Foamed polyethylene. Non-crosslinked polyethylene foam NPE for home insulation Foamed polyethylene harm

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands never get bored!

Content

Polyethylene products are widely used in construction and industry. One of the most popular is foamed polyethylene - sheet insulator, in the form of pipes or plates, a few millimeters of which will replace centimeters of any other materials. It is manufactured in the form of cross-linked (PPE) and non-cross-linked (NPE) foam, but always has increased insulating characteristics.

What is foamed polyethylene

This material is a product that has undergone special treatment with hydrocarbons. It is foamed during the production process and a group of materials with a porous structure is obtained, which is called polyethylene foam. Manufacturing takes place different ways. VPE is available in several forms and with different coatings, including self-adhesive and metallized. The material is used as:

insulator against steam, heat and noise;
sound insulator for military equipment, in the automotive industry;
seal for individual elements;
forming agent for sports equipment;
auxiliary means for transporting goods;
packaging material.

Characteristics

The ideal means of insulation incorporates useful physical and Chemical properties. Characteristics of foamed polyethylene - this is a set useful qualities, which the main material has, elastic additives included in its composition, light foamed substances. If the product is manufactured according to GOST, it has:

strength and elasticity at temperatures from -60 ° C to +102 ° C;
water absorption 1-3.5%;
specific heat capacity 0.038-0.039 W/m*K;
resistance to chemical environments;
low thermal conductivity;
vapor permeability coefficient – 0.01 mg (m*h*Pa);
does not deteriorate and does not rot in natural environment;
absorbs sounds;
service life up to 100 years;
non-toxic;
convenient to use.

Thermal insulation made of polyethylene foam

Keeping warm and protecting from freezing is a function that polyethylene foam does very well. It is made from:

Insulation under laminate. It is available in the form polyethylene film. Maximum thickness 60 mm. Rolls reach 1 meter wide.
Insulation for pipes, regular or foil. Available in lengths different thicknesses. Foiling can be one-sided or two-sided.
Rolls and mats. This is the same product, differing only in size. This type of polyethylene foam insulation is used for walls, heating systems, water supply. It reaches up to 1 meter in thickness.
Harnesses, tapes. They are thick ropes that fill the cracks.

Insulation for pipes made of foamed polyethylene

The Energoflex company produces foam insulation for covering pipes for various purposes. Products can be used indoors and outdoors. Works well as a heat and sound insulator:

model name: Energoflex Ø22 x 9;
price: 23 rubles;
characteristics: material – foil-isolon, length – 2 meters, insulation thickness – 9 mm;
pros: durable and reliable;
cons: not found.

When it is necessary to lay insulation in several layers, the most suitable material is Energoflex Super. It is characterized by increased strength and protects against external influences:

model name: Energoflex Super 18/9;
price: 22 rubles;
characteristics: designed for multilayer insulation, diameter – 18 mm, tube thickness – 9 mm;
advantages: high wear resistance to chemical influences;
cons: not found.

Another thermal insulation for pipes made of foamed polyethylene from the same manufacturer is Energoflex Super Protect. It protects pipe systems that are located inside floors and walls:

model name: Energoflex Super Protect-Blue 15/4;
price: 17 rubles;
characteristics: without technical cut, low flammability;
pros: covered with a special base that increases the strength of the product;
cons: not found.

Foamed polyethylene foil

If you need reflective insulation, you can use thermal insulation material Tepofol. It protects against all types of heat loss:

model name: NPE A-10 foil;
price: RUB 1,175;
characteristics: length – 15 meters, width – 1.2 meters, thickness – 10 mm; weight – 6 kg;
pros: high thermal reflection (up to 97%);
cons: not found.

Another foamed polyethylene with foil from a Russian manufacturer is Maxizol. It is made of a material with a non-crosslinked molecular structure:

model name: Maxizol AL-08;
price: 57 rub.;
characteristics: thickness – 8 mm, width – 1.2 m;
advantages: small thickness with high heat transfer;
cons: not found.

Thin, flexible and environmentally friendly foil polyethylene foam Penofol can be used in the construction of buildings. Due to its minimal thickness, it provides effective thermal insulation without reducing the volume of the room:

price: RUB 1,518;
characteristics: length – 15 meters, width – 1.2 m, thickness – 10 mm;
pros: has a closed bubble system, making it a good barrier to steam;
cons: for internal use only.

Foamed polyethylene in rolls

The Russian network of companies "Trade Network Penofol" produces high-quality foamed polyethylene foam. It is an environmentally friendly product and reliably protects the room from steam, temperature changes, and radiation. There are several types with different markings:

model name: Penofol A-10;
price: RUB 1,518;
characteristics: roll – 18 m2, flammability G1, thermal conductivity 0.049 W/(m °C), length – 15000 mm, width – 1200 mm, thickness – 10 mm;
advantages: environmental safety;
cons: not found.

Another type of product from this manufacturer is suitable for those who need double insulation. Penofol B is covered with foil on both sides:

model name: Penofol B;
price: RUR 2,299.96;
characteristics: dimensions – 1.2x30 m, 36 m2, foil thickness – 14 microns;
pluses: double-sided insulation;
cons: not found.

The next foam film is different in that it is covered with foil on one side and glue is applied to it on the other. Self-adhesive material is convenient for covering walls:

model name: Penofol 10.0;
price: RUB 1,945;
characteristics: material – foil-isolon, used for walls;
pros: self-adhesive film;
cons: not found.

Foamed polyethylene mats

The Russian company Izokom produces mats made of polyethylene foam. They are used for insulation and insulation. Suitable for roofs, basements, sidewalks and blind areas. They insulate structures located in the ground:

model name: Isocom M 50;
price: 4,000 rub.;
characteristics: size – 50x1000x2000 mm, 10 sq. m, produced by thermal connection of layers, shape - sandwich panel;
pros: provides protection for places where increased insulation is needed;
cons: not found.

Isolon material performs well as soundproofing gaskets. It can be used outdoors and indoors, but must be protected from sunlight:

model name: Isolon-block 100;
price: RUB 1,350;
characteristics: sheet dimensions – 0.95x0.95 m, thickness – 100 mm;
advantages: allows you to level surfaces;
cons: not found.

Modern insulation material is compression mats. They are mainly used for large pipelines and serve for heat and sound insulation:

Model name: Compression mat 15;
price: 237 rub.;
characteristics: length – 2 m, width – 1 m, thickness – 15 mm;
pros: can serve as a shock-absorbing layer;
cons: not found.

Foamed polyethylene harness

In construction and repair work Often used is such a thing as a tourniquet made of foamed polyethylene. The model from Penoterm has good protective characteristics and durability:

model name: Porilex NPE 20*3;
price: RUR 2,223;
characteristics: packaging contains 450 meters; diameter – 20 mm, length – 3 meters; used for insulating joints and seams;
advantages: reliably protects against moisture and steam;
cons: not found.

Another analogue from the same manufacturer is suitable for seams in openings of windows and doors, masonry work. This product is environmentally friendly and durable:

model name: Porilex NPE 50*3;
price: RUR 4,009;
characteristics: packaging – 180 meters, diameter – 50 mm, length – 3 meters;
pros: suitable for seams;
cons: not found.

The Vilaterm brand offers much larger diameter cords that are suitable for indoor and outdoor use:

model name: Vilaterm;
price: 54 rub.;
characteristics: length – 3000 mm, diameter – 60 mm, color – white;
pros: creates excellent wind protection;
cons: not found.

How to choose foamed polyethylene

To choose the right polyethylene foam, you need to proceed from the area in which you plan to use it. If you have to insulate the premises from the inside, choose foil products. Double foil is suitable for attics and lofts. Rolls that can be easily laid under laminate and other types of floor coverings will help make the floor warmer. Products with markings are produced especially for heated floors. For heating and sewage systems, it is better to buy foamed polyethylene in pipes and shells. Doors and windows are insulated with bundles.

The main building materials from which structures are constructed and coverings are laid cannot always perform insulating tasks. The same brick walls or a concrete screed foundation requires mandatory covering with protective raw materials. Such barriers are needed to protect against cold, moisture and noise. One of the most affordable insulators is polyethylene foam foil. Its main task is insulation. This coating is used as a universal insulating barrier in private homes and businesses.

General information about insulation

Although in Lately The construction market is more focused on environmentally friendly natural raw materials, and there are exceptions. These include foamed polyethylene. The material cannot be called toxic or dangerous. However, synthetic insulators are still not recommended for residential premises. But in terms of technical and operational qualities, such coatings show their best sides.

Practicality and versatility are the main advantages that made foiled polyethylene foam popular. The price of the insulator is about 1-1.5 thousand rubles. per 15-meter roll, also contributes to its distribution. By the way, natural insulation materials are much more expensive and cannot always provide the same efficiency in terms of insulation. In addition to rolls, the material is also available on the market in the form of panels and bundles, which expands the installation possibilities.

Cross-linked polyethylene manufacturing technology

This material can be obtained by two methods - radiation and chemical. Let's talk about them in more detail. The chemically cross-linked foam material is produced under high pressure. During the manufacturing process, special antioxidants and reaction stimulants are added to the composition. Next, the base for polyethylene in a thermoplastic state is straightened and formed in accordance with the requirements for the finished product.

In turn, reactors in the form of peroxides act to create cross-links and disintegrate under the influence of high temperatures. In addition, cross-linked polyethylene foam foil is exposed to hydrogen atoms by unsaturated carbon elements. This process makes it possible to form a spatial structure of bound radical elements, which in practical use results in high tensile strength of the material. In the application of radiation technology, the connection of molecules occurs not under the influence of a chemical reaction, but under conditions of a directed beam of energy.

Method for making non-crosslinked polyethylene

Non-crosslinked polyethylene-based insulation is formed by foaming the base with freons or propane-butane mass. The technical support of the process requires the use of a special extruder. Under pressure, the installation supplies a melt of polyethylene and mixes it with a foam reagent, which is a propane-butane mixture. At the moment of exit from the extruder, the external pressure decreases, resulting in gas expansion. As a result, non-crosslinked foil-foiled polyethylene is formed. Next, the material finally hardens and takes the form of a commodity delivery.

Main characteristics of the material

When selecting a material for insulating structural parts of a house, you should focus on the requirements for them in terms of operational properties. Next, based on the conclusions drawn, you can begin to analyze the target material from the point of view of characteristics. The main parameters are width and thickness. As for roll insulators of this type, they have a thickness of 5-10 mm, and the width can reach 1200 mm.

You should also pay attention to the density of the structure that forms the foamed polyethylene foil. Load characteristics for this indicator average 20-30 kg/m3. From the point of view of the insulating function, the thermal conductivity indicator is also paramount. It averages 0.04 W/(m*S). It cannot be said that this is an outstanding value of the heat-saving function, but by average standards, compared to other insulators, the indicator is not bad. In any case, complex finishing of the house with polyethylene foam is more likely to cope with the tasks assigned to it.

Performance properties

The insulation has high elasticity and elasticity, which makes it possible to use it in the most difficult areas. Thus, individual fragments can be placed in the joints between the coating elements. In addition to its thermal insulation function, the material also protects the object from noise and steam penetration. We can say that this is a complex insulator without a specific specialization.

However, unlike many artificial insulation materials, foil-clad polyethylene foam does not burn, which increases its ability to resist fires. When exposed to high temperatures, the insulator does not deform and retains its original structure. Separately, it is worth noting the mechanical stability. In this case, we are talking about a foil modification, which has a metallized protective coating. The layer just protects functional basis insulation from physical damage.

Types of insulator

The technical qualities of the material and functional features vary depending on the brand. For example, insulation marked “A” is provided with a layer of foil on only one side. Therefore, it is advisable to use it in combination with other insulators. Conversely, the “B” series modification is a material with a double-sided foil coating. This the best option. Accordingly, insulation with foil-foamed polyethylene foam of this type is performed as a standalone insulation without the addition of other insulators.

The “C” modification is also quite popular, which is also distinguished by the presence of two functional sides, but with different properties. One is provided with metallized protective layer, and the other with self-adhesive adhesive treatment. There are other versions of insulation that differ in the characteristics of the coatings.

Areas of application of the material

The insulator is mainly used in insulation of houses, bathhouses and pipelines. In particular, builders finish walls, partitions, interfloor ceilings and openings, thus reducing the number of The insulator also protects attics, roofing and floor coverings from unwanted heat loss.

For bath rooms, it is preferable to use thick foamed polyethylene foil - 10 mm, for example, will be enough to seal window openings and the roof of the building. The same parameters should be selected when working with pipelines. Especially in outdoor conditions, the winding of communication elements should be done with material with increased protective properties and dense structure.

Laying the material

Installation of the coating is carried out using adhesive compositions. Apply the product to the pre-treated surface, and then fix the insulator evenly. There are two aspects that can change the process. First of all, many manufacturers today produce foamed polyethylene foil self-adhesive, which can be laid without the use of separate binding components. In this case, one side will be foil and the other will be adhesive. The second factor can complicate the workflow. If the installation configuration of the finishing material allows, then it is recommended to leave a technological air gap between it and the insulation. The best option- this is the implementation of lathing with slats 10-15 mm thick.

Positive reviews about the isolation ward

Direct performance properties are manifested at a decent level, which is noted by many users of insulation. The coating is easy to install and causes virtually no difficulties in handling. It is beneficial from the point of view financial costs. Actually, these are the main points of the positive experience of using the material. But there are also less noticeable aspects that should also be taken into account if such thermal insulation is chosen. Foiled polyethylene foam has virtually no effect on the structure of the formation of the facing coating. If you omit the requirement of leaving an air gap, then it can also act as a substrate for future finishing, which will also be a plus.

Negative reviews

A positive quality in the form of a soft and elastic structure can also be provided by Negative influence for operation. In particular, some home owners note that the lack of rigidity makes it difficult to use in combination with wallpaper or plaster. There are also complaints about the quality of the self-adhesive base. But this depends on the integrity of the manufacturer who developed the specific insulation.

Foamed polyethylene foil with unsatisfactory adhesion function can, in extreme cases, be fixed with construction adhesives. Experts also do not recommend considering this material as a full-fledged insulation material. The polyethylene foam base is good as a universal insulator, also protecting homes from noise and moisture. But specifically for heat conservation, such coatings can only be used as an addition.

Conclusion

It is advantageous to purchase this insulation option as a means of comprehensive protection. With a successful combination of insulator with finishing and proper fixation, you can count on a completely acceptable barrier function from external negative factors. In addition, in terms of price, foamed polyethylene with a foil coating can even be considered one of the most profitable solutions in your class. True, lack of confidence in environmental safety polyethylene still repels a considerable part of homeowners from such a decision. Other users seek to minimize the chemical exposure factor by using the insulator only in the exterior finishing and roofing structure.

Progress does not even bypass construction, where more and more advanced materials are used to insulate buildings. One of them is foamed polyethylene, mass production of which has only recently begun. The material is applicable to almost any area of the house, be it the foundation or partitions between floors and rooms. The increase in demand for it is due to the fact that insulation made of foamed polyethylene has a low thermal conductivity coefficient, and can serve for almost three decades without deterioration in properties.

Features of insulation manufacturing

The highly elastic material is made from high-density polyethylene. Fire retardant additives (preventing fire) and other substances are added to this element of the composition.

Manufacturing includes the following steps:

polyethylene granules are melted in a special container,
it is fed into it liquefied gas, acting as a foaming reagent,
due to it, the structure of the insulation is formed.

The resulting material is supplied in rolls, slabs or sheets. It also has different densities, dimensions, and thickness, which allows you to select polyethylene for specific purposes (insulating a specific room).

The material does not contain toxic substances, therefore, along with the industrial sphere (lining of pipeline systems, air ducts, ventilation, refrigeration chambers) it is used for thermal insulation of industrial and residential facilities.

As a rule, manufacturers apply aluminum foil film to the surface on one or both sides, the purpose of which is to effectively reflect heat. To maximize it, the film is polished. In this case, the reflection coefficient can reach 95-97%.

Advantages of foamed polyethylene

In addition to the low thermal conductivity coefficient of approximately 0.04-0.05, the insulation has the following advantages:

high hygroscopicity (resistance to moisture absorption), due to the lack of closed cells,
immunity to factors causing fungus, mold, rotting,
variations of materials in elasticity and elasticity,
resistance to gasoline and oils,
excellent sound insulation - in this respect the insulation is not inferior to dense mineral wool,
chemical resistance to building materials (cement, lime, concrete),
ease of installation,
durability,
wide range of operating temperatures (from −40 to +80 degrees),
moderate lightness of one slab, achieved medium density(50-80 kg/cubic m).

Also foamed polyethylene due to processing special materials and the presence of reflective foil does not change its thermal insulation properties even at 100% humidity.

Construction stores are filled with a variety of various insulation materials based on foamed polyethylene. There are several classification criteria, each of which is discussed in more detail below.

Material release forms

The main difference between some polyethylenes and others is thickness. This also includes design features. Depending on these factors, thermal insulation is divided into the following groups:

thin polyethylene with one- or two-sided coating (thickness - from 2 to 10 mm, supplied mainly in rolls, often used for light reflection rather than insulation of rooms, cost - from 20 to 30 rubles / sq. m),
duplicated mats (thickness - 15-40 mm, convenient for thermal insulation of flat surfaces, mats are connected thermally, excluding the need to seal seams, cost - from 80 rubles/sq. m),
penofol (brand name of a well-known trademark, roll thickness - 3-10 mm, length - 15-30 m, width - from 60 cm, the most common insulation, used everywhere for thermal insulation of private buildings, cost - from 1500 rubles / roll),
vilatherm (sealing harness based on foamed polyethylene, used for sound or heat insulation of ventilation ducts, door or window openings, price - from 3 rubles/m).

Insulation marking

By the letter designation you can find out the key thermal insulation properties of a polyethylene-based material. The marking forms the following types of insulation:

“A” - polyethylene, which has foil on one side, is not used separately for insulation, only in conjunction with other materials (for example, polystyrene foam),
“B” - there is aluminum foil on both sides, it is used separately when insulating partitions between floors, ceilings,
“C” - one side of the polyethylene has a metallized layer, the other has a self-adhesive coating,
“ALP” - foil on one side, covered with a laminated film,
“M” and “R” - foil on one side, corrugated surface on the other.

Also on the label, the manufacturer often indicates the presence of perforations, which allows the material to “breathe”, i.e. let air pass through.

Famous brands of insulation

Among those represented on the Russian market, four manufacturers stand out:

The company produces foamed polyethylene using innovative equipment and produces it in rolls. Among the positive properties of the material are excellent noise insulation, durability, ease of installation, and excellent hygroscopicity.

The peculiarity of this thermal insulation is the absence of harmful impurities that are harmful to health. The material is elastic, so it fits easily. Important rule- during installation, adjacent panels are placed end-to-end, and the edges are fixed with reinforced tape.

The properties are similar to those mentioned above, but the operating temperature range is much wider. The material is synthetic, has good physical, acoustic, chemical characteristics. When installing “joint to joint”, the seams are taped.

The material is produced in the Russian Federation, but came from abroad, therefore it meets European quality standards. Increased sound insulation, absence of harmful substances, compatibility with any surfaces, applicability for administrative, residential and industrial buildings- only part of the advantages of insulation.

Features of installation of foamed polyethylene

For thermal insulation of private houses, penofol is more often used - it has a good thickness that provides protection from the cold. The insulation is laid with a foil layer towards the street if the goal is to prevent penetration warm air outside, and towards the room, if you need to insulate the house.

It is common to use polyethylene as a substrate for any type of floor covering (warm, water, electric). If the operating conditions are not very harsh, the material will give good thermal insulation and protection from noise and pests. You should not use polyethylene foam as an independent floor insulation, but together with others it will fully justify itself. Sometimes the material is a substrate for wallpaper or surfaces that will subsequently be treated with plasterboard.

Also, foamed polyethylene will be an excellent thermal insulation for:

external or interior walls buildings,
basements, foundations,
attics,
flat and pitched roofs,
showers, saunas, baths.

Demand in other areas (automotive industry, production of freezers, pipeline lining) is another reason to verify the reliability of the insulation in question. The key rule during installation is correct location foil layer. If polyethylene foam insulation is installed correctly, you can rest assured of its durability and reliability.

Foamed polyethylene insulation
How insulation is made from polyethylene foam, its types, main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Foamed polyethylene insulation also has another name - polyethylene foam (PPE). It is used to reduce the intensity of heat loss; in fact, this material is in many ways superior to some analogues, which is due to its closed-porous structure. PES is characterized by a large number positive qualities - minimum thickness, low thermal conductivity, etc. This type of insulation is installed without unnecessary difficulties. In addition, the film is elastic, which allows better protection of complex surfaces.

Main characteristics and features of the material

The insulation is made from foamed polyethylene, which ensures its ability to protect surfaces from moisture. It represents a class of gas-filled thermoplastic polymers. The content of gaseous substances inside the pores helps to improve the thermal insulation properties. Another name for materials in this group is polymer foams and thermoplastics. To get PES with the necessary properties, high/low pressure polyethylene is used as raw material. Apply different technologies production:

direct extrusion,
foaming of polyethylene material through a gaseous medium.

To avoid the formation of larger inclusions, the mass, consisting of gas-filled capsules, rotates continuously. After some time, the liquid material is poured into molds and cooled. Taking into account differences in production methods, different types of insulation are created:

gas foam (not cross-linked),
cross-linked foamed by physical/chemical means.

When manufacturing the last option, changes occur to molecular level: A three-dimensional network is formed, which is possible after binding molecules and forming cross-connections. If we consider insulation obtained by physical and chemical cross-linking, in in this case There is no significant difference in structure, but there is a difference in production methods. The coating is made on the basis of foamed polyethylene in two versions: rolls, mats.

density varies from 20 before 80 kg/m³,
vapor tightness,
operating temperature: - 60 …+100 °С,
the material is non-hygroscopic, the ability to absorb moisture is extremely low - no more 3,5 % of the total volume of insulation in contact with water for a month,
as the coating thickness increases, the noise absorption rate increases,
resistance to aggressive substances,
foamed polyethylene is not prone to the formation of fungus and mold on the surface,
long service life, often this type of insulation lasts longer 80 years,
contains no toxic substances,
low thermal conductivity: from 0,038 before 0,039 W/(m*K).

Scope of application

Foam insulation is used in various industries, which is made possible due to its excellent thermal and sound insulation, as well as a number of other properties. Main areas of application:

construction of facilities for various purposes,
packaging material,
furniture manufacturing,
production of sports equipment,
production line for prosthetic and orthopedic products,
light industry,
electrical engineering,
Automotive industry,
shipbuilding.

double glazed windows,
doors,
underlay for laminate,
foundation,
walls,
roof,
ventilation systems,
car interior, etc.

Comparison of manufacturers and prices

Insulation based on foamed polyethylene is presented in different price categories. Review of manufacturers and average prices:

Penofol: 1400 rub./roll - foil coating ( 3 mm, length 30 thousand mm), 2000 rub./roll - thick insulation 10 mm, length 15 thousand mm
Tepofol: for thickness 2 mm the cost is 400 rub., thickness 5 mm - 1000 rub.
Energoflex pipe insulation: 15 rub./roll( 22x9 mm), 145 rub./roll ( 110/13 mm).
Isoflex: 700 rub./roll ( 25 m length, 2 mm thickness).

This is a multi-layer coating based on polyethylene foam. It is covered with a foil layer on one or both sides. This type of insulation may differ in density, structure and thickness. Foiled polyethylene foam has the advantage of additionally reflecting heat emanating from the room, thereby reducing heat loss. Characteristics of foam material:

temperature: - 60 …+100 °С,
high heat reflection coefficient ( 97 %),
low thermal conductivity - 0,035 W/(m*K).

Produced by foaming polystyrene. The coating is characterized by a low thermal conductivity, which makes it possible to use it for insulation of various objects. This type of foam material contains fire retardants. These are special additives that reduce the degree of exposure of the coating to high temperatures. Despite this, the foam film still burns. The insulation has a significant drawback - toxic compounds are released during the combustion process.

Advantages and disadvantages

Insulation, characterized by a closed-cell structure, has many positive qualities:

Versatility. The material is suitable for insulating various types of surfaces and objects.
Excellent moisture and heat protection indicators.
Foam coating is used as sound insulation if the material is used with a thickness of 5 mm or more.
Light weight.
Environmental friendliness.
Vapor tightness.
During combustion, the insulation does not emit toxic substances.
Fungus and mold do not appear on the surface of PPE.
The foam material is resistant to chemical compounds, which is important in construction.
Elasticity.
Elasticity.
Reasonable price.
Long service period.

The coating has much fewer disadvantages. These include low strength characteristics. The foam material is not resistant to compressive loads. For this reason, PPE is more often used to insulate horizontal surfaces. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the insulation loses its properties, so it is either closed protective coating, or use a variant with a foil layer on top of the base material.

What is polyethylene foam insulation?
Foamed polyethylene insulation: material features. Comparisons of prices and manufacturers. Pros and cons. Video with an interesting feature.

The invention of polyethylene foam insulation (or polyethylene foam, PPE) raised the solution to the problem of thermal insulation to a completely new level. new level. This lightweight and flexible material has very high coefficient thermal protection and a host of other advantages, has pushed into the background a number of other insulating materials that require large physical and material investments. It can be easily used both at home and for industrial purposes.

Distinctive features of PPE insulation

Specifications

Thermal insulation made of foamed polyethylene is a product with a closed-porous structure, soft and elastic, having a shape appropriate for its purpose. They have a number of properties that characterize gas-filled polymers:

Density from 20 to 80 kg/m3,
Operating temperature range from -60 to +100 0C,
Excellent moisture resistance, in which moisture absorption is no more than 2% of the volume, and almost absolute vapor tightness,
High noise absorption even with a thickness greater than or equal to 5 mm,
Resistant to most chemically active substances,
No rotting or fungal damage,
Very long service life, in some cases reaching more than 80 years,
Non-toxic and environmentally safe.

But the most important characteristic of polyethylene foam materials is their very low thermal conductivity, due to which they can be used for thermal insulation purposes. As you know, air retains heat best, and this material has plenty of it. The heat transfer coefficient of polyethylene foam insulation is only 0.036 W/m2 * 0C (for comparison, the thermal conductivity of reinforced concrete is about 1.69, plasterboard is 0.15, wood is 0.09, mineral wool– 0.07 W/m2 * 0C).

INTERESTING! Thermal insulation made of foamed polyethylene with a layer thickness of 10 mm can replace a 150 mm thickness of brickwork.

Application area

Foamed polyethylene insulation is widely used in new and reconstructive construction of residential and industrial facilities, as well as in automotive and instrument making:

To reduce heat transfer by convection and thermal radiation from walls, floors and roofs,
As reflective insulation to increase the heat output of heating systems,
To protect pipe systems and pipelines for various purposes,
In the form of an insulating gasket for various cracks and openings,
For insulating ventilation and air conditioning systems.

In addition, polyethylene foam is used as packaging material for transporting products that require thermal and mechanical protection.

Is polyethylene foam harmful?

Supporters of use in construction natural materials may indicate the harmfulness of chemically synthesized substances. Indeed, when heated above 120 0C, foamed polyethylene turns into a liquid mass, which can be toxic. But in standard living conditions it is absolutely harmless. Moreover, insulation materials made of polyethylene foam are superior to wood, iron and stone in most respects. Building structures using them are light, warm and low cost.

Types of PPE insulation materials

At the moment, a huge range of products is produced, which can be called thermal insulation made of foamed polyethylene.

One of the differences between such products, which may not be visible from the outside, but is significant in operation, is the type of polyethylene foam from which they are made. This can be a “cross-linked” or “non-cross-linked” polymer, the first of which has higher physical and chemical properties (strength, operating temperature range, etc.). However, when choosing an insulating product for a particular purpose, the design of the product usually plays a large role. In this case, the thickness of polyethylene foam insulation can vary from 1 to 50 mm, and the shape can be in the form of:

Films, sheets and tiles without any coating, used mainly for thermal insulation of parts of various equipment, including refrigeration,
Polyethylene foam with double-sided film coating, which is used for insulation of floors, foundations or basements. Polymer coating provides additional waterproofing of surfaces, and also protects the material itself from mechanical injury and sunlight.
With foil on one or both sides, it is used in places where not only direct retention of warm air is required, but also reflection of thermal radiation and fire protection properties (roofs, walls, places behind heating radiators, internal surfaces of reflector heaters, etc.)
In the form of tubes, polyethylene foam is used as protective shell water supply, sewerage, heating and air conditioning systems.
In the form of a rope, it is used to cover seams and gaps in walls, window and door openings, etc.

Each type of polyethylene foam insulation can have self-adhesive surfaces for ease of installation.

IMPORTANT! For modern polyethylene foam insulation, finishing can be provided not only from film, but also from materials such as paper, lavsan and denser plastic. In these cases, it can be used without additional decorative and protective finishing.

Features of installation work

Installation of thermal insulation made of foamed polyethylene is carried out in compliance with several general rules:

Insulated surfaces must be prepared in advance - cleaned, leveled, sealed cracks and seams,
All equipment must be turned off during insulation work.
To connect the joints you will need glue, and to insulate the seams - self-adhesive tape,
An air gap must be left between the surface and the insulation,
Foil materials are installed with foil towards the room.

Polyethylene foam insulation
Foamed polyethylene insulation: technical characteristics, types, their purpose, differences from other insulating materials. Installation of thermal insulation made of foamed polyethylene.

Being one of the many modifications of polyethylene, light, thin and environmentally friendly polyethylene foam has become a part of our lives. Its production was established relatively recently - in the 70-80s. 20th century, but during its existence the material managed to prove itself well in everyday life and in industry. This unique product is distinguished by its outstanding chemical and physical properties, as well as its low cost, which makes its scope of application almost limitless.

Areas of application

The excellent characteristics of foamed polyethylene allow it to be used:

In the construction industry - for insulating roofs, walls, floors, foundations; ventilation, air conditioning and sewerage systems; door and glass seals; substrates for laminate; insulation of temporary housing, etc.

Automotive industry - for insulating the car interior, including in combination with non-woven materials.

In light industry - as an element of sporting goods and recreational items (backpacks, rugs, life jackets, protective accessories, etc.)

As protective packaging when transporting various goods.

For thermal insulation of industrial and domestic refrigeration equipment.

For the needs of the defense industry - as packaging for navigation equipment and ammunition, as well as heat and sound insulation of military equipment.

In the shipbuilding industry - as an insulating material for finishing cabins.

Thermal insulation made of polyethylene foam deserves high marks, because thanks to the low thermal conductivity coefficient (0.037 - 0.038 W/mK), the material is effective insulation. In addition, polyethylene foam is durable - its service life is about 80-100 years without loss of original physical and chemical properties. The properties of the product include its high vapor barrier properties. The use of polyethylene is possible at temperatures from -80 to +100 °C

The emergence of safe polyethylene foam has made it possible in most cases to abandon the use of traditional thermal insulation materials, especially in Western countries. Having a closed-cell structure, the material has excellent heat, noise and waterproofing properties, is easy to bend and cut, retains its given shape, is resistant to aggressive building materials, and also does not support combustion and is non-toxic in fire conditions. In addition, polyethylene foam can be used in combination with other building materials - concrete, cement, wood, etc. Extruded polyethylene is also used for anti-corrosion protection of pipes.

Types of foamed polyethylene

Today there are three types of foamed polyethylene:

Chemically cross-linked, with a modified molecular structure. It is obtained using chemical reagents, which contribute to the formation of a network molecular structure.

Physically cross-linked polyethylene foam also has a modified cross-linked structure, but its production is associated with exposure to radiation.

Uncrosslinked (or gas-filled), which is mainly used for packaging. For its production, physical gas generators are used (freon, propane-butane and isobutane), and the main difference from its cross-linked “brother” is the preservation of the integrity of the molecular structure of the material.

Material production technology

To produce foamed polyethylene, processed high-density polyethylene is used, which is subjected to physical foaming or direct extrusion. The material production technology includes a number of stages:

At the first stage, granules of thermoplastic low-density polyethylene are fed into the hopper of injection molding equipment, where they are melted at a temperature exceeding the melting point of polyethylene - 115°C.

After the molten mass is formed, liquefied gas (carbon dioxide or nitrogen) is supplied to the chamber. It is the very foaming agent due to which the structure of the future product is formed. The creation of a gaseous environment is carried out in two ways: chemical or physical.

Thus, chemical gas generators are various substances, which are capable of releasing gas when exposed to high temperature. Depending on the type of material used and the desired properties of the resulting polyethylene, their compounds can be very different. The use of chemical foaming agents is possible on standard equipment, and no special fire safety measures are required.

Physical gas formers are liquids with low boiling points - they release gas during evaporation. Despite the fact that from an economic point of view, the use of physical additives is more profitable, the process of producing foamed polyethylene becomes explosive and fire hazardous. This, in turn, requires strict adherence to preventive measures and the use of specialized equipment.

As a result of the continuous rotation of the hopper, the polymer mass acquires a homogeneous structure, including at the molecular level. The fluidity of the melt increases almost 2 times compared to the initial indicators, while the fluidity temperature decreases. Depending on the degree of pressure and temperature in the chamber, the size of the material cells changes.

The final stage of polyethylene production involves injecting a liquid mass into an injection mold and its subsequent cooling. This avoids shrinkage and possible deformation. finished material when removed from molds.

Polyethylene foam is most often produced with a one-sided or double-sided coating, which is used as foil, metallized film or lavsan. Polyethylene foil foam, which is commonly used for insulation, is also called reflective insulation.

The form of production of foamed polyethylene products can be very different - sheets, plates, films, threads, tubes, etc. The density of such products ranges from 5 to 800 kg/cub.m., and the cell size ranges from 0.05 to 15 mm.

As a rule, the production of foamed polyethylene is based on the use of polyethylene waste, which reduces the cost of the work process and at the same time avoids serious environmental problems. Of course, processing of secondary raw materials imposes a number of restrictions on its use. For example, if a material created as a result of primary processing can be used as packaging for various goods, then polyethylene, which has gone through several cycles of processing, can only be used as a covering garden film.