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​​EPS and XPS: Differentiated Materials Derived from the Same Raw Material​​

An In-Depth Analysis of Two Insulation Materials

​​eps and XPS: Differentiated Materials Derived from the Same Raw Material​​
An In-Depth Analysis of Two Insulation Materials
EPS, short for Expanded Polystyrene Board, is a closed-cell polystyrene foam plastic board produced by heating and pre-foaming polystyrene beads, followed by molding in a die. Although it differs from XPS, another commonly used insulation material, by only one word, the two exhibit significant differences in performance and application. Next, we will delve into the characteristics of these two materials to help you make informed choices based on different usage environments.
As the most widely used type of insulation material in the construction industry, EPS is commonly seen in building insulation applications worldwide, with a considerable market share both domestically and internationally. Undoubtedly, it has become the most mature product in external wall insulation systems.
​​EPS and XPS: Differentiated Materials Derived from the Same Raw Material​​ 1
XPS, short for Extruded Polystyrene Board, also falls under the category of polystyrene boards but is manufactured using an extrusion molding process. This material primarily consists of polystyrene resin or its copolymers, with a small amount of additives, and is formed into a rigid foam plastic product with a closed-cell structure through heating and extrusion.
​​EPS and XPS: Differentiated Materials Derived from the Same Raw Material​​ 2
Next, we will conduct a detailed comparative analysis of these two insulation materials from multiple perspectives.
  1. ​​Comparison of Thermal Conductivity​​
    XPS stands out with its high thermal resistance, low linearity, and low expansion ratio. Its unique closed-cell structure, with a closed-cell rate of over 99%, creates a vacuum layer that effectively reduces heat dissipation through air movement. As a result, XPS achieves an excellent thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.028–0.030 W/(m·K). In comparison, EPS has a closed-cell rate of only 80%, and its thermal conductivity ranges from 0.038 to 0.041 W/(m·K). The superiority of XPS is evident.
  2. ​​Analysis of Thermal Stability​​
    According to national standards, thermal stability tests were conducted on XPS and EPS. Under test conditions of 100×100 mm original thickness at 70°C for 48 hours, domestically used XPS products exhibited a deformation of approximately 1.2%, while EPS remained within 0.5%. This result indicates that building external insulation systems using XPS boards are more prone to cracking when faced with external protective mortar and coatings. In contrast, EPS demonstrates excellent weather resistance and dimensional stability under temperature variations.
  3. ​​Comparison of Adhesion​​
    Due to differences in the production process, EPS insulation boards have a relatively higher porosity, resulting in slightly lower surface flatness compared to XPS. However, this characteristic enhances the adhesion of EPS boards, particularly when their density is low, making this advantage more pronounced.
  4. ​​Comparison of Vapor Permeability​​
    XPS insulation boards excel in vapor barrier performance and exhibit low water absorption. On the other hand, EPS insulation boards effectively block rainwater while maintaining a certain level of vapor permeability, showcasing balanced performance in this aspect.
  5. ​​Comparison of Compressive Strength​​
    For EPS insulation boards with a density of 18 kg/m³, the tensile strength ranges from approximately 110 to 120 kPa, while those with a density of 20 kg/m³ can achieve around 140 kPa. In contrast, XPS insulation boards typically have a density ranging from 25 kg/m³ to 45 kg/m³, with compressive strength increasing from 150 kPa to 700 kPa or even higher. Thus, XPS clearly outperforms EPS in terms of compressive strength. For this reason, XPS is often used in applications requiring higher strength, such as vehicle floor and wall panels. Meanwhile, EPS is widely used in building insulation materials due to its balanced performance metrics.
Of course, beyond performance factors, cost is also a significant consideration. XPS is approximately twice as expensive as EPS, and the price increases significantly for high flame-retardant grades. Therefore, when making a selection, it is essential to comprehensively consider various application scenarios and actual needs.

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