b'TECHNICAL DATA Thermal Properties Core specimens of EPS removed from freezer walls in EPS gains its exceptional insulating properties fromplace for twenty years have demonstrated no the stabilised air trapped within its cellular structure.deterioration in the structural integrity or physical Since it contains no CFCs or any other gas that mayproperties.leak out, it will not harm the ozone layer or decreaseits insulation properties. The K Value of EPS decreases at lower average meantemperatures, hence its popularity and success in As Australian Standard 1366 Part 3 is a minimumsubzero applications.conformance standard the thermal resistances quotedwill be achieved as a minimum in 97.5% of cases in astatistical sample, when tested at a mean sampleToxicitytemperature of 25C. Extensive research programs have been conductedoverseas (i) to determine if thermal decomposition For design purposes the average thermal resistanceproducts of EPS present a toxicity hazard. The test is a better guide than the minimum thermal resistanceresults have revealed that these decomposition (refer table 3). products are less harmful than those of burning wood.Gases released during combustion are predominantly Moisture Resistance carbon monoxide and, to a lesser extent, carbondioxide. A CSIRO report (ii)comments that the toxicity of Of all the materials used for insulation applications,the gases associated with the burning of EPS is no EPS is one of the most resistant to the adversegreater than that associated with timber.effects of moisture content.At ten times its dryweight, EPS has been found to maintain 80% of its Rvalue. CombustibilityAs with all other organic material, EPS insulation Floatation Properties products must be considered combustible and toconstitute a fire hazard if improperly used or installed.The density of EPS is low compared to water, with anormal density range of 11 to 32 kg/m3 compared toEPS products should not be exposed to open flames or water at 100 kg/m3. The water buoyancy per cubicother ignition sources.metre of EPS is determined by subtracting its kg/m3density from 1000. The result is the weight inThe material contains a flame retardant additive to kilograms that a cubic metre of EPS can supportinhibit accidental ignition from small fire sources. Table when fully submerged in water. 2 shows test results for ES and other common buildingmaterials to provide a good guide as to how theseproducts compare.Temperature Cycling(i)H.Hoffmann & H Oettel Comparative Toxicity of EPS is able to withstand the effects of temperatureThermal Decomposition Productscycling thereby providing long term performance inlow temperature applications. (ii)P.R.Nicholl & K.G. Martin Toxicity Considerations of Combustion Products from Cellular Plastics. Table 2 Comparative testing of some materials to AS 1530, Part 3Early Fire Hazard Test Ignitability Index Spread of FlameHeat Evolved Index Smoke developed Material(0-20)Index(0-10)index (0-10)(0-10) EPS12035 Australian Softboard16973 Oregon13653 Bluegum11032 Source: EBS Notes on the Science of Building NSB66 Delta Insulation SystemsPage 3 of 4 P: +61 07 3271 2170 E: info@deltainsulationsystems.com W: www.deltainsulationsystems.com.au A: 49 Bernoulli Street, Darra Qld. 4076 ABN: 12 122 760 552'