Expanded Polystyrene - Freeze-Thaw Expansion Tests

[richg1]

Hi,

I have a product which incorporates a laminated piece of glass to a polystyrene substrate. I have read some background research about the potential for water accumulation in polystyrene due to thermal cycling and water vapour transfer. I am interested in the affect of this combined with the application of freezing (ie -20degC) temperatures.

Does the affect of entrapped water affect expansion of polystyrene on freezing? And are there any ASTM (or other) tests which would be suitable to determine if this is a problem?

Cheers,

Rich

 

[Demon3]

My best guess is that the water levels will be too low to have any effect. Polystyrene is pretty non-polar so the equilibrium water content should be low.

More likely to be a problem is delamination of the bond between the glass and the PS due to the mismatch in thermal expansion coefficient.

Chris DeArmitt

"Knowledge has no value except that which can be gained from its application toward some worthwhile end."
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill