Polystyrene - the description, the characteristics, scope

One of the most popular materials in the construction industry is concrete. Without it, in one way or another, can not do almost no construction, whether it is industrial scale, or the private sector. With the advancement of technology there were varieties of concrete with a specific set of characteristics. For example - polystyrene, it is gaining in popularity among consumers, including on FORUMHOUSE.

Polystyrene - raw materials, properties

Polystyrene (PSB) - special lightweight concrete with porous structure produced on the basis of cement binder (usually Portland cement), with a porous granular filler (expanded polystyrene). Acceptable bulk density of the granulate - 15 kg per cubic meter of concrete, under special conditions up to 20 kg / mᶟ. The size of the granules (fraction) depends on the make and concrete class and varies in the range of 0,7-5,5 mm, a maximum - 10 mm (DPM insulating low marks).

Also added to the solution and air-entraining agent various modifying additives, enhancers as mixtures, in the application, and the finished concrete during operation. Air-entraining additives such as LMS (wood saponified resin), necessary to impart the cement stone porous structure not only due to polystyrene beads, but due to the formation of closed air cells.

Furthermore, they prevent the surfacing of granules, ensuring homogeneity of the solution and preventing it bundle into fractions.

Teplodec (Member FORUMHOUSE):

Resin Wood saponified need for enriching air pore solution and introduced into polystyrene or claydite-concrete mixture to prevent the separation (bubbling granules). With additive is obtained a uniform solution.

Such a structure provides DPM relatively small mass and density and minimal thermal conductivity.

And given the constant rise in energy prices, a growing number of samozastroyschikov when choosing wall materials It gives priority to the ability to precisely insulating walling relatively small thickness (about 30 cm). In addition to the low weight and the ability to retain heat, from polystyrene, there are other positive properties:

• Fire resistance - despite the large volume fraction of polystyrene in the composition, the material is readily flammable (G1), as pellets are inside the cement "of the case."
• Biostability - is not exposed to pathogenic microorganisms (mold, fungus), does not rot.
• Soundproofing - air pores and polystyrene beads extinguish sound, along with insulation and soundproofing obtained.

As for the disadvantages, it is often accusations in increased hygroscopicity, the complexity of subsequent processing, at as compared with a conventional concrete strength and low vapor permeability. But rather, it is the properties of the material, rather than the cons, protects against moisture waterproofing and finishing in Sales weight materials such bases, and the strength is selected based on the set of tasks. If you do not try out thermal insulation variety PSB to build load-bearing walls, and the house will not collapse. Low vapor permeability is characteristic of all derivatives on the basis of polystyrene, offset by a good ventilation system.

Another thing is that everyone chooses for the way to a material that has certain downsides, and PSB is no exception.

Species characteristics polystyrene application

Depending on the formulation and the proportions of the substances included in a solution is obtained several varieties DPM different branded indicators, and these characteristics determine the scope.

• Insulating DPM - used for insulating and supporting frame structures, attics and roofs (density D150-D225, from M2 strength).
• Heat-insulating-structural PSB - is used for jumpers on the door and window openings, in teploehffektivnyh outer walls as filling curtain (density D250-D350, the strength of B0,5).
• Structurally insulating DPM - used in the manufacture of long webs of openings as wall material for load-bearing walls a low-rise building (density D400-D600, from V1,5 strength).
• Prefabricated products PSB - building blocks, slabs, RC elements, manufactured on special equipment. Density loadbearing elements D250-D400 (strength from B0,5), self-supporting - D350-D450 (strength from V1,0) carrying - D450-D600 (strength from V1,5).
• Monolithic DPM - samomesny factory or solution used in various design elements (filling slabs, screeds, flooring on the ground, walls). density ratio, the strength and scope of the monolithic PSB similar parameters of the previous species. In recent years, among the privateers and more popular monolithic construction of houses made of polystyrene with their hands.

The class of compressive strength, tensile strength and frost resistance Brand (number of full cycles of freezing and thawing without changing characteristics) DPM directly dependent on its density. The solution for production of insulation, structural and heat-insulating constructional varieties of quartz sand is added. Together with the increased content of the binder, it allows to achieve a high density and strength. The most important characteristics affecting the scope of application, shown in the table.

Source - GOST 51263-12 "Polystyrene. Specifications. "

production of polystyrene

polystyrene production technology invented and tested as early as the fifties and sixties of the last century, but then did not get widespread use. This is explained as a rather expensive production cycle and insufficient strength of the resulting stone, which until that time standards did not reach. And there was no such need for insulation, commonly constructed of brick or panel house without thinking about such "high" categories, such as thermal conductivity and energy efficiency.

Today polystyrene fell significantly, the mark obtained stone increased, blowing agents and modifiers can be buy at almost any hardware store, and the parameters of energy saving family nest directly affect the budget. Therefore, the popularity of polystyrene increased dramatically.

Production of polystyrene is possible both on an industrial scale, at specialized enterprises and artisanal version - with his own hands for his own construction.

But if the usual samomes can knead and shovel in the trough, some people manage in such a way to fill the foundation dozens of cubes, then for making PSB necessarily have a concrete mixer. The composition and proportions of the solution depends on the kind of density (mark) is supposed to receive. For example, it can be such a formulation.

That the mixture is as homogeneous as possible, it is important not only correctly matched the ratio of binder, fillers and additives, but the boot sequence in the drum. In most cases, justified by the following algorithm:

• loading PVG (foamed polystyrene granulate), pouring a small amount of water (1/10 part) with modifiers;
• Stirring of the contents (30-60 seconds) to moist granules;
• introduction of cement (and sand, in the case of the heat insulating and structurally structurally-DPM);
• introduction of water (10.8 parts) with a modifier;
• introduction of the remaining part of water with diluted therein air-entraining admixture (DLS, other ready-foaming agents, liquid soaps, dishwashing);
• stirring the solution for 3-5 minutes until a uniform, workable mix.

To get the solution of samomesnogo blocks in terms of approximate to the factory, it is necessary special installation, which minimizes the expected benefits if after not establish production.

It is therefore more common pouring monolith in a removable or non-removable formwork kolodtsevoy laying and filling screeds, rough floors and creating insulating circuits. Since the pores of the granules and - poor protection from shrinkage and cracking, it is recommended to use as a reinforcing fiber of additives, if these conditions are critical for the structure.

Experience participants FORUMHOUSE

Our craftsmen have also managed to evaluate the merits of lightweight concrete on the polystyrene filler, the two most common ways of application - insulation and floors on the ground.

Warming

One of our craftsmen have used heat-insulating monolithic PSB own production for all of its designs.

mobster (Member FORUMHOUSE):

Molded polystyrene over two hundred cubic meters. frame garage Box 140 m² (wall of 20 cm 20 cm and the ceiling), floor and ceiling 9x14 m house (floor and ceiling, thickness 50 cm) Bath carcass 5x5 m (see walls 20 and ceiling 20 cm).

Ordinary cement mixer "pear", instead of the SDO - simple liquid soap, it is not only easier to buy a canister of five liters in any hypermarket, but also in the solution with the additive, the feelings of craftsmen, "better wettability and workability."

mobster:

Composition for SBR-mixer 132 6 crumb plastic buckets (12 liters), plus half a bucket of cement, plus water plus soap lid of the plastic bottle to 5 liters. Cover portions 2, assist with stirring stick against rotation.

Do not be challenged to get a self-supporting or carrying a monolith, only the thermal insulation, so the minimum density, as well as the brand - about M100. According to the standards, it is not enough even for isolation, and perhaps it makes sense to change some proportions, increasing the share of cement, but four and a half years of operation, and this proved to be a PSB fine. Pieces from the trial fill and to this day "especially lying in the yard in the rain and snow, but no performance degradation is not observed, the fragments do not fall apart, do not crumble, do not crawl."

The main recommendation of the craftsman - when casting walls necessary to use waterproofing by capillary suction.

Floors made of polystyrene

Such a method is selected, when one wants to receive the insulated base without the use of plate isolation. The bonus is a minimum load.

Teplodec:

Instead Epps layer and heavy concrete use DPM: sand preparation is not less than 200 mm, the polyethylene film 100 microns, polystyrene D400, a layer of 100 mm (for Samara area). With the planned soft finish topped with DPM - self-leveling floors or cement-sand screed small thickness. You can order ready-made solution or do it yourself by purchasing only the foamed polystyrene pellets and DLS.

Some craftsmen and granules themselves are doing.

mail robot (Member FORUMHOUSE):

Polystyrene beads for concrete do myself - I buy a bag of polystyrene semi-finished product (freely available), take pyatidesyatilitrovuyu container, pour water on the bottom (four to five liters). Fire bricks, the water boils, the tank pours mug granules and boil, stirring stick. Since one cup is obtained about fifty liters PVG. Interesting process, for an hour, you can "acquire" three to four cubes.

This method is used in blasting operations when needed large amounts of granules to fill the pits to reduce the consumption of explosives without losing the power of the explosion.

Another trick - the use of crushed scrap foam packaging or slab insulation instead of finished granules, which greatly reduces the cost of PSB.

Daniil_Smerdov (Member FORUMHOUSE):

Statement under Radiant Floor poured 10-12 cm thick polystyrene, M 450 for "eyes", use and foam quality is worse.

For others, the best option - finished factory mix.

SolidGoldBoogie (Member FORUMHOUSE):

Zapolistirolil first floor: cushion sand and gravel, rammer, film, mesh of 100x100 mm, a layer of 13-15 cm DPM, beacons, and for leveling squeegee. Filled squares 70 and a half hours, the mixture was ordered factory,The D400, did not arrange "dancing with a tambourine" around the agitator, the price difference is negligible turned my volume.

handyman happy result, the only thing regrets - it was necessary to pour a layer of 20 cm, this is not the case, where it makes sense to be greedy. But given that it Ural region of residence, most likely, "better when thicker" in such a harsh climate. All parameters of any material, including the PSB, necessary to select, based on the specific application.

Besides polystyrene and foam relates to lightweight concrete, from which cast box home one of our zolotorukih users. We also have an article of warm plasterWhich structure is often included PVG providing improved thermal insulation at the minimum layer. In the video - the house of opilkobetona, Another species of lightweight concrete with low thermal conductivity.

Discuss the article and read other materials devoted to country life you can on the websiteFORUMHOUSE.

Subscribe to the channel and put the "Like" so as not to miss the next release!