CO2 as a Blowing Agent in the Production of Polystyrene Foam

Blowing agent for the production of polystyrene. Polystyrene foam is traditionally produced with chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) blowing agents, contributing to ozone depletion in the stratosphere, ground-level ozone pollution, and climate change. Polystyrene foam is used in product packaging for insulation, stiffness, resistance to moisture, and recyclability. This novel production method uses carbon dioxide as a blowing agent to produce polystyrene. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of several industrial processes. Carbon dioxide is accessible, inexpensive, and nonflammable. 

EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 1996 Greener Reaction Conditions Award