Styrofoam

The word Styrofoam is usually used as a generic term for expanded polystyrene foam, like disposable coffee cups, disposable coolers, packing materials, etc. This type of polystyrene is largely not bio-degradable and can remain intact for thousands of years. The Styrofoam used for crafts is sort of soluble in organic solvents.

About Styrofoam

Polystyrene was developed in 1941 by the Dow Chemical company. In 1942 Styrofoam was adopted by the US Coast Guard thanks both to its buoyancy and insulating properties for use in life rafts.

Styrofoam has been used as as insulated sheathing in wires, pipe insulation, insulation in buildings, under roads to prevent soil disturbance, as well as arts and crafts. Styrofoam from Dow is known for its blue color. The colors for packing materials and arts and crafts applications are white and green.

Polystyrene is not biodegradable, and is largely not recycled. There are replacements in the works for packing materials made from corn or soybeans instead of plastics and rubber.

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