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.
