Styrofoam facts for kids
Styrofoam is a special type of plastic foam. It's a brand name for a material called extruded polystyrene foam (XPS). This material is made by a company called DuPont. You usually see it as light blue boards. It's used a lot in buildings to keep them warm or cool. It acts like a cozy blanket for walls, roofs, and foundations. It also helps keep water out.
Many people use the word "Styrofoam" to talk about other kinds of foam too. For example, the white foam used for coffee cups or packaging is usually a different material. That material is called expanded polystyrene (EPS). Styrofoam (the DuPont brand) is generally denser and stronger than EPS. This makes it better for things like building insulation.
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Styrofoam can dissolve in some liquids. These include certain types of super glue or the chemicals found in spray paint.
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The Story Behind Styrofoam
In the 1940s, some clever researchers at a company called Dow were looking for new materials. A scientist named Ray McIntire led a team that found a way to make foamed polystyrene. They actually rediscovered a method first used by a Swedish inventor, Carl Georg Munters. Dow then got special permission to use Munters's idea in the United States.
The Dow team figured out how to make large amounts of this special foam. It was a "closed-cell" foam, meaning it had tiny, sealed air pockets. This design made it great at resisting moisture. They officially filed a patent for their new method in 1947.
What is Styrofoam Used For?
Styrofoam is very useful for many things. It's super lightweight because it's made of about 98% air! This also means it can float on water.
Keeping Buildings Cozy
DuPont makes Styrofoam products especially for buildings. These include boards for insulating walls and roofs. They also make insulation for pipes. This helps save energy by keeping heat inside during winter and outside during summer. For example, a 1-inch thick sheet of Styrofoam insulation is very good at stopping heat from passing through.
Styrofoam can even be used under roads and other structures. It helps stop the ground from freezing and thawing. This prevents damage to the roads over time.
Fun with Crafts and Flowers
DuPont also creates Styrofoam blocks and shapes for creative projects. Florists use them to arrange flowers. You can also find them in craft stores for art projects. The insulation Styrofoam is usually blue. But the craft versions come in white and green colors too.
Taking Care of Our Planet
It's important to think about how materials like Styrofoam affect our environment. Styrofoam, like many plastics, does not break down easily in nature. This means it can stay in landfills for a very long time.
Scientists are always studying materials to make sure they are safe. Some studies have looked into styrene, a chemical used to make polystyrene. More research helps us understand how to use these materials responsibly. It's always a good idea to recycle when possible and find ways to reuse materials.
Learn More
- List of generic and genericized trademarks
- National Inventors Hall of Fame
- Resin identification code
- Structural insulated panel
