The present invention relates to a foam reduction agent comprising low
vapor pressure dibasic esters and a method of using a liquid to contact
with polystyrene foam wherein the higher boiling temperature of the low
vapor pressure dibasic esters and contact with the liquid provides a
volume reduction process and less evaporation loss as well as safer
transportation of the chemicals and the polystyrene in its reduced state.
The resulting reduced sludge is also recyclable to superior quality raw
polystyrene foam beads and the reduction agents are recoverable for
future use. The resulting sludge also has unexpected beneficial uses
heretofore unknown as a waterproofing agent, a paint stripper, as a
graffiti remover, as an extender of the life of concrete, as an adhesive
remover, as a stain remover, as a scuff mark remover, and as a general
degreaser.