LAPPEENRANTA-LAHTI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY LUT

LUT School of Energy Systems

Energy Technology
BH20A0200 Laboratory Course of Thermodynamics (Lahti)

Properties of thermal insulation materials

Lahti 30.11.2023

000826763 Liyuan Zhang

000825117 Zihang Guo
000859069 Junhao Jin
ABSTRACT

Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT

LUT School of Energy Systems
Energy Technology

BH20A0200 Laboratory Course of Thermodynamics (Lahti)

Literature work 2023

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Tero Tynjälä

Instructor: D.Sc. Srujal Shah

20 pages, 1 tables, 1 figures

Keywords: thermal insulation materials, organic materials, inorganic materials,

comparison.

This article focuses on the study of thermal insulation materials. According to the
composition of the insulation material, divide them into three major categories which
are organic materials, inorganic materials, composite materials, and analyze them
separately. comparing various aspects of the performance of commonly use thermal
insulation materials, exploring their advantages and disadvantages. Analyze their
applications, Examining possible future development directions.
CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................4

2 MAIN BODY .......................................................................................................................5

2.1 Inorganic thermal insulation materials ................................................................................... 5
2.1.1 Foam concrete ........................................................................................................................ 5
2.1.2 Calcium silicate thermal insulation products ................................................................ 6
2.1.3 Rock wool & Mineral wool .................................................................................................. 7
2.1.4 Expanded perlite .................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.5 Glass wool ................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1.6 Silica aerogel ........................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Organic thermal insulation materials ...................................................................................... 9
2.2.1 Polystyrene particle insulation material .......................................................................... 9
2.2.2 X-EPS fireproof insulation board .................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 Extruded polystyrene insulation board (XPS) ............................................................. 11
2.2.4 Polyurethane rigid foam (PU) .......................................................................................... 12
2.3 Composite thermal insulation materials............................................................................... 12
2.3.1 Metal fluorocarbon insulation composite board ....................................................... 13
2.3.2 Composite rock wool board ............................................................................................. 14
2.3.3 Extruded aluminum foil composite air duct board XPS .......................................... 15
2.3.4 Airgel insulation felt insulation material ....................................................................... 17

3 SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................19

4 REFERENCE .....................................................................................................................20
1 INTRODUCTION

Thermal insulation materials are materials that can block the transfer of heat flow. With
the continuous development of science and technology and the pursuit of energy
efficiency, the research and development of insulation materials have become more and
more important. They are now widely used in a variety of fields. These include, but are
not limited to: architecture, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical
engineering, geological engineering, transport engineering, and so on. In this paper, we
will list several insulation materials (mainly used in architecture). They will be
introduced one by one according to the three main categories: inorganic, organic and
composite materials. Compare and contrast their thermal conductivity, density, and
maximum withstand temperature in a table. Analyze their other irreplaceable qualities.
Explain the need for them in different applications.

One of the data that will not be missing in the determination of the insulation material
is its thermal conductivity, which refers to the heat transferred through an area of 1
square meter in 1 second under the condition of stable heat transfer for a 1-metre-thick
material with a temperature difference of 1 degree (K, °C) on both surfaces, and is
expressed in units of watts/meter-degree (W/(m*K), where K can be replaced by °C).

Fourier's law describes the process of heat conduction and can be used to define thermal
conductivity. The mathematical expression for Fourier's law is as follows:

Q=-k*(dT/dx)

Q is the heat flow through a cross-sectional area A per unit time (in watts, W).
k is s the material's thermal conductivity, or thermal conductivity coefficient (in watts
per meter per degree Celsius, W/(m·°C)).
dT/dx is the temperature gradient, representing the rate of temperature change per unit
length (in degrees Celsius per meter, °C/m).
The negative sign indicates heat flow from a region of higher temperature to a region
of lower temperature. This equation is applicable to one-dimensional heat conduction,
where heat is conducted along one direction (typically the length direction of the
material).

The thermal conductivity of a substance is not static; it is related to many other

conditions, such as pressure in the air, humidity, density of the material, and temperature
differences. Therefore, in this paper, when comparing insulation materials, in addition
to considering the range of thermal conductivity of the materials, the density of these
products is also compared. As well as the maximum temperature at which they can be
used. And the table is shown in the summary section.
2 MAIN BODY

2.1 Inorganic thermal insulation materials

The main advantages of inorganic materials are its fire retardant and flame retardant,
small deformation coefficient; anti-aging, stable performance, good ecological and
environmental protection, does not consume organic energy, the use of waste materials;
and the wall base layer and the plastering layer combined with the better, safe and stable,
long service life, less difficult to construct, lower cost and so on.

The disadvantages are that they have a larger weight capacity, poorer densification and
processability; and most of them have slightly poorer heat preservation and insulation
properties. The following are some common inorganic insulation materials.

2.1.1 Foam concrete

Foam Concrete is a lightweight concrete characterized by a significant presence of

bubbles, making it lighter than traditional concrete. It is produced by introducing tiny
voids formed by bubbles into the concrete, and these bubbles can be generated by
adding foaming agents or foaming agent mixtures to the concrete.

According to a study conducted by Amran et al. Foam concrete have a closed-cell

structure with a thermal conductivity of up to 0.66 W/(m*K) at a density of 1600kg/m3.
In comparison, normal concrete exhibits a higher thermal conductivity of 1.6 W/(m*K)
at a denser 2200kg/m3, representing a 59% increase in thermal conductivity compared
to foamed concrete. It has been observed that thermal conductivity is directly
proportional to density, with the thermal insulation characteristics diminishing as the
density volume increases. In a separate study conducted by Jones and McCarthy, it was
demonstrated that thermal conductivity varies within the range of 0.23 to 0.42 W/(M*k)
at dry densities of 1000 and 1200kg/m3. [1]

Foam concrete is commonly used in lightweight building structures, such as partition

walls, thermal insulation layers, and roof insulation. Due to its lightweight nature, foam
concrete can be employed to fill foundations, reducing the load on the substructure.
Given its excellent thermal insulation properties, foam concrete is widely utilized in the
insulation layers of buildings. Additionally, foam concrete can be used in the production
of lightweight cement products, such as bricks and panels. In areas where reducing road
burden is necessary, foam concrete can serve as a base filling material. It is important
to note that, although foam concrete possesses certain advantages, it also has limitations,
such as lower strength. Therefore, when choosing to use it, a comprehensive
consideration based on specific project requirements is essential.
Materials similar to foam concrete include aerated concrete. There are differences in
the foaming mechanisms between aerated concrete and foam concrete. Foam concrete
generally employs mechanical foaming, while aerated concrete uses chemical foaming.
Foam concrete is a new type of thermal insulation material that is advantageous due to
its waste utilization, environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, low cost, and good
performance. Unlike aerated concrete, foam concrete can naturally cure and harden
without the need for autoclaving. It requires minimal equipment investment, is easy to
produce, and has a simple production process with low overall investment. In contrast,
aerated concrete requires significant equipment investment for autoclaving, resulting in
higher production costs and energy consumption, which is not conducive to
environmental protection and energy conservation. Foam concrete has lower strength
and is suitable for lightweight building structures, whereas aerated concrete has higher
strength and is suitable for load-bearing walls and structures.

2.1.2 Calcium silicate thermal insulation products

Calcium silicate board is a new type of inorganic building material made from silicon-
based materials (mainly composed of SiO2, such as quartz powder, fly ash,
diatomaceous earth, etc.), calcium-based materials (mainly composed of CaO, such as
lime, carbide mud, cement, etc.), reinforced fiber materials, and additives in a certain
proportion. It is produced through processes such as pulping or molding, autoclaving,
and curing. Due to its high strength, lightweight, excellent workability, and non-
combustible properties, calcium silicate board is widely used in ship bulkheads, ceilings,
non-load-bearing walls in construction, and other locations with Fire Protection
Requirements.

According to a research by Ebert et al. The thermal conductivity values of a Calcium

silicate insulation board increase from about 0.045 W/mK at 0.1 × 102 Pa to 0.0826
W/(m*k) at 1000 × 102 Pa at Temperature of 300k. The total thermal conductivity
exhibits a rise from 0.0846 W/(m*k) at 300 K to 0.173 W/(m*k) at 1100 K. Meanwhile,
the relative uncertainty experiences an increase from 3.5% to 7% across the given
temperature range.[2]

Calcium silicate board has a wide range of applications in the field of construction.
Firstly, it is widely used in the construction of walls. Calcium silicate board has high
strength and stability, which can provide good load-bearing capacity and structural
stability in the construction of walls. Secondly, calcium silicate board can also be used
as a material for roofing and flooring. It has high weather resistance and compression
resistance, which can effectively protect the roof and floor structure of the building and
enhance the service life of the building. In addition, calcium silicate board can also be
used for partition walls, sound insulation walls, decorative wall surfaces and other
building components. Its thermal and acoustic insulation properties can effectively
improve the indoor environmental quality and provide a quiet and comfortable space.
2.1.3 Rock wool & Mineral wool

The manufacturing process of rock wool and mineral wool is similar in that the raw
material is melted at high temperatures and then made into an insulating material by
fibreisation. They both have high fire resistance and are suitable for applications
requiring high fire resistance. The main raw material of rock wool is basalt and other
ores. And the raw material of mineral wool can be a variety of ores or slag, such as iron
ore, copper ore, etc. The shape of rock wool fibres is usually long and thin fibres that
are fluffy. Mineral wool fibres are much tighter in structure.

Because of the porous characteristics of rock wool fibers, rock wool not only exhibits
commendable thermal insulation properties but also demonstrates excellent sound
absorption and sound insulation capabilities. With a density range spanning from 80 to
140kg/m³ and a thermal conductivity falling between 0.03 to 0.07 W/(m*k), it serves
as an effective filling material. The highest operational temperature ranges from 600 to
700℃. However, due to its porous and fibrous structure, it has a high degree of water
absorption, which limits its application to a certain extent.

2.1.4 Expanded perlite

Expanded perlite is a white granular or powdery material with a porous structure

obtained from acidic glassy volcanic rocks such as perlite, obsidian, turquoise, etc. by
crushing, sieving, preheating, and calcining and expanding. Expanded perlite expands
at high temperatures (usually 1200°C to 1600°C), increasing its volume and forming a
honeycomb structure. The mechanism of this expansion is due to the evaporation of
water from the rock at high temperatures, resulting in an increase in the gaps between
the rock particles, which causes the overall volume to expand.

Expanded perlite is divided into 70, 100, 150, 200, 250 and other 5 standard according
to the bulk density. According to the use of large particles of expanded perlite (5-30mm),
expanded perlite (2-5mm) and expanded pearl powder. It has light weight, heat
insulation, small thermal conductivity (0.046W/(m*k) ~ 0.076W/(m*k)), density 80-
250kg/m3. Maximum operating temperature of 800℃, fire prevention, acoustic,
corrosion-resistant, non-toxic, odourless, non-irritant, inexpensive and other
characteristics. Its water absorption rate is very high, spherical closed-cell expanded
perlite water absorption rate can be greatly reduced. Can be used directly as thermal
insulation, heat insulation, acoustic materials. And can be used with different adhesives
made of different properties of the products, which is characterised by light weight,
insulation and sound-absorbing properties, and abundant raw materials, low price, safe
to use, easy to construct, can be widely used in petroleum, chemical, electric power,
construction, metallurgy and other industries. It can be widely used in petroleum,
chemical, electric power, construction, metallurgy and other industries. It is used in
agriculture and gardening to retain fertiliser, water, sterility and good air permeability.
2.1.5 Glass wool

Glass wool belongs to a kind of glass fibre, the main material is glass, mix with other
ingredients after high-temperature melting, and then through the centrifugal into a glass
fibre, after a number of procedures to complete the fixed word, shaping, cutting made
of glass wool products.

Glass wool and rock wool fire-resistant temperature and application scenarios are
different, glass wool is generally used for thermal insulation parts of less than 260 ℃,
mostly used for general construction of the top layer of heat preservation, cold
insulation, acoustic, low-temperature pipeline heat preservation and refrigeration heat
preservation warehouse heat insulation.

Glass wool fibres and fibres for the main body of the cross, intertwined with each other,
showing many small gaps. This gap can be seen as a pore, so the glass wool can be
regarded as porous materials, with good insulation and sound absorption properties.
Light weight (density 150-600kg/m3), small thermal conductivity (0.05~0.11 W/(m*k)),
impermeable to moisture, small water absorption rate

Materials similar to glass wool including, for example, foam glass, which is a superior
performance of the insulation (cold), acoustic, moisture-proof, fireproof lightweight
high-strength building materials and decorative materials, the use of temperature range
of minus 196 degrees to 450 degrees, the thermal conductivity of 0.058W/(m*k), the
coefficient of moisture permeability of almost 0. Although the other new thermal
insulation materials are endless, but the foam glass with its permanence, safety, High
reliability and then low heat insulation, moisture-proof engineering, sound absorption
and other fields occupy an increasingly important position. Its production is an example
of the reuse of waste solid materials, an example of environmental protection and
lucrative economic benefits.

2.1.6 Silica aerogel

Aerogel stands out as a highly promising superinsulation material, garnering

widespread attention across diverse sectors such as construction, aviation, apparel,
electronics, and healthcare. This interest is primarily driven by its exceptional
properties of low thermal conductivity, low density, and

The term "aerogel" reflects its production process: it is derived from gels but exhibits
distinctive physical properties due to its dry and rigid structure. Notably, aerogel boasts
a porosity exceeding 90%, with some research indicating it can even reach an
astonishing 99%. This high porosity contributes to its density falling within the range
of 50 to 200 kg/m³.
In comparison to traditional insulation materials, aerogel demonstrates significantly
lower thermal conductivity. According to literature, its thermal conductivity typically
ranges between 0.012 and 0.020 W/(m*k), positioning it as a superior superinsulation
material. Some research suggests that it can achieve an even lower thermal conductivity
of 0.008 W/(m*k).[3]

Figure 1. Silica aerogel

2.2 Organic thermal insulation materials

Features:
Light weight, high density, and good thermal insulation; Absolute dominance. Among
them, EPS and XPS applications account for about 80%; In recent years, the
international building energy field has achieved rapid development and occupied a
dominant position in the thermal insulation field.

2.2.1 Polystyrene particle insulation material

Polystyrene particles are expanded polystyrene foam particles, referred to as expanded

polystyrene particles or polystyrene particles, which are expanded and foamed using
expandable polystyrene resin as the basic raw material. Polystyrene particle insulation
mortar is a slurry composed of mortar and polystyrene particles with a polystyrene
particle content of not less than 80%. Polystyrene particle insulation coating is in the
form of gray dry powder and is produced from various components such as inorganic
gelling materials, high molecular polymers, reinforcement and anti-cracking coatings.
Made by pre-mixing dry mix. Polystyrene particle insulation coating is an insulation
system formed on site. The system consists of an interface layer + rubber powder
polystyrene particle insulation layer + covering mortar composite fiberglass mesh cloth
+ exterior decoration layer, integrating wall insulation and decoration functions.[4]

It is mainly used in thermal insulation slurry mixed with water at construction sites. In
terms of advantages, the polystyrene particle lightweight cushion has a smaller density
and is about 40% lighter than ordinary concrete, which greatly reduces the weight of
the building and the load on the building. It also has better seismic resistance in natural
disasters such as earthquakes. ability. The thermal conductivity of the polystyrene
particle lightweight cushion is small, and the material contains a large number of pores,
which makes it have good thermal insulation properties, which can effectively reduce
indoor temperature fluctuations and reduce energy consumption. The lightweight
cushion of polystyrene particles can absorb sound waves and slow down the
propagation of sound waves, and has good sound insulation effect. It is widely used in
concert halls, recording studios and other places where high-quality sound insulation is
required. Disadvantages: slightly poor strength and poor flame retardant performance.
Due to the material itself, it is a flammable insulation material, and its flame retardant
grade can only reach B2 level. The thermal insulation mortar is mixed with powder at
the construction site and has greater flexibility during construction. Its construction
quality is prone to fluctuations.

When foam particles with a bulk density between 10-20kg/m3 have appropriate
compression force, the strength, heat insulation, and crushing energy consumption can
well meet the thermal requirements of insulating coating materials. The thermal
insulation performance of rubber powder polystyrene particles of the same thickness
gradually increases. The thermal conductivity of rubber powder polystyrene particles
is 0.058W/(m*K). The density of polystyrene particles is generally 0.018-0.022 g/cm³[2
Zhang, Y. & Li, S.Y. 2020, "The application of broken expanded polystyrene particles
in thermal insulation coating material", IOP Conference Series. Materials Science and
Engineering, vol. 770, no. 1.] Its maximum operating temperature reaches 200℃,
which can achieve the effect of refractory materials.

2.2.2 X-EPS fireproof insulation board

X-EPS fireproof insulation board is an insulation material made of expanded

polystyrene foam as raw material and processed to enhance its fireproof performance.
EPS itself is a lightweight, rigid and durable material commonly used in construction
for its insulating properties. This material is the most common material among fireproof
and thermal insulation materials and is widely used.

It is commonly used in building construction, fire barriers, industrial applications,

sound insulation and many other areas. Advantages include good thermal insulation and
energy-saving effect: Class A fireproof EPS insulation board continues the advantages
of traditional EPS foam board with small thermal conductivity and large heat storage
coefficient, and has better thermal insulation effect than inorganic active insulation
mortar, foam glass, etc. on the market. Superior system performance: Class A fireproof
EPS insulation board is a closed and foamed spherical molecular structure, relatively
light weight, good dimensional stability, non-toxic. The system has undergone weather
resistance tests, that is, after 80 high temperature-water spray cycles and 30 times After
the heating-freezing cycle, there was no bubbling, hollowing, or falling off of the facing
layer, and no water seepage cracks occurred. The impact resistance of the tiles reached
10J, and the impact resistance of the coating reached 10J, showing superior
performance.[5]

Excellent cost performance: Class A fire-resistant EPS insulation board retains the
advantages of traditional EPS foam boards of "low thermal conductivity, good
insulation effect, and mature technology", and is low-cost. The price is far lower than
similar Class A flame-retardant insulation materials on the market. , achieving Class A
flame retardant effect at the price of ordinary materials, with superior cost performance
and broad market prospects. However, it also has the disadvantage of pollution. There
is no impact on the environment caused by harmful gas emissions during production,
construction and use; it avoids environmental pollution caused by repeated insulation
and demolition waste; it does not cause threats to the environment and personal safety
caused by the burning of traditional insulation materials. ; No damage caused by flying
dust from mineral wool materials to the human respiratory tract and skin.

The thermal insulation coefficient of EPS is generally between 0.030-0.040W/(m·K).

According to Chinese standards, EPS boards with a bulk density of 18~22kg/m3 should
be used, while EPS boards with a bulk density of 15kg/m³ can only be used in Europe.
Since EPS is a foamed plastic, its density is relatively low, usually between 10-50 kg/m³.
Its maximum operating temperature reaches 75℃.

2.2.3 Extruded polystyrene insulation board (XPS)

Extruded polystyrene insulation board is a board that is continuously extruded and

foamed through a special process. This profile is widely used in building exterior walls,
roofs, floors, floors, and ceilings for thermal insulation. It is a new generation of ideal
new buildings. Material. Compared with traditional EPS, it has great improvements in
compressive strength and thermal insulation.

It is used in profiled steel plate layers, internal and external wall thermal insulation, and
ground insulation. In terms of advantages, XPS extruded boards have a dense surface
layer and an inner layer with a closed cell structure. Its thermal conductivity is much
lower than EPS of the same thickness, so it has better thermal insulation performance
than EPS. For the same building exterior wall, its thickness can be smaller than other
types of insulation materials. XPS extruded board has good compressive strength and
is not easy to crack and damage during construction. This is attributed to the high
compressive strength of XPS extruded board. XPS extruded board has high
performance. Generally, the service life of XPS extruded boards is 60 to 80 years, which
is much higher than that of EPS boards. Disadvantages: XPS extruded board itself has
high strength, making the board fragile and difficult to bend. The price is higher than
EPS system.

The thermal insulation coefficient of XPS is generally between 0.028-0.035W/(m·K).

The density of XPS extruded board for construction is not less than 15kg/m3. If low-
density XPS extruded board is used, the strength will be reduced and it will be easily
deformed. The XPS insulation board formed by a complete closed-cell foam structure
has a density of only 30~38kg/m³; its maximum use temperature can reach 90℃, which
has better use effect than EPS

2.2.4 Polyurethane rigid foam (PU)

As an excellent thermal insulation material, rigid polyurethane foam (PU) has excellent
properties such as light weight, low thermal conductivity, good heat resistance, aging
resistance, easy to bond with other base materials, and does not produce droplets when
burned. It is widely used in the field of thermal insulation of building envelopes to
achieve the purpose of energy saving and consumption reduction. Polyurethane is the
best thermal insulation material in the world.

When the density of polyurethane rigid foam is 35~40Kg/m3, the thermal conductivity
is only 0.018~0.023W/(m·K). It has the lowest thermal conductivity among all current
insulation materials and has superior thermal performance. Under the same insulation
effect, polyurethane The thickness of rigid foam insulation is about half that of EPS. It
has good bonding performance with the base layer and can be directly formed on the
base layer by spraying or pouring. It is not only suitable as building insulation material,
but also can be used as a good waterproof material. The disadvantages of polyurethane
rigid foam are obvious. Its cost is relatively high, and as a chemical mixture product, it
has certain risks. The temperature resistance of polyurethane ranges from minus 20°C
to high temperature 120°C, and the occasional peak can reach 140°C. If the temperature
is raised further, destruction will occur, and the polymer will begin to decompose at
220°C.

2.3 Composite thermal insulation materials

The thermal insulation effect of composite materials is good, and it has many
advantages of inorganic insulation materials: fire retardant, small deformation
coefficient, anti-aging, stable performance, good ecological and environmental
protection, high strength of the insulation layer, long service life, and low construction
difficulty, The project cost is low, its raw materials come from a wide range of sources,
the energy consumption is low, and the ecology and environmental protection are good.
It can save resources and improve the recycling efficiency of resources.
2.3.1 Metal fluorocarbon insulation composite board

Excellent performance of metal insulation decorative panels:

1.Excellent thermal insulation performance: The selection of insulation materials must

not only consider the level of the thermal conductivity system, but also measure the
weight ratio of different insulation materials when reaching the same thermal resistance.
The thicker the insulation material, the more inconvenient the construction. The larger
the bulk density, the greater the structural load. This results in an increase in costs.
Metal thermal insulation decorative panels are lightweight, cost-effective, and have
stable chemical and physical structures, which can ensure long-lasting and stable
thermal insulation performance of the material. It does not pollute the environment and
plays a role in energy conservation and environmental protection.

2.High-strength compression resistance and noise prevention: Because the foam

structure of the metal insulation decorative board is closely connected and the walls are
seamless and thin, its compressive strength is extremely high. Even if it is exposed to
wind and rain for a long time, it can still maintain its strength. It has great carrying
capacity and good resistance to changes. In order to meet customers' architectural
design requirements, the company can produce products with a compressive strength
of 233KPA, which is suitable for long-term load requirements to meet the needs of our
customers. Metal insulation decorative panels are also a panel that can effectively
reduce noise intrusion into your comfortable residential environment.

3.Light in size, high in hardness, and easy to construct. The carved board is made of
galvanized sheet, tinfoil paper, and rigid foamed polystyrene, so it is not easily damaged,
easy to transport, and easy to install. It is used for exterior wall insulation and does not
require indoor decoration. It will affect the carrying capacity.

4.Good water resistance and moisture-proof performance: The outer layer of the metal
insulation decorative board has a galvanized plate, and the plate joints are connected by
gusset plates, which are seamless and thin. There is foam protection of rigid expanded
polystyrene inside, so the water absorption rate is high. Low, moisture-proof and anti-
penetration properties are excellent.

5.Durable, high-quality and environmentally friendly. Future brand metal decorative

insulation panels will not decompose, mildew, or produce harmful substances; they
reduce pollution to the living environment and waste solid scraps can be recycled and
reused. They are high-quality and environmentally friendly. Performance products.
Secondly, the outer layer of galvanized sheet protection has a longer service life.

Metal fluorocarbon thermal insulation composite board---metal carved exterior wall

decorative panel is a decorative panel that has the characteristics of beautiful, light-
weight, fireproof, thermal insulation, and sound insulation metal fluorocarbon thermal
insulation composite board. It has been widely used in the United States and Japan.
Metal carved exterior wall decorative panels are mainly used as environmentally
friendly public toilets, mobile homes, sentry booths, kiosks, doormen and other
building interior and exterior wall materials in China, and are gradually beginning to
be used on high-end villas and building exterior walls. They are in line with national
environmental protection requirements. Ideal building material. Metal carved exterior
wall decorative panels are divided into single-sided and double-sided 2.5cm, 3.5cm,
4.0cm, 4.5cm, 5.0cm, 6.0cm, 7.0cm thick, etc.

Metal fluorocarbon insulation composite panels are usually composite materials

composed of metal panels and polymer foam materials. Specific insulation coefficients,
densities, and maximum service temperatures may vary by manufacturer and product
model. The following is some possible general information, but please note that these
values may not apply to all products:

Thermal insulation coefficient (thermal conductivity): The thermal insulation

performance of metal fluorocarbon insulation composite panels is usually good, and its
thermal conductivity is generally between 0.04W/(m*k), which means that it has lower
thermal conductivity and can provide better thermal insulation effect.

Density: The density of a board will vary depending on the material it is made from and
its thickness. Generally speaking, the density of metal fluorocarbon insulation
composite panels is between 60kg/m³. Lower density usually means the material is
lighter, but can also affect its mechanical properties and strength.

Maximum operating temperature: The maximum operating temperature of metal

fluorocarbon insulation composite panels is usually limited by the metal panels and
polymer foam materials. Generally speaking, this type of insulation material may have
some limitations in high-temperature environments, and the maximum service
temperature of some products can reach 373K.

2.3.2 Composite rock wool board

Introduction to composite rock wool board: Composite rock wool board is a new type
of ship cabin interior material. It, together with calcium silicate board, ultra-fine glass
fiber and other materials, has become the main material for current ship interior
decoration.

Material composition of composite rock wool board: Composite rock wool board is
composed of galvanized steel plate, PVC plastic decorative film, adhesive and rock
wool. Specifically, the composite rock wool board is a kind of two layers of 0.7 mm
thick galvanized steel plates lined with a certain thickness of rock wool. The weight of
each square of the composite rock wool board is 19kg. The connection form between
the boards is the link form of A-type plate and C-type plate.
Features of composite rock wool boards:

1.Appearance quality of composite rock wool board: The surface is smooth and there
must be no scratches, stains or damage that would hinder practical use.
2.Combustion performance of composite rock wool board: non-flammable.
3.Shrinkage temperature of composite rock wool board under thermal load: 643 degrees.
4.Hygroscopicity of composite rock wool board: 3.9%
5.Organic matter content of composite rock wool board: 2.9%

Basic parameters of composite rock wool board:

Composite rock wool board material: color steel plate, rock wool.Apparent density of
composite rock wool board: rock wool 120 (kg/m3).Composite rock wool board
Thermal conductivity: 0.04 (W/(m*K)).Maximum operating temperature of composite
rock wool board: 800 (℃).Composite rock wool boards have been widely used in wall
insulation.

Composite rock wool panels are generally thermal insulation materials composed of
rock wool (mineral wool) and other composite materials. Like metal fluorocarbon
insulation composite panels, the performance parameters of composite rock wool
panels may vary depending on the manufacturer and specific model. The following is
some general information, but please note that these values may not apply to all
products:

Thermal insulation coefficient (thermal conductivity): The thermal conductivity of

composite rock wool boards is generally between 0.050W/(m*K). This range indicates
good insulating properties, but the exact number may vary based on the product's
specific composition and design.

Density: The density of composite rock wool boards is usually between 120kg/m³.
Higher density usually means the material is more compact, which can have an impact
on its mechanical properties and thermal insulation properties.

Maximum operating temperature: The maximum operating temperature of composite

rock wool boards is generally 1073K, but the specific value may vary depending on the
manufacturer and product model. Composite rock wool boards usually show good
stability in high temperature environments.

2.3.3 Extruded aluminum foil composite air duct board XPS

Extruded aluminum foil composite duct board is based on extruded board with
aluminum foil on both sides. Because of its energy-saving, lightweight,
environmentally friendly and economical characteristics, it is favored by the industry
and has been widely used in air-conditioning ducts. Use, its advantages are as follows:

Sound absorption: The board is uniform, fine, and tough, with an obturator rate of more
than 90%. It has excellent sound absorption and insulation properties and can
effectively eliminate pipe vibration and sound transmission.

Environmental protection: The aluminum foil on the inner wall of the air duct is coated
with antibacterial and mildew-proof sound insulation media, which effectively inhibits
the growth and reproduction of various microorganisms and ensures indoor air quality.

Energy saving: The system has extremely low thermal conductivity, which can
effectively reduce the energy loss of the pipe wall, avoid water vapor condensation, and
reduce the operating costs of the air conditioning system.

Durable: The extruded board material has stable physical and chemical properties, does
not fall off or degrade, and has a long service life.

Labor saving: The board is light in texture, easy to install, and the construction period
is short, requiring only 1/5 of the time of traditional iron air ducts.

Economical: The plates have favorable prices, simple design and convenient
construction, thus greatly reducing the overall cost.

Extruded aluminum foil composite duct panels usually include extruded polystyrene
(XPS) foam board and aluminum foil surface. The following is general information, but
specific values may vary by manufacturer and product model:

Thermal insulation coefficient (thermal conductivity): The thermal conductivity of

XPS foam board is usually between 0.035W/(m*K). The addition of aluminum foil can
improve the thermal insulation properties of the material. The thermal insulation
coefficient of the entire extruded aluminum foil composite duct panel will vary
depending on the performance and thickness of the XPS foam board and the thickness
of the aluminum foil.

Density: The density of XPS foam board is usually between 45kg/m³, but the specific
value may also vary depending on the manufacturer. The choice of density is often
influenced by the material's use and performance requirements.

Maximum operating temperature: The maximum operating temperature of XPS foam

board is usually 363K. The aluminum foil surface can improve the heat resistance of
the material, but the actual maximum operating temperature also depends on the
performance of the XPS foam board itself.

2.3.4 GB-aluminum foil composite phenolic foam insulation board

Both sides are embossed coated aluminum foil and the middle is phenolic foam. The
thickness of the phenolic foam in the middle is 20 mm. The thickness of the aluminum
foil is 0.08 mm. Its standard size is 4 meters × 1.2 meters × 20 mm. The properties of
phenolic foam determine its heat resistance. Good, low temperature shrinkage and no
embrittlement, unique flame retardant and dimensional stability, no burning, no
deformation, no dripping under the welding torch flame, only surface carbonization,
long-term use temperature can reach 150℃, instantaneous temperature is as high as
200℃.

Features:

1.Adopt glue-free production process to increase the strength of the board - the
company adopts glue-free production process: using coated aluminum foil, directly into
the molding machine, using the hard crust naturally formed by phenolic resin during
the foaming process to bond the aluminum foil to the foam.

2.Corrosion resistance and long service life - the aluminum foil we use is double-sided
coated, and the coating material is modified acrylic. The first function of the coating is
to firmly bond the aluminum foil to the phenolic foam, and secondly to protect the
aluminum foil from corrosion by acids, alkalis, and salts, thereby increasing the service
life of the air duct.

GB-aluminum foil composite phenolic foam insulation board is commonly used in

construction and industrial applications and has good thermal insulation properties. The
following are general reference values:

Adiabatic coefficient (thermal conductivity): approximately 0.03W/(m*K). The lower

this value, the better the insulation performance.

Density: Usually between 80kg/m³, the specific density depends on the product model
and use. Lower density foams are generally lighter but may have relatively poor
insulating properties.

Maximum use temperature: Phenolic foam usually has high temperature resistance, and
the maximum use temperature is generally 473K. Specific values will also vary
depending on the manufacturer and product model.

2.3.5 Airgel insulation felt insulation material

Airgel insulation felt is a flexible insulation felt made by combining nano-silica airgel
and inorganic fiber materials through a special process. Aerogel is the solid material
with the lowest thermal conductivity currently known. Its special structure makes
FMA650 have superior properties such as low thermal conductivity, waterproof and
fireproof, and green and environmentally friendly. It is the best choice for pipes and
equipment insulation materials, and is revolutionary for thermal insulation and energy
saving.

The remarkable properties of aerogels have been studied for decades. Although airgel
has excellent thermal insulation properties, it has not been practically used for a long
time due to its extreme brittleness. 70 years later, the American Aspen Airgel Company
developed an airgel insulation product that was both technically and economically
feasible. The company uses a unique process to combine airgel with a carrier (fiber felt)
to form a flexible and durable high-performance sheet insulation felt, which it has
successfully commercialized.

The main performance characteristics of airgel thermal insulation felt insulation

materials:

1.Thermal insulation: The long-term use temperature reaches 650°C, the thermal
insulation effect is 3 to 5 times that of traditional materials, and it is highly efficient and
energy-saving.
2.Durable heat resistance: The unique nano-three-dimensional network structure
provides excellent high-temperature stability, avoiding the deformation accumulation
and sharp decline in thermal insulation performance of traditional materials due to
vibration.
3.Thinner insulation thickness: Only 1/2 to 1/5 of the thickness can achieve the same
insulation effect as traditional materials, with smaller heat loss and high space
utilization.
4.Compression, tensile and crack resistance: It has good flexibility, tensile and
compressive strength, can resist rough construction, and will not settle or deform after
long-term use.
5.Waterproof: It has excellent overall waterproof performance, with a hydrophobic rate
of ≥99%, which isolates liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through.
6.Sound insulation and earthquake resistance: While insulating equipment, it can also
perform functions such as sound absorption, noise reduction, and vibration buffering to
improve environmental quality and protect equipment.
7.Safety and environmental protection: It does not contain harmful substances to the
human body, and the content of soluble chloride ions is very small.
8.Easy to construct: light and convenient, easy to cut, high construction efficiency,
suitable for various complex shape requirements.

Aerogel is a lightweight porous material with excellent thermal insulation properties.

The following are general performance parameters of airgel insulation blanket
insulation materials. Specific values may vary depending on the manufacturer and
product model:

Thermal conductivity coefficient (thermal conductivity coefficient): The thermal

conductivity coefficient of airgel is very low, generally between 0.03W/(m*K). This
makes aerogel an excellent thermal insulation material for applications requiring
efficient insulation.

Density: The density of aerogel is usually very low, generally between 300kg/m³. The
low density helps reduce the weight of the material itself and provides better insulation
properties.

Maximum use temperature: The maximum use temperature of aerogel is usually 923K.
In high-temperature environments, some specially designed aerogel products may be
able to provide greater temperature stability.

3 SUMMARY

thermal Density (kg/m³) Maximum

conductivity operating
(W/(m*K)) temperature (K)
Foam concrete 0.082-0.186 300-500 800
Calcium silicate 0.17 500 1100
thermal insulation
products
Rock wool & 0.03-0.07 80-140 1000
Mineral wool
Expanded perlite 0.046-0.076 80-250 1000
Glass wool 0.05-0.11 150-600 600

Silica aerogel 0.015-0.025 50-100 700

Polystyrene 0.58 18-22 473

particle insulation
material
X-EPS fireproof 0.03-0.04 18-22 348
insulation board
Extruded 0.028-0.035 30-38 363
polystyrene
insulation board
(XPS)
Airgel insulation 0.018-0.023 35-40 413
felt insulation
material
Metal fluorocarbon 0.04 60 373
 insulation
composite board
Composite rock 0.05 120 1073
wool board
Extruded 0.035 45 363
aluminum foil
composite air duct
board XPS
GB-aluminum foil 0.03 80 473
composite phenolic
foam insulation
board
Airgel insulation 0.03 300 923
felt insulation
material
Table1. Thermal conductivity, density and Maximum operating temperature of the
materials.

4 REFERENCE

[1] Amran, Y.H. Mugahed, Nima Farzadnia, and A.A. Abang Ali. “Properties and
Applications of Foamed Concrete; a Review.” Construction & building materials 101
(2015): 990–1005. Web.

[2] Ebert, Hans-Peter, and Frank Hemberger. “Intercomparison of Thermal

Conductivity Measurements on a Calcium Silicate Insulation Material.” International
journal of thermal sciences 50.10 (2011): 1838–1844. Web.

[3] Buratti, Cinzia. Translucent Silica Aerogel : Properties, Preparation and

Applications. Ed. Cinzia Buratti. New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2019. Print.

[4]https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E8%81%9A%E8%8B%AF%E9%A2%97%E7%B2
%92%E4%BF%9D%E6%B8%A9%E6%B6%82%E6%96%99/8186750?fr=ge_ala

[5] 郑杨梅,田艳,秦子鹏,等.EPS 板-玄武岩纤维中空织物复合保温板力学性能试

验[J].塑料, 2018, 47(6):4.DOI:CNKI:SUN:SULA.0.2018-06-015.]