Comparison
EPS Packaging vs PA66
A side-by-side comparison of Expanded Polystyrene for Packaging and Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon).
Physical
Density
0.015-0.06 g/cm³ (foam)
1.14 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
<1 %
1.2 %
Transparency
Opaque
Opaque
Shrinkage
N/A (foam)
1.5 – 2.0 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
Highly variable (foam)
3.0 GPa (dry)
Tensile Strength
Highly variable (foam)
80 MPa
Elongation at Break
Highly variable (foam)
60 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
Excellent cushioning
50 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
110 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
90-100 °C (solid PS)
70 °C
Melting Point
N/A (amorphous)
255 – 265 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
70-80 °C
100 – 120 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
N/A (foam)
75 °C (unfilled)
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
Around 1.1 (foam)
4.0
Volume Resistivity
>10¹³ Ω⋅cm (foam)
10¹² Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
High (foam)
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good resistance
Poor
Bases
Good resistance
Good
Solvents
Attacked by aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, ketones
—
UV Resistance
Poor
Fair
Alcohols
—
Good
Oils & Fuels
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (challenging collection)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
6 (PS)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~7.4 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
0 – 100 % (bio grades)