What are insulation boards, extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane boards, phenolic boards, rock wool boards, glass wool boards, rubber boards, and what are their uses?

Insulation boards (including extruded polystyrene, polyurethane, phenolic, glass wool, rock wool, etc.)

Insulation boards, put simply, are panels used for thermal insulation in buildings. This includes materials like extruded polystyrene and polyurethane boards, all made from insulating materials.

Polystyrene (PS)

PS is a polymer synthesized through free radical addition polymerization from monomers. It is a colorless and transparent thermoplastic material with a glass transition temperature above 100°C, making it frequently used for manufacturing disposable containers that can withstand boiling water temperatures, as well as single-use foam food boxes and building insulation materials.

EPS (also known as expanded polystyrene, styrofoam, or extruded polystyrene)

EPS boards are white objects formed by heating and molding in molds after being pre-expanded with a blowing agent containing volatile liquids. They feature a microcellular closed-cell structure. The white foam used for packaging computers during purchase is EPS.

XPS (also known as extruded polystyrene, or XPS foam)

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as extruded polystyrene foam board, also referred to as XPS board or extruded polystyrene. It is a rigid foam plastic board manufactured by mixing polystyrene resin with other raw materials and additives, then heating and blending it while injecting a catalyst, followed by extrusion and molding. Its scientific name is Extruded Polystyrene Foam for Insulation (abbreviated as XPS), characterized by a closed-cell honeycomb structure. This structure provides XPS boards with low water absorption (virtually impermeable to water), low thermal conductivity, high compressive strength, and resistance to aging (virtually no aging decomposition under normal use), making them suitable materials for floor heating insulation.