 EPS
Expanded Polystyrene bead is created by the addition of catalyst and pentane as an expanding agent to a styrene monomer which is derived from crude oil by a combination of ethylene and benzene.
Polystyrene is one of the most cost efficient lightweight rigid insulation materials available.
Available in both low density 15kg/m3 (SDFRA) and high density grade (HDFRA) has a higher density (nominally 20kg/m3) and consequently superior mechanical properties to grade SD and is therefore more suitable for the construction of ceilings or walls where longer spans are required.
Both grades contain a flame retardant additive (FRA) which restricts the extent of burn when tested to BS4735:1974 and will self extinguish if the source of the fire is removed. The board itself is combustible but the FRA element reduces the risk at ignition source.
Originally EPS Composite Panels was used as an extremely cost effective alternative to traditional building materials allowing savings in speed of construction has been largely suspended by non combustible materials such as MW or low combustible material PIR.
IDEAL FOR
The chief benefits of Isoclad Polystyrene panels are its weight, strength and cost effectiveness.
It is most suitable for areas such as agricultural buildings and chill stores of low risk.
 POLYISOCYNAUTRATE (PIR)
PIR is manufactured from a mixture of two principal liquid components and a number of additives to produce highly cross-linked polymers with a closed cell structure.
Generally Isoclad fabricate panels using 40kg PIR fully de-dusted, extremely square and flat full width boards of specified thickness produced at our factory in North Shields.
Alternatively a ‘brick build method’ can be adopted using ‘half board’ slabs manufactured in the same way as that which is described with Mineral Wool panels.
Slab production allows a much greater array of thickness to be offered, a superior surface flatness and thermally stable as the PIR block we use is fully cured prior to processing.
Risk of air cavitations in foam is eliminated, each sheet is inspected prior to manufacture.
The main benefits of PIR are its excellent thermal performance, closed cell structure, good shear and tensile strength and it is also lightweight.
IDEAL FOR
These benefits make PIR ideal in freezers, chill stores, food process and areas of wet/high humidity.
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