Graphite Polystyrene
Graphite polystyrene (GPS) has a polymer matrix that contains graphite, a common mineral, a stable, chemically inert form of carbon, composed of many layers of graphene. The inclusion of graphite particles help to increase resistance to heat flow by reflecting radiant heat energy and reduces thermal conductivity to a greater extent than standard polystyrene.
The high-purity graphite particles are introduced into the raw material, polystyrene beads, which are heated at high temperatures and then treated with steam to create the cellularly dense structure in a similar way to standard polystyrene..
In terms of fire, there is some evidence that graphite can improve resistance to the spread of fire, while other studies have also looked at expanded graphite coating on polystyrene bead to improving flame retardancy. The indication is that most graphite polystyrenes are also treated with a fire retardant, although this is unclear and may vary from product to product.
- Certain manufacturers of the product highlight its sustainability credentials including;
- Higher performance, as described above.
- Recyclability, up to 100% with the possibility to contain post-industrial and post-consumer recycled waste.
- Manufacturiung processes are use relatively low-energy steam processes.
- Pentane can be used as a foaming agent, which has a GWP of zero and can be re-used, along with water.
- The product does not contain CFC, HCFC, HFC, formaldehyde, borate or produce methane gas.
In all cases performance characteristics, enviromental aswell as thermal should be cross-checked with individual products, preferrably with third party assessment. For furrher information see article The sustainability of construction works and in particular Environmental Product Declarations and Product Environmental Footprints.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Acrylic.
- Aircrete.
- Celotex RS5000 PIR insulation.
- Composites.
- Grenfell Tower fire.
- Insulation.
- LPCB certification and Kingspan.
- Polyethylene.
- Polyurethane (PUR).
- Persistent organic pollutants (POP)
- Phenolic foam insulation.
- Polyurethane spray foam in structurally insulated panels and composite structures.
- SABRE.
- Transparent insulation materials.
- Types of insulation.
- Types of plastic in construction.
- Types of rigid foam insulation.
Featured articles and news
Stress Awareness Week and legal duties for employers
Calling employers to follow the five Rs this week.
Key points and relevance to construction of meeting, due to reconvene.
Cladding remediation programmes, transparency and target date.
National Audit Office issue report on cladding remediation.
HBPT and BEAMS Jubilees. Book review.
Does the first Labour budget deliver for the built environment?
What does the UK Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Mixed response as business pays, are there silver linings?
A brownfield housing boost for Liverpool
A 56 million investment from Homes England now approved.
Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration
Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity, published and available for download.
Considerate Constructors Scheme acquires Building A Safer Future
Acquisition defines a new era for safety in construction.
AT Awards evening 2024; the winners and finalists
Recognising professionals with outstanding achievements.
Reactions to the Autumn Budget announcement
And key elements of the quoted budget to rebuild Britain.
Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers Budget
Repairing, fixing, rebuilding, protecting and strengthening.
Connecting conservation research and practice with IHBC
State of the art heritage research & practice and guidance.
Innovative Silica Safety Toolkit
Receives funding boost in memory of construction visionary.
Gentle density and the current context of planning changes
How should designers deliver it now as it appears in NPPF.
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.