EPS (bead board) is made from tiny particles that are expanded using steam heat, forming a solid plank as they stick together. It is available in various densities (locally made). Because it is made of individual beads that stuck together with heat, it may be that epoxy would penetrate the surface more effectively...... I don't know. In any case I could order it to the density I want, cut to the thickness I want from a manufacturer that is only 100 miles away. I don't know if the have fire retardant versions available. I presume it contains boric acid, as with cellulose insulation or mattresses......... Every tried to burn mattress stuffing? It will burn in a situation where it is exposed to continuous heat, flame, and oxygen, but will not sustain fire alone....... I know this. I recently destroyed an old mattress and burned it. I was amazed at it's fire resistance. Interestingly both iron and aluminum are flammable. Iron burns with extreme heat when brought up to molten temp and fed oxygen. finely powdered aluminum is incredibly flammable, and once set off will burn extremely rapidly and very hot. It is used in blasting because the burn rate is extremely rapid and predictable. Tiny plastic tubes filled with aluminum powder are ignited one one end, and the speed of combustion is so predictable that by altering the lengths of these fuses, different charges can be detonated milliseconds apart. Iron oxide (rust), and powdered aluminum mixed together make thermite..... rapid combustion and intense heat, as the aluminum burns the oxygen in the iron oxide. It is used for welding railroad rails.
H.W.
On 07/25/2018 01:56 AM, ryanonthebeach@gmail.com [harryproa] wrote:
I am following these threads on XPS with interest. I'm sure you could write your PhD on XPS modification to get better needed properties for certain circumstances. Its an interesting topic.
What about mixing multiple materials? E.g. xps in certain locations where its properties better match requirements or mixing layers of PVC & XPS i.e. sheets of H80 over an xps core to push up certain properties but reduce cost.
It does seem to obvious to me that cheaper/lower density materials can be applied in various places to save on weight and cost, without sacrificing any critical properties that are needed locally.
I guess the first steps would be to identify what the requirements are based on scantlings? Or FEA?
Posted by: StoneTool <owly@ttc-cmc.net>
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