(EP981574-A1)      Expandable particles of styrene polymer (EPS) containing homogeneously distributed graphite particles (GP), which can be processed to foam with a density of not more than 35 g/l.    Also claimed are (i) production of EPS by combining polystyrene (PS) with GP and a blowing agent; (ii) production of PS foam by expanding carbon particle containing EPS to a density 35 g/l; (iii) PS foam containing 0.05-25 wt% GP, with a density 35 g/l and a low thermal conductivity which meets the requirements of Class 035 (DIN 18164, Part 1, Table 4); and (iv) self extinguishing PS foam containing GP and an organic bromine compound as fire retardant.    USE -   The PS foam made from these EPS beads is used for thermal insulation of buildings, parts of buildings, machines and domestic appliances, and as packaging material (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   EPS beads with good physical properties, good (clean) processing properties and in particular very good fire resistance, which can be converted into low density PS foam with a low thermal conductivity without loss of blowing agent or adverse effects on cell structure.    (EP981574-B1)      Expandable particles of styrene polymer (EPS) containing homogeneously distributed graphite particles (GP), which can be processed to foam with a density of not more than 35 g/l.    Also claimed are (i) production of EPS by combining polystyrene (PS) with GP and a blowing agent; (ii) production of PS foam by expanding carbon particle containing EPS to a density 35 g/l; (iii) PS foam containing 0.05-25 wt% GP, with a density 35 g/l and a low thermal conductivity which meets the requirements of Class 035 (DIN 18164, Part 1, Table 4); and (iv) self extinguishing PS foam containing GP and an organic bromine compound as fire retardant.    USE -   The PS foam made from these EPS beads is used for thermal insulation of buildings, parts of buildings, machines and domestic appliances, and as packaging material (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   EPS beads with good physical properties, good (clean) processing properties and in particular very good fire resistance, which can be converted into low density PS foam with a low thermal conductivity without loss of blowing agent or adverse effects on cell structure.