Polystyrene stone
Polystyrene stones (also Styrofoam stones ) are molded parts made of foamed polystyrene , which usually consist of 2 interconnected polystyrene plates . These are put together on the construction site in such a way that they result in formwork for concrete . The polystyrene remains on the finished wall as permanent formwork. This enables a quick construction process and requires only little qualified workers.
history
Polystyrene blocks were already developed in the 1950s (former name: Igloo System), but they did not appear on the market until the late 1960s , especially in Germany. At the beginning of the 90s there was a certain boom for this type of construction, especially in the areas of the former GDR. Here the material was not as burdened with prejudice as in the old states of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In 1994, various manufacturers in North America founded an association of manufacturers of polystyrene blocks, which they called ICFA (British prefer the name PIF). The market share of the polystyrene block industry grew to 6.5% by 2003, mainly thanks to massive support from the PCA (Portland Cement Association).
The market share in Europe should still not have exceeded 0.1% in 2003 due to the lack of support from the cement industry.
Brands
- Styrofoam is a brand name of the member companies of the Industrieverband Hartschaum eV