Abstract:The technology and effectiveness of surface modification of expanded polystyrene(EPS) were studied. The effect of particle morphology, size and grading on the mortar's properties was investigated. The comparison of the properties of EPS insulating mortar with that of expanded pearlite insulating mortar was made. EPS insulating mortar has been applied to practical engineering. The result of experiment and engineering use show that the new type of exterior insulating mortar with good construction property, crack resistant and weather resistant can be produced by using waste EPS as lightweight aggregate and appropriate technology.