I would like to continue discussing Ukrainian hives, specifically those made from foam plastic

I would like to continue discussing Ukrainian hives, specifically those made from foam plastic. This material has been used abroad for about fifty years, and our magazine has featured several articles on it. Intrigued by the concept, I constructed around fifteen ten-frame Ukrainian hives using this remarkable material, which is three to four times lighter and warmer than wood. I utilized PVC-1 foam boards with a thickness of 50 mm. Consultations with the sanitary-epidemiological service revealed no environmental concerns regarding its use. Key characteristics from D.A. Kurbatov's reference (1985) include: grade — PVC-1; density — 0.05–0.22 kg/dm³; water absorption — 0.3 kg/m² over 30 days; oil resistance — stable; flammability — self-extinguishing; and temperature softening — 120°C. This foam also boasts high mechanical strength.