Photo: Kevin Malik

Is Styrofoam a better insulator than sawdust?

Styrofoam isn't a good choice for electrical insulation either. As for acoustic insulation, the sawdust may actually work better because the dust particles are able to move and slide against each other, dissipating sound energy better than a piece of styrofoam, which may just reflect the sound or vibrate coherently.

van.physics.illinois.edu - Sawdust and Styrofoam | Physics Van | UIUC

Can I use a shed as a bedroom?

A shed can make a great addition to any backyard. Not only does it provide extra storage space, but it can also be used as a guest house, office,...

Last updated Jul 4, 2022

Is a 10 lb anchor enough?

- 10 lb anchor - for boats up to 19' in winds up to 30 mph. It's a step up in size & weight, with a longer handle for penetrating hard bottoms....

Last updated Jun 9, 2022

Promotion

A:

Well, which material you choose as an insulator depends on what you want your insulator to do. Sawdust isnt a better insulator for many kinds of jobs.Styrofoam is generally lighter than most sawdusts because it has a higher fraction of air in it. Air cannot flow through styrofoam as easily as through sawdust, and so sawdust may have a greater convection component to its thermal conductivity than styrofoam. Sawdust comes in many different kinds -- the particles may be fine or coarse, affecting its thermal insulation properties.One advantage of styrofoam is that it can be made into rigid containers. While the strength isnt great, it is enough to make a coffee cup or a cooler out of. With sawdust, youd need some kind of rigid container to hold it, or youd have to glue it together, which would increase the thermal conductivity.Styrofoam may be cheaper to buy, but there is a lot of sawdust made anyway and you might be able to get all you want for free from someone just waiting to get rid of it. Some kinds of styrofoam, when they degrade, release halons into the environment which have been implicated in ozone destruction high in the atmosphere, so sawdust may be more environmentally friendly.Styrofoam melts at temperatures which are readily attainable in the kitchen. Dont put a styrofoam cup on a hotplate or in the oven -- it will melt. Sawdust, on the other hand, can catch fire.Your question just said "insulator" and I answered so far only about thermal insulation. You can imagine other kinds of insulation -- electrical and acoustic, for example. Due to the possibility of connected paths for air to flow through sawdust, and the fact that air will allow electricity to flow through when the voltage is high enough (it will "break down" and allow a spark to go through), Id imagine that sawdust is a poor choice for an electrical insulator. Also the catching-fire part doesnt help in this case either. Styrofoam isnt a good choice for electrical insulation either. As for acoustic insulation, the sawdust may actually work better because the dust particles are able to move and slide against each other, dissipating sound energy better than a piece of styrofoam, which may just reflect the sound or vibrate coherently.Tom

(published on 10/22/2007)

Does a gate increase property value?

Impact of Community Gates on Property Values A study by the American Real Estate Society found that homes situated in gated communities are valued...

Last updated Jan 22, 2020

Is Revit easy to learn?

If you want to master Revit, you can expect the full process to take up to a year. If you learn the program in phases, you'll find it's not...

Last updated Apr 3, 2020

Promotion

Can you stack firewood on the ground?

Is it OK to stack firewood on the ground? It's not a good idea to stack firewood on the ground. Wood attracts termites, plus moisture from the...

Last updated Jun 18, 2019

What is the 3 legged stool?

The “three-legged stool” is an old phrase that many financial planners once used to describe the three most common sources of retirement income:...

Last updated May 15, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

How do you maximize storage space?

Today, we'll show you how you can pack a storage unit to maximize space. LINE THE UNIT WALLS. There are several different storage organizing ideas...

Last updated Mar 10, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the best flooring for a summer house?

4 Best Flooring Options for Summer Houses Stonework. If you want to provide a rustic touch to your summer house while making sure that it maintains...

Last updated Oct 26, 2019