Styrofoam is a trademark of Dow Chemical Company for extruded polystyrene foam presently made for thermal insulation and craft applications.
In 1941, researchers in Dow’s Chemical Physics Lab found a way to make foamed polystyrene. Led by Ray McIntire, they had “rediscovered” a method first discovered by Swedish inventor Carl Georg Munters.[2] Dow acquired exclusive rights to use Munter’s patents and found ways to make large quantities of extruded polystyrene as a closed cell foam that resists moisture. Because of its insulating properties and buoyancy, it was adopted in 1942 by the U.S. Coast Guard for use in a six-person life raft. Styrofoam can be used for building materials, including insulated sheathing, pipe insulation and floral and craft products. Styrofoam insulation has been used in many notable buildings and facilities in North America. The Dow insulation product can be identified by its distinctive blue color; Styrofoam for craft applications is available in white and green.Styrofoam can be used under roads and other structures to prevent soil disturbances due to freezing and thawing.
Kwangho Lee built himself a sofa out of Styrofoam and I must say, it looks pretty good. The little bits that break off might get kind of annoying, so I would probably put a cover on it, but otherwise good job. I think a little homegrown recycling is great.
photo credit: “Styrofoam Hummer” by Andrew Junge
via Wired
Travis Brown's flickr photostream
These igloo-shaped structures built from snap-together wall sections (175 lbs each) are made of 100% expanded polystyrene foam (styrofoam). Now this may seem unconventional, but the company lists a number of advantages that styrofoam has over traditional materials.
The newest building block in contemporary homes is Styrofoam, 'the fourth-generation building material' after wood, iron, and concrete," according to prefab home maker International Dome House Inc. This company, based in Japan, has developed a modern house design that's accompanied by a long list of benefits.
Michael A. Salter never grew out of that art-for-scrap mode of thought as evidenced by his life-size and fairly accurate replica Formula One race car made entirely from recycled styrofoam pieces.
According to this article in the Orange County Register Sharpie drawn Styrofoam cup art like this is selling for $120 to $220 in Laguna Beach. Makes me want to get my Sharpie out, find some Styrofoam packing and move to California 🙂
Styrofoam sculptures by Italian artist Fabio Viale
Styrofoam sculptures by Italian artist Fabio Viale
Fabio Viale is a young Italian sculptor based in Turin, Italy. He does things with his sculpture so incredible you’ll catch yourself saying “No Sh*t!” once you realize it’s done with marble and not Styrofoam. See more of Viale’s work here.>>>>>>
JezZBean 