Research & innovation

Our company didn’t choose randomly the production of virgin polystyrene EPS beads and their use as the most ideal aggregate for the preparation of thermal insulating mortars. After many years of research & development in finding the most suitable aggregate, our company tested and continues to test all aggregates of the global market like virgin and recycled polystyrene, perlite, vermiculite etc.
Our research led to the conclusion that only the virgin polystyrene beads demonstrate the best thermal insulating characteristics, lightness and cost. That is why TEKTO’s products are made exclusively from high quality virgin polystyrene beads.

WHY VIRGIN POLYSTYRENE BEADS
To analyze why TEKTO produces virgin polystyrene beads we need to clarify how thermal insulation is achieved. Air has the best thermal conductivity λ=0,025W/mK. Therefore, the best thermal insulating product is the one that has the highest quantity of entrapped air in its mass. The virgin polystyrene beads upon its expansion exhibit a closed cell structure. More detail analysis of that structure indicates that 98& of its mass is entrapped air while 2% is polystyrene closed cell structure. This fact makes virgin polystyrene beads one of the best thermal insulation products in the global market! The closed cell structure proves the existence of the entrapped air and its rotproof characteristics.
This is the main reason our company proceeded in the production of thermal insulating Bound EPS mortars with virgin polystyrene EPS beads and not recycled EPS beads or other aggregates.
 
INNOVATION
For decades our company combines virgin polystyrene EPS beads with cement without the addition of sand. Sand affects the thermal insulating characteristics of the mortar (the heavier the mortar the less the thermal insulating properties of the product). Additionally, recycled polystyrene EPS beads have been ruled our due to their lack of closed cell structure. Our company, after the expansion of the beads and their maturity-dimensional stability, treats the beads with special additives that allow:
  • The perfect mixing of the EPS beads with the cement and the water, not allowing the flotation of the beads.
  • Ensures the consistency and homogeneity of the dosages and their thermal and mechanical characteristics.
  • The thermal insulating mortar does not shrink during application or during drying.
  • Provides full dimensional stability to the mixture, which does not crack.
  • The prepared mixtures can be pumped in large distances without causing changes in their physical or mechanical characteristics.
  • The mortar is light and easy to transfer and apply.
  • It has a controlled non corrosive pH.
  • Fulfills the specifications and requirements of the Greek thermal insulation regulation

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