Can Heat Change Styrofoam?

Styrofoam can be affected by high temperatures.

Styrofoam is a brand name for one kind of polystyrene foam, but it is commonly used for expanded polystyrene materials in general. Modern polystyrene has a relatively high melting point.

Features

In its basic form, polystyrene is a hard, colorless plastic. Polystyrene can be expanded (turned into a foam), which is light and very useful for insulation. One cubic meter of expanded polystyrene (EPS) weighs about 22 pounds, and half an inch of EPS has the insulating power of more than 2 feet of concrete.

Melting Point

The most heat-resistant form of polystyrene melts at about 518 degrees Fahrenheit (270 degrees centigrade). Styrofoam and other kinds of EPS may have a much lower melting point depending on what plastics and additives they contain. However, this will generally be greater than the boiling point of water. Because it is heat resistant, polystyrene foam takes a long time to reach its melting point. Once it does, it softens and liquefies.

Flammability

Polystyrene foam is highly flammable. This means it catches fire easily. Styrofoam and other common forms of EPS are mixed with fire retardants, however, making them safe to use.

References

• University of Southern Mississippi: Polymer Science Learning Center: Polystyrene
• Vyatkastroydetal: Styrofoam in Heat Insulation
• Ceresana Research: Insight Products Plastics Expandable Polystyrene (EPS)

Resources

• The Easiest Way to Recycle Styrofoam Also Known as Plastic #6