An expandable polystyrene bead production method, which is a two-step
process, is disclosed. The method includes obtaining suspendable,
homogenous micropellets from a mixed composition prepared by mixing
graphite particles with a styrene-based resin and extruding the
composition, and carrying out seed polymerization by suspending
graphite-containing micropellets in water and adding a styrene-based
monomer and an aromatic hydrocarbon having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and
impregnation by adding a blowing agent. The produced expandable
polystyrene beads, which contain graphite particles, are considerably low
in thermal conductivity. In addition, the expandable polystyrene beads
exhibit a little change in the thermal conductivity over time due to the
use of the graphite particles, so that the heat insulation property can
be sustained for an extended period of time.