Phenolic foam insulation panel

Specifications

Phenolic foam insulation panel

PHENOLIC FOAM PRE-INSULATED BOARD

Phenolic Foam Panels form a growing range of rigid insulation boards currently being used in the building industry.

The use of phenolic foam panels and boards is growing worldwide in response to building code demands for superior rates of thermal conductivity and higher levels of fire resistance.

Phenolic foam panels can be used as an insulating barrier in roofing, wall cavities, as an external or internal wall board, for floor insulation and as a sarking board.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR PHENOLIC FOAM INSULATING PANELS

Advantages of phenolic foam panels over traditional insulation products include their;

Thermal performance

Phenolic Foam panels have the lowest thermal conductivity of any insulation material available. This is mainly a function of the fine closed cell structure of phenolic foam as well as the low thermal conductivity of the gases encapsulated within the cells.

Phenolic Foam Composite Panels have a thermal conductivity rating of 0.02W/m.K. This is a thermal conductivity of around 20% better than the next best product available - extruded polystyrene.

The superior thermal conductivity of phenolic foam panels allows for the use of thinner panels where saving space is a requirement.

The integrity of thermal performance is also guaranteed at installation and is maintained over time as no compression of the panels will take place nor will they settle or depress over time like soft insulation products.

Fire performance

The fire resistance and performance of phenolic foam products is excellent.

Phenolic foam combines low flame spread, low smoke emission and low levels of toxic gas emission in the one product.

In addition there is no dripping of foam during combustion. The honey comb structure of phenolic panels will be retained after combustion to temperatures of up to 300.C and beyond.

In composite form, and where phenolic foam is protected from direct exposure to flame, panels will maintain their integrity for long periods in the presence of fire.

Phenolic foam panels have been certified to meet UK Class 0 fire certification per copy of this report.

Structural strength

Phenolic foams have a high strength to density ratio as well as a good compressive strength. Phenolic foam composite panels have a density of 55kg/m3 and although strong are not structurally supporting.

When used in a structural (supporting) application phenolic  foam is typically used in densities of 80kg/m3 and above. Panels of this density will support up to 64 tonnes /m2.

Resistance to chemicals and solvents

Phenolic foam is unaffected by oils, fuels, turpentine, benzene and ethanol. It is also resistant to solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and carbon tetra chloride. It is unaffected by products including saturated saline, olive oil and 10% sulphuric acid.

High concentrations of some acids and alkalis will cause swelling and or discoloration.

As a result of its inert and stable nature, and also because it contains no fibers, phenolic foam has been used successfully in the food industry and in areas of exposure to food preparation

Moisture resistance

Phenolic foam can be used in insulation systems where moisture resistance is a key issue.

The reasons for its excellent performance are:

Phenolic foam has a low water vapour permeance and is therefore highly resistant to the passage of water vapour

Phenolic foam has low water absorption which takes place predominantly in the cut/broken surface cells of the foam

Phenolic foam is non-wicking. This means that if water enters the insulation system due to the vapour barrier becoming punctured, any moisture ingress is limited and confined to the punctured area. This ensures moisture does not build up and compromise the whole system.

Environmental benefits

Phenolic foam has a high insulation value per unit of energy expended in its production. Over the long term this quality compounds the environmental benefit of using phenolic foam.

In addition, phenolic foam panels are CFC and HCFC free.

Comparison of combustion test

1. XPS Extruded sheet

Fire breaking out within 3 seconds, generating huge amount of smoke, burning through 6 seconds later, generating droplets

2. EPS polystyrene board

Fire breaking out within 3 seconds, generating huge amount of smoke, burning through 6 seconds later, generating droplets 

3. PU polyurethane board

Fire breaking out within 3 seconds, generating huge amount of smoke, bruning after one minute, no penetration

4. Phenolic foam board

Under condition of 1400 celsius degree high temperature, with flame spraying,

No burning after 10 minutes, micro carbonization on surface.