Nova Chemicals and Teubert collaborated on the Eureka-funded project

A European research project has produced water-blown expandable polystyrene beads that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Dutch lead partner Nova Chemicals developed the VOC-free EPS expansion process, while German machinery manufacturer Teubert designed and built the EPS expansion machine.

The project achieved a reduction in VOC emissions resulting from PS foam, an improvement in productivity for foam moulders and improved safety during production of the foam, according to Eureka, the European government-funded initiative promoting collaborative research in advanced technology.

Nova Chemicals’ EPS R&D team leader Willem van Liemt said: “The new patented process creates a molecular bond encapsulating starch in a shell of polystyrene. The chemically bonded starch absorbs micro-drops of water, which becomes a safer, more environmentally friendly blowing agent inside the beads.”

Eureka said the product could be initially launched in the US to take advantage of stricter legislative controls on VOC release.