FIELD: polymer production.
SUBSTANCE: foamed vinylaromatic polymers are prepared using inorganic filler having essentially spherical granulation with average diameter within a range of 0.01 to 100 μm, refractory index exceeding 1.6, and whiteness index equal to or below 22 as measured according to "Color Index". Foamed vinylaromatic polymer include (i) matrix obtained by polymerization of 50-100% of one or more vinylaromatic monomers with 0-50% of copolymerizable monomer; (ii) 1-10% (based in polymer mass) of foaming agent incorporated in polymer matrix; and (iii) 0.05-25% of above-mentioned filler. Foamed vinylaromatic polymers are characterized by density from 5 to 50 g/L and heat conductivity 25 to 50 mv/m-K. A method of preparing foamed vinylaromatic polymers involving polymerization in water suspension of one or more vinylaromatic monomers, optionally in common with at least one polymerizable comonomer, in presence of inorganic filler is also described as well as continuous foamed polymer production process.
EFFECT: enhanced process efficiency.
4 cl, 2 tbl
