Comparison of thermal insulation properties of styrene-based foam and polyurethane foam?

Comparison of Thermal Insulation Properties of Styrene-based Foam and Polyurethane Foam

in the field of modern construction and industry, the choice of insulation material is of great significance for energy saving and environmental protection. Among them, styrene-based foam (Expanded Polystyrene, EPS) and polyurethane foam (Polyurethane, PU) are the two most commonly used thermal insulation materials. This article will compare the thermal insulation performance of these two materials from the aspects of thermal conductivity, compression strength, water absorption, etc., to help you better choose the appropriate application scenario.

1. Thermal conductivity: thermal insulation performance of the core indicators

Thermal conductivity is an important index to measure the thermal insulation performance of materials, and the smaller the value, the better the thermal insulation performance. The thermal conductivity of styrene-based foam is about 0.033 W/m · K, while the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam is even lower, about 0.018 W/m · K. This means that at the same thickness, the thermal insulation performance of polyurethane foam is better than that of styrene-based foam.

The closed-cell structure of polyurethane foam makes it have lower thermal conductivity, while the structure of styrene-based foam is relatively open, and the thermal conductivity is slightly higher. Therefore, in scenarios where higher thermal insulation performance is required, polyurethane foam is a better choice.

2. Density and Compressive Strength: Factors Affecting Thermal Insulation Performance

The density difference between styrene-based foam and polyurethane foam is significant. Styrene-based foam has a low density, usually between 20-30kg/m³, which makes it an advantage in lightweight insulation materials. The lower density also means that its compressive strength is relatively low and it is easily deformed by external pressure.

In contrast, the density of polyurethane foam is slightly higher, usually between 40-60kg/m³, but its compression strength is higher, it can better resist external pressure and maintain the stability of thermal insulation performance. Therefore, polyurethane foam has more advantages in scenarios that need to withstand certain external forces.

3. Water absorption and weather resistance: long-term insulation performance of the key

Water absorption is a key factor affecting the durability of insulation materials. Styrene-based foam has a high water absorption rate and may absorb water after long-term use, resulting in a decrease in thermal insulation performance and even causing structural problems. In wet or rainy environments, styrene-based foams may not perform as expected.

Polyurethane foam has a low water absorption rate, and its closed cell structure can effectively prevent moisture penetration. Polyurethane foam also has excellent weather resistance and can maintain stable thermal insulation under extreme temperature and humidity conditions. Therefore, polyurethane foam is more suitable for use outdoors or in humid environments.

4. Environmental performance and cost: comprehensive consideration of factors

From the perspective of environmental protection, the carbon emission of polyurethane foam in the production process is low, and its recyclability is high, which conforms to the modern environmental protection concept. The production process of styrene-based foam may have a certain impact on the environment, especially under high temperature conditions.

As for cost, the initial cost of styrene-based foams is generally lower than that of polyurethane foams. Considering the high temperature performance and longer service life of polyurethane foam, the return on investment of polyurethane foam is higher in the long run.

5. Practical application selection recommendations

The insulation properties of styrene-based foam and polyurethane foam are different, and the choice of material depends on the needs of the specific application scenario. Styrene-based foam is an economical option if your budget is limited and you don't have high requirements for insulation. If higher insulation properties and long-term stability are required, polyurethane foam is the preferred choice.

Summary

by comparing the thermal insulation performance of styrene-based foam and polyurethane foam, it can be seen that polyurethane foam has more advantages in thermal conductivity, compressive strength and water absorption, especially suitable for high-end construction and industrial fields. Styrene-based foams, on the other hand, remain competitive in many common construction and packaging sectors due to their low cost and lightweight characteristics. No matter which material is chosen, it needs to be comprehensively considered in combination with actual needs and budget to ensure the best balance between heat insulation effect and economy.