Polimeri Europa Extir E 5000 AE Expandable Polystyrene

Subcategory: Polystyrene; Thermoplastic

Material Notes:
Extir E 5000 AE is a flame-retardant expandable polystyrene in the form of spherical beads of medium-large particle size, with a low pentane content as blowing agent. Extir does not contain CFC or HCFC. Extir E 5000 AE is used for the very fast moulding cycle production of blocks over a wide density range. This grade is characterised by a very short maturing time, even at high density, excellent moulding processability, good fusion, good surface finishing and a very good dimensional stability.

Applications: Extir E 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 • medium / high 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 E 5000 AE can be easily pre-expanded on conventional equipment over a wide density range (14 - 50 kg/m³). Low densities (i.e. 14 kg/m³ after 2 expansions) are obtainable despite its low pentane content. This product needs minimum maturation times (from 1 to 48 hours), even at high density. Moreover the steaming cycle is nearly not influenced by the maturation time. Due to excellent processability and low pentane content, it is possible to operate with very fast cycle times (mainly by reducing the cooling time) and with low steam pressures. Produced blocks exhibit a very high fusion level, excellent surface finishing, good mechanical properties and an excellent dimensional stability. Blocks are cut into sheets of the required thickness by means of hot and/or oscillating wires (installation of an exhaust system to remove fumes and dust is recommended).

Information provided by Polimeri Europa