Construction & Cooling
Polyurethanes – A thermal efficient all-arounder!
The simple processing of a liquid reaction mixture means polyurethanes can be expanded to fill a large range of products at virtually any given shape. This “made-to-measure insulant” boasts extremely low thermal conductivity levels matched by no other conventional insulant. Good mechanical properties and excellent adhesion mean the material has a wide range of applications.
PU insulated components for coldchains:
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PU insulated construction components:
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Elastopor® H - The right choice for Structural Insulation Panels (SIPS)
SIPS are produced with polyurethane insulation foam sandwiched between Oriented Strand Board (OSB).
BASF offers ZERO ODP and low GWP polyurethane systems achieving U-values of 0.17-0.18 W/m2K using a 150mm thick panel. Lower U values are also possible by increasing the panel thickness.
Key advantages of SIPS:
Wide range of structural usages
Benchmark thermal efficiency
Off-site manufacture reduces construction time on-site
Fast build times
High design flexibility
Less waste on-site
SIPS panels are normally produced in a horizontal heated press. The OSB facing material is pre-set into a restraining foaming jig which is then clamped by a press. Foam is then injected into the cavity between the two OSB faces. Injection time depends on a number of variables but is typically between 5 and 30 seconds. Immediately after the injection cycle the foam starts to react and expand flowing through the cavity to reach a complete fill in around 2 minutes. An initial curing period of around 30 minutes (depending on panel thickness) is required before the SIPS panels has sufficient strength to be released from the press. At this stage the panel can be stacked and stored as appropriate in preparation for shipment to site.