Overview and characteristics of thermal insulation used in construction

The existing types of insulating materials are different. They can be categorized according to their nature into four main types. Insulating materials are all united by a low coefficient of thermal conductivity and hence the ability to protect from heat or cold environment and

by a weight and a moisture content reduced. They can be poured "overcoat" inside or outside, or in the air gap and divide, according to their origin, into four categories: synthetic insulation, mineral insulation, insulating vegetable and animal origin.

SYNTHETIC INSULATION

Among the synthetic insulation are polyethylene, polystyrene and extruded, cellular glass, mineral wool and various foams on the market. The thermal insulating synthetic type, can be recycled several times. In particular, the recycled EPS can be reused to create new blocks and slabs, easing and insulate light concrete and mortars, transformed into compact polystyrene beads and used crutches to get to-energy (calorific value of EPS of about 10,000 kcal / kg ).

INSULATION OF MINERAL ORIGIN

The insulation of mineral origin are perfect in the event that the building in question has trouble moisture and infiltration. Belong to this type insulation such as expanded clay (thermal conductivity between 0.09 and 0.12 W / mK), the vermiculite (0.077 to 0.082 W / mK) and perlite (thermal conductivity approximately equal to 0.066 W / mK ).

 

INSULATION OF PLANT ORIGIN

The insulating plants are those derived from wood or cellulose. Some examples? Expanded cork (thermal conductivity between 0.043 and 0.052 W / mK), crushed wood wool and inorganic binders (0.085 to 0.11 W / mK), crushed slice of wood and inorganic binders (0,12-0,15 W / mK), particle board of wood, pressed or extruded (0.10 to 0.17 W / mK), natural wood, hard or extra-hard (from 0.14 to 0.18 W / mK). Among these the most common is definitely the cork, well known for its durability, hygiene, flammability and recyclability.

 

INSULATION OF ANIMAL ORIGIN

The insulation of animal origin are those derived, for example, from the fleece of sheep, such as wool, used mainly in the cavities and sold in rolls. Wool is a 100% recyclable material, which can protect against both heat and cold, used because it is able to absorb moisture and release it gradually, without getting wet.

 

05/11/2010

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Source:

Italian version of ReteIngegneri.it