Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a foam substrate made from expanded polystyrene beads. It is notoriously difficult to bond because the foam structure is weak and easily destroyed by the solvents found in many common adhesives. Bonding EPS requires solvent-free chemistries, such as water-based adhesives, hot melts applied at low temperatures, or specific solvent-less epoxies, to avoid melting the substrate.
Heard on the job
Don't use the contact cement on the EPS core or it will eat right through the foam.
Insider tip
If an adhesive melts EPS, it is usually the carrier solvent flashing off and dissolving the thin cell walls, not an exothermic reaction.
Also heard as
- Expanded polystyrene