Styropor MF162

Technical Leaflet
September 2009

For the production of expanded

foam blocks having bulk densities of
10 25 kg/m3 and fire characteristics
conformity with;

Processing

- UL94 : Rating HF1

Preexpansion

Product description

Single preexpansion

Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) with

Pentane as blowing agent.

Styropor is converted to expanded

foam in 3 stages.

Bulk Density
3
(kg/m )

Steam Pressure
(Bar)

15

0.25 0.30

20

0.15 0.20

25

0.05 0.10

Form as supplied
Styropor MF 162 is supplied in the form
of spherical beads.

Model particle size

1.3 1.8 mm

Double preexpansion
Description

Continuous
Preexpander

1st Step

14 - 16 kg/m3

Aging
2nd Step

Screen analysis

Aging

> 2.0 mm

1.5% max.

1.0 2.0 mm

96% min.

< 1.0 mm

2.5% max.

Moisture content

1.5% max.

Storage
Styropor should always be stored in a
cool place. Styropor normally supplied
in flexible bulk bags or alternatively in
carton octabins. It can be stored in the
un-open original packaging for one
month respectively before processing.

Foam Plastics

Batch
Preexpander
12 - 14 kg/m3

3 - 4 hours

3 - 4 hours

10 - 11 kg/m3

9 - 10 kg/m3

2 - 4 hours

2 - 4 hours

Start Moulding

Intermediate aging
Bulk Density
3
(kg/m )

Aging in Silo
(Hours)

15

20 24

20

24 28

25

28 32

Final expansion
Styropor MF162 is foamed out to
expanded foam in commercial block
moulds.

The packed material must be protected

against the effects of weather (rain,
snow, frost, sun, heat) and against
damage.

Steam pressures during processing

ranges from 0.7 1.3 bar. Setting of
steam pressure depends on the
duration of intermediate aging in silo.

With
regard
to
storage
and
transportation, we recommend that our
Transport Guidelines be observed.
Please refer to our Technical
Information Leaflet TI 060.

Relatively short aging duration would

require lower steam pressure whilst
relatively longer aging duration in the
silo would require higher steam
pressure. Fusion of the beads should
be adjusted with steaming time.

Technical processing issues are dealt

with at length in our Technical
Information Leaflets as below;
TI 540

Preexpansion of Styropor

TI 570

Intermediate aging of
Preexpanded Styropor

TI 340

Steam as energy source for

Producing expanded foams

Safety notes
It is to be noted that in the storage and
processing of Styropor and of the
expanded foams manufactured from it,
ignitable mixtures of blowing agent
(Pentane) and air can arise due to
blowing agent diffusing out and
therefore all conceivable sources of
ignition are to be kept away (naked
flames, welding sparks, electrical
sparks, avoidance of electrostatic
charging). A ban on smoking is to be
observed without fail.
In connection with the above, refer to:
TI 290

Determination of
Pneumatogen content in air

Information
about
the
safety
precautions necessary in processing
may be obtained from the Technical
Information Leaflet:
TI 130

Fire safety when processing

Styropor.

The contents of open containers should

be processed quickly. At other times,
the containers are to be kept well
sealed.
The transportation of Styropor or of
expanded foams freshly made from it,
in unventilated or closed means of
conveyance is not permissible. Further
information could be obtained from
Technical Information Leaflet:
TI 060

Transport Guidelines

Biological action

Note

Small quantities of Pentane escape

when Styropor is stored or is being
processed. If expanded Styropor is cut
with heated wires, steps must be taken
to ensure that any vapors emitted are
removed because they may contain
traces of Styrene and Pentane.

The information submitted in this

publication is based on our current
knowledge and experience. In view of
the many factors that may affect
processing and application, these data
do no relieve processors from the
responsibility of carrying out their own
tests and experiments; neither do they
imply any legally binding assurance of
certain properties or of suitability for a
specific purpose. It is the responsibility
of those to whom we supply our
products to ensure that any proprietary
rights and existing laws and legislation
are observed.

The maximum allowable concentration

values of Styrene and Pentane are to
be observed.
Expanded Styropor does not have any
nutrient values for rodents, fungi and
bacteria. It does not rot, is insoluble in
water, and does not release any water
soluble
substances
that
could
contaminate groundwater. Provided
that local legislation on the subject is
observed, it can be disposed of
together with household refuse.
Expanded Styropor has never given
rise to any harmful effects on health
over the decades in which it has been
produced and processed.

Foodstuff legislation
Further information with regard to the
provisions of food legislation may be
obtained
from
the
Technical
Information Leaflet:
TI 125

Regulatory questions
concerning food packaging

Environment issues
Questions relevant to the environment
in connection with the production and
processing of Styropor and the use of
expanded foams made from Styropor
are answered in detail in the following
Technical Information Leaflets:
TI 180

Expanded Styropor foam:

Environment issues in
processing

TI 181

Expanded Styropor foam:

Environment issues in
construction

BASF (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

(No Syarikat 182671-M)
Styropor Plant
Lot 143, Jalan Cecair
Free Trade Zone, Johor Port
81700 Pasir Gudang, Johor
Malaysia.
Telephone : +607 253 5000
Telefax : +607 253 2007