Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Naturally Aged Expanded Polystyrene

Abstract This paper contains the results of studies demonstrating irreversible physicochemical changes in the composition and structure of gas-filled polymers (using expanded polystyrene as an example) during natural aging under the influence of environmental factors. The identified characteristic structural changes are associated with the destruction of the polymer granule shells and the migration of the functional filler TiO2, which leads to a decrease in the density and an increase in amorphization of polymer thermal insulation. The more exposed surface of naturally aged samples contributes to increased contamination of the surface zone of the thermal insulation: nonpolymer particles (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, MgO, Sr, Fe2O3, etc.) were detected in the structure, which, to varying degrees, can affect the operational and fire safety characteristics of the material. The degree of contamination and its chemical nature largely depend on the duration and operating conditions of thermal insulation materials.

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