Did you know that...
1. The combustion of EPS wastes allows us to benefit from the energy they contain. This process can help recover 25 % more energy than the combustion of coal (40 MJ/kg versus 32 MJ/kg).
2. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has been discovered and patented in 1951, by Dr Fritz Stastny, who worked for BASF, a multinational corporation. Following the discovery, many permits were signed to allow for the commercial development of this material that offers fantastic properties.
3. The use of an expanded resin core allows for the production of composite pieces, made from carbon fiber or fiberglass, that can be used for multiple applications. The total mass of the pieces obtained is therefore reduced and their rigidity, improved.
4. EPP / EPE: These two flexible materials allow for the production of parts able to resist multiple impacts.
5. Products made out of expanded polystyrene (EPS) can be embossed, printed or colored so that they can stand out...
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6. Expanded polyethylene: This material is both very flexible and resilient. It can resist tearing and support high levels of distortion, without breaking. Elements made out of EPE retain a high mechanical memory.
7. At Polymos, we continually recycle remaining expanded polystyrene (EPS) wastes and cutouts, left during the production process.
8. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocs and sheets are regularly used as insulation and as a lightweight fill during roadworks. They reduce distortion of weak soils, caused by the freeze/thaw cycles, as well as by the weight of excessive mass, therefore reducing the cost of road maintenance.
9. Expanded polypropylene and polyethylene (EPP and EPE) are light, resilient and hydrophobic. They absorb impacts really well and do not absorb water. They are the ideal materials for the development of high performance sports gear.
10. The molding process of EPS, EPP and EPE products uses water steam. This thermal process is clean and doesn’t require any chemicals.
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11. For situations where the product needs to absorb a single, important impact, expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the perfect choice, whereas in situations where the product needs to absorb multiple, smaller impacts, expanded polypropylene (EPP) and polyethylene (EPE) are the better options. Hot wire cutting allows for the carving of complex 2D shapes in EPS, EPP and EPE.
13. EPP and EPE padding made by Polymos for sports gear is lightweight and provides an efficient protection for athletes of all levels, from amateurs to professionals.
14. The transformation of expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a clean and eco-friendly process that does not contaminate the environment. The total energy required to produce pieces of EPS are up to three times lesser than that required for the production of similar cardboard products, that also involves cutting trees.
15. Expanded polystyrene (EPS): This light and rigid material is perfect for absorbing high impact shocks. It is the most economical option for a single impact situation.
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16. The lifespan of the aluminium molds is quite long. It can go through millions of molding cycles, and at Polymos, we make and maintain our own molds.
17. Recycling is an important part of the factory operations at Polymos. The EPS cutouts and wastes are reintroduced into the production line, incorporated into certain parts, respecting specific quantities. The recycled material therefore finds a second life.
18. The big blocks of expanded polystyrene (EPS) called Geofoam, are used as lightweight fill to ensure highway infrastructure stability on weaker soils.
19. Expanded polymers (EPS, EPP and EPE) can be treated to become antistatic (ESD).
20. EPE is very flexible and doesn’t not break, as it is hard to tear.
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21. In the world of sports, Polymos has been a pioneer in the introduction of EPP padding in hockey helmets. This technology has since been in use by all manufacturers and has allowed for the improvement of safety as well as the reduction of weight in sports gear. A lighter gear that does not absorb water improves performances.
22. The transit of organs destined to be transplanted, of vaccines and of radioactive isotopes is now much more efficient thanks to Polymos’ EPS isothermal containers. These containers help maintain and support the cold chain and provide an efficient protection against accidental impacts. They play a key role in health care system.
23. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is both light and eco-friendly. It's a combination of 98 % air and 2 % of raw material.
24. The insulating factor (R) of EPS increases as the temperature goes down. The colder it gets, the more efficient the EPS insulation is. What more could you ask for?
25. The isothermal solutions developed by Polymos can maintain vaccines in a critical range of temperature situated between 2 °C and 7 °C, for over 24 hours. The packaging, specific to the different applications, ensures the quality and the efficiency of the medical product until it reaches its destination.
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26. The molding process requires very little water as it runs in a closed-loop circuit. The steam and the coolant water are continually recycled and reused.
27. A slab of lightweight concrete that contains beads of expanded polystyrene (EPS) can float! It can also be screwed and nailed without the use of specialized tools.
28. Expanded polypropylene (EPP) and expanded polyethylene (EPE) are flexible materials that can be molded into complex 3D shapes, allowing for very flexible designs. They are an excellent substitute to Ethafoam®, an extruded and carved material.
29. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is inert. Because it is made of 98 % air, it does not contaminate the ground and does not pollute the air and the water. EPS does not produce any leachate.
30. EPP and EPE are inert materials that can resist most chemical products and solvents. Used as nautical safety features on-board crafts, they meet the 33 CFR § 183.114 and US Coast Guard CGD-770145 Fuel B norms.
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31. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a cellular product commonly called “styrofoam”. However, it must not be confused with its Styrofoam™-branded, extruded polystyrene cousin, either blue or pink, that contains CFC or HCFC.
32. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is molded with the help of steam! It does not contain any CFC or HCFC and it never did.