During high summer temperatures, the storage of graphite polystyrene board requires careful attention to the interaction between its material properties and the environment. The core risk stems from the black board's strong absorption of sunlight and the resulting structural deformation caused by high temperatures. Due to the addition of graphite, graphite polystyrene board has a dark surface, absorbing heat much more efficiently than ordinary white polystyrene board in direct sunlight. Experiments have shown that under the same conditions, the surface temperature of ordinary polystyrene board only rises to around 40°C, while graphite polystyrene board can rapidly heat up to over 140°C under the concentrated sunlight effect, far exceeding its critical shrinkage point of 80°C, potentially causing melting, deformation, and even structural failure. Therefore, avoiding direct sunlight and localized heat accumulation is a top priority during storage.
The storage site selection must consider both shade and ventilation. Indoor warehouses are preferred. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, a non-combustible awning or high-density shade netting should be used to reduce sunlight penetration. Furthermore, avoid using reflective materials such as galvanized iron sheets and glass above or around the board to prevent the concave mirror effect that causes localized heat buildup. Warehouse design should prioritize air circulation. By increasing ventilation openings, installing double roofs, or using indirect ventilation holes, indoor temperatures can be lowered and moisture accumulation can be reduced. This prevents high temperatures and humidity from causing internal cell collapse in the boards, which could compromise their insulation performance.
Stacking methods directly impact the stability and safety of the boards. Graphite polystyrene board should be stacked horizontally to avoid vertical stacking that could compress and deform the bottom sheets. Single stacks should be no higher than 1.5 meters, and passages of at least 0.5 meters should be left between stacks to facilitate air circulation and routine inspections. Stacking areas should be away from sources of fire, heat, and oxidizing agents. Storage with acids or flammable liquids is prohibited to prevent chemical corrosion or the spread of fire, leading to chain reactions. Furthermore, fire prevention signs should be posted in stacking areas, and emergency equipment such as dry powder fire extinguishers and fire sand should be provided. Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure the effectiveness of these equipment.
Carefully select packaging and covering materials. Avoid using transparent plastic film or tape to directly wrap boards. These materials, due to their translucency or uneven surfaces, can cause a concentrated light effect, increasing the risk of localized overheating. If dust or moisture protection is required, cover with white or silver reflective material to reduce sunlight absorption and heat conduction efficiency. Opened sheets should be resealed to prevent moisture intrusion, which could damage the cell structure and affect subsequent performance.
Temperature and humidity monitoring is critical to ensuring sheet quality. In summer, the warehouse temperature should be kept below 30°C. Cooling can be achieved through air conditioning, exhaust fans, or floor sprinklers. Humidity should be maintained below 85% to prevent dimensional changes due to moisture absorption, expansion, or condensation. It is recommended to record temperature and humidity data daily. If any abnormalities are detected, the storage environment should be adjusted or the sheets should be moved immediately. For sheets stored for long periods of time, regular inspections of their appearance and performance are required to ensure they are free of deformation, cracking, or loss of thermal insulation.
Construction stocking strategies must be coordinated with storage management. Before summer construction, appropriate stocking should be prepared based on the project schedule to avoid large backlogs of sheets on the construction site and minimize the amount of time they are stored outdoors. For sheets already delivered to the site, a "first-in, first-out" principle should be followed, prioritizing older sheets to prevent performance degradation due to prolonged storage. Storage requirements must also be communicated with the construction company to ensure the boards are protected from mechanical damage and direct sunlight during transportation and lifting.
Personnel training and emergency management are the final line of defense in risk prevention and control. Warehouse managers must receive professional training and be familiar with the characteristics, storage requirements, and emergency response procedures of graphite polystyrene board. They must regularly inspect the storage environment and the condition of the boards to promptly identify and eliminate potential hazards. If an incident such as board melting or fire occurs, the emergency plan must be immediately activated: isolate the fire source, evacuate personnel, and use appropriate firefighting equipment to prevent the incident from escalating.
