regarding "flame retardant" properties, articles made from Extir AE are officially certified “B1 nach DIN 4102”. The action of the flame retardant additive is exerted only after the elimination of blowing agent and, therefore, only after Extir AE has been transformed into foamed articles (suitably aged where necessary).

Processing: Extir A 5000 AE can be easily pre-expanded down to 15 kg/m³ after one expansion and down to 11 kg/m³ after a second one. In the latter case it is advisable not to force the first expansion down to minimum obtainable values. The recommended ageing time before moulding obviously depends on the preexpanded density and ranges from 6 to 72 hours. Moulding is characterised by fast cycle times. In addition, due to an excellent reaction to steam, it is possible to mould with a higher content of FR recycled material without significant reduction in properties. Blocks are cut into sheets of the desired thickness or into shaped articles by means of hot and/or oscillating wires.

Information provided by Polimeri Europa