Long-term water absorption of expanded polystyrene boards

Abstract

The results of determining water absorption of specimens cut out from expanded polystyrene boards and having the density of 11-36 kg/m3, which were manufactured by Lithuanian manufacturers using a non-compaction method of frothing polystyrene beads - granules, 1-3 mm in diameter, are presented. The tests were conducted in conformity with the requirements of the Standard LST EN 12087, using the method 2A. Water absorption of EPS boards subject to 7- and 28-days immersion ( W28 is the time specified by LST EN 13163) was determined. The total time of immersion was 250 days. Based on the data obtained, some regressive equations were suggested for calculating: the prognostic value of EPS board water absorption W product/28 based on the results obtained for W-, and the increase of water absorption of EPS boards after 28 days of immersion.