What is an insulating material? Give four examples of insulating materials.
Answers
⏯️⏯️While the main non-plastic insulation systems are fiberglass and mineral wool, the most widespread plastic insulation is made from polyurethane (PU). Also encountered are polyisocyanurate (PIR), polystyrene (PS), and PVC.
⏯️⏯️In the most general sense, an insulating material is typically something that resists or impedes the transfer of energy (typically in the form of heat, electricity). Thermal insulators (insulators that resist the transfer of heat) include wood, fiberglass, silicone, and ceramics .
Answer:
Insulation materials are indispensable in the drive to achieve operational energy efficiency in buildings. They are essential in the control of indoor environmental conditions thereby reducing the operational energy load of buildings. Insulation enhances the thermal performance of the building envelope by reducing heat gain in hot weather and heat loss in cold weather thereby limiting the need for cooling and heating. However, conventional insulation materials have high embodied energy values. In Europe, for example, the most used insulation materials are glass wool, stone wool, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) where they account for over 80% of insulation materials used (Papadopoulos et al. 2002).