Styrofoam

MFA Acc. #: 2006.139

Description

[Dow Chemical Co.] A registered trademark for foamed Polystyrene that was developed in the 1940s. Some formulations of Styrofoam® may contain up to 10% Polyethylene or Polypropylene. The foam is produced with ethyl chloride and chlorodifluoroethane blowing agents. These halogenated gases may cause metal corrosion when Styrofoam® is used as insulation near heat sources. Styrofoam® is available in foamed sheets and extruded pellets and rods. It is primarily used for packing, but has other applications in flotation devices, insulation, and toys.

Synonyms and Related Terms

foamed polystyrene

Hazards and Safety

Flash point 345C (670F). Combustion products may include carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Dow Chemical: MSDS for white Styrofoam

FTIR

Additional Information

Dow Chemical: Styrofoam Website

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 755

• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000