Thermocol, also known as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), is a lightweight, foam-like material that is commonly used for packaging and insulation purposes.
It is made by expanding polystyrene beads with the help of steam, which causes the beads to fuse and form a rigid, closed-cell foam material.
Thermocol shapes
Thermocol or expanded polystyrene foam is a versatile material that is available in various shapes and sizes to suit different construction and insulation requirements.
Apart from sheets, it is also available in different shapes like pipes and blocks.
Thermocol sizes
| S. N0 | Size | Dimensions (in mm | Thickness range (in mm) |
| 1 | 1000 x 500 mm | 1000 x 500 | 5 to 100 |
| 2 | 1000 x 600 mm | 1000 x 600 | 5 to 100 |
| 3 | 1000 x 1000 mm | 1000 x 1000 | 5 to 100 |
| 4 | 1000 x 2000 mm | 1000 x 2000 | 5 to 100 |
| 5 | 1500 x 750 mm | 1500 x 750 | 5 to 100 |
Thermocol thickness
It is available in a range of thicknesses, from 5 mm to 100 mm, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
A thinner sheet of thermocol, such as 5 mm, may be suitable for applications where space is limited or only a small amount of insulation is required.
Thicker sheets, such as 50 mm or 100 mm, may be required for areas that need a higher level of insulation or for applications where load-bearing capacity is necessary.
Price of thermocol
| Purchase Option | Cost Range |
| Per Piece | Rs. 10 to Rs. 100 |
| Per Square Feet | Rs. 8 to Rs. 18 |
| Per Kilogram | Rs. 160 to Rs. 300 |
Note: The cost ranges mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as the thickness, size, density, and supplier of the thermocol. It is always recommended to check with the supplier for the latest prices before making a purchase.
Advantages of thermocol in construction
1. Thermal insulation
It has a low thermal conductivity, making it an excellent insulating material. It helps keep buildings cool in summers and warm in winters, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating, saving energy, and reducing carbon footprint.
2. Lightweight
It is extremely lightweight and easy to handle. It can be easily cut into any desired shape, making it suitable for a variety of applications in construction.
3. Cost-effective
It is affordable, making it a popular choice in construction projects. It is cheaper than other insulation materials like fiberglass and mineral wool.
4. Acoustic insulation
It can be used as an acoustic insulation material to reduce noise levels in buildings, making it suitable for use in music studios, conference rooms, and other areas where noise reduction is essential.
5. Durable
It has a long life span and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a durable material for use in construction.
Disadvantages of thermocol in construction
1. Non-biodegradable
It is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to environmental pollution.
2. Low load-bearing capacity
It has a low load-bearing capacity and cannot support heavy loads. Therefore, it is not suitable for use in load-bearing structures.
3. Susceptible to damage
It is fragile and can be easily damaged during transportation and installation. This can result in increased costs and wastage of material.
4. Flammable
Although it has good fire resistance properties, it can still catch fire if exposed to high temperatures or flames for an extended period. It can also release toxic fumes when burnt.
5. Limited thermal resistance
While it is an effective thermal insulator, it has limited thermal resistance and can lose its insulating properties over time.
6. Not suitable for high-temperature applications
It melts at high temperatures and is not suitable for use in applications that require high-temperature resistance.
Uses of thermocol
1. Packaging material
It is widely used as a packaging material due to its lightweight and shock-absorbing properties. It is used to protect fragile items during transportation and storage.
2. Insulation material
It is an excellent insulating material, and it is used to insulate buildings, walls, roofs, and floors. It helps to keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating.
3. Decorative material
It can be used as a decorative material due to its lightweight and easy-to-mold properties. It is used to create sculptures, stage sets, and props for movies, theatre, and other creative applications.
4. Sound insulation material
It is used as a sound insulation material to reduce noise levels in buildings, music studios, and conference rooms.
Use of thermocol in construction
It is commonly used in situations where the walls of the house are close to the walls of the neighbors, to provide space as well as to fill the gap. By using sheets of this material, the temperature of the room can be reduced, and better insulation can be achieved.
One of the most common uses in construction is as an insulating material for walls. It is used in between the layers of brick masonry to provide better insulation in hot or summer temperatures.
The thermocol sheet is placed between the layers of brick masonry to reduce the temperature of the room, making it more comfortable to live in. Additionally, it can also help to reduce noise levels, making it a popular choice for sound insulation.
It can also be used in the construction of roofs, floors, and ceilings. It is used to provide thermal insulation and to reduce the amount of heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building.
This can help to reduce the amount of energy required to heat or cool the building, resulting in cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint.
FAQ
What is thermocol?
It is also known as expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, a lightweight and rigid foam material that is used for insulation and packaging purposes.
What are the advantages of using thermocol
It is lightweight, easy to handle, and has good insulation properties. It is also moisture-resistant, and fire-resistant, and can be easily cut and shaped to fit any application. Thermocol is an affordable material that is widely used for insulation and packaging purposes.
What are the disadvantages of using thermocol?
The major disadvantage of thermocol is that it is non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to environmental pollution. It is also not very strong and can break easily under pressure.
What are the different applications of thermocol?
It is used for insulation of walls, roofs, and floors in buildings, as well as for packaging fragile and delicate items. It is also used in the manufacture of disposable plates, cups, and containers, and in the automotive industry for soundproofing and thermal insulation.
Also read: MDF sheets, types, uses, advantages and disadvantages
