Chemistry through the lens

Neopor

This image shows a cross-section through a foam block of BASF's insulating material, Neopor. Neopor is made of polystyrene granules, a blowing agent and microscopic flakes of graphite. When processed into a rigid foam it shows excellent insulation properties through a combination of the air trapped inside and the reflection of heat radiation by the graphite flakes. For more information on Neopor see www.neopor.basf.com