Sandwich panels: types of insulation cores

In the course of construction, special attention should be paid to selection of thermal insulation material. And the good news is that the market has various solutions to offer. Choice of a high-quality material for thermal insulation is based on several important criteria, such as: resistance to frost, fire and temperature changes; moisture absorption and vapor permeability. etc. Today sandwich panels dominate the market of thermal insulation materials and for a reason. Various insulating cores provide sandwich panels with varios special properties. Nowadays three core types are especially popular: foamed polystyrene, polyurethane and mineral wool.

Foamed polystyrene

Foamed polystyrene is the undoubted leader among the insulation cores available in the market. Due to different manufacturing methods it’s divisible into two types - expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS).

Foamed polystyrene is a high-strength and, above all, durable material that can be used as a structural component.

Foamed polystyrene is immune to effects of moisture and changing temperature. Under such influence dimensions and properties of the material remain unchanged.

Moreover, foamed polystyrene is environment-friendly. But the material’s flammability has been its shortcoming for quite a long time. However, to date, only inflammable and self-extinguishing types of this material are used as cores for sandwich panels.

Polyurethane foam

Now let’s take a look at the polyurethane foam. This material is especially effective for thermal insulation and it is therefore massively used in construction of freezing, chilling and other similar chambers.

Sandwich panels with polyurethane foam core are almost impossible to damage, for the material is highly resistant to corrosion and chemicals.

Thanks to the technological characteristics of polyurethane foam sandwich panels, they are much thinner and lighter than, for example, mineral wool panels with the same insulation properties. That’s why these panels are easier to transport and install, which allows to cut construction costs.

Mineral wool

The last, but not the least is mineral wool. The undoubted advantage of this material is its inflammability, it completely conforms with stringent fire safety requirements.

Besides, stone fiber is famous for its excellent acoustic insulation properties. So, what type of sandwich panel core is better? An insulation material should be selected on a case-by-case basis. Our skilled experts are ready to help you to choose the best core material for your particular project.

Comparison of various construction materials with the same thermal conduction: