There are many different thermal insulation materials, but the most popular of them is isolon. Its main purpose is high-quality insulation, sound and waterproofing of surfaces. These products are used in many industries, medicine and construction due to the excellent performance characteristics and low thermal conductivity coefficient of isolon.
This type of insulation is characterized by high elasticity and excellent thermal insulation.
Short description
The material is made by foaming fine-cell polyethylene with closed pores. This structure provides excellent thermal insulation qualities with minimal weight. Unlike expanded polystyrene (foam insulation), isolon is more plastic.
Most models have a foil layer up to 14 microns thick, which affects water resistance, heat and light reflective properties. This layer can be made on one or both sides of the thermal insulation material.
The reflective properties of the foil layer provide the material with low thermal conductivity
Some types of isolon are treated with polypropylene mesh. The reverse side is self-adhesive or without glue. Combined types of insulation are reinforced with foil on one side and glue on the other. To prevent the material from sticking together during storage and transportation, the adhesive surface is covered with a protective film
Production stages
The isolon production process is divided into three main stages:
- Mixing. In one container, polyethylene in granules, a foaming agent and “cross-linking” agents are combined, that is, substances that irreversibly transform polymer molecules.
- Extrusion. The polymer mass heats up and melts. In parallel with this, future isolon sheets are formed.
- Foaming. The sheets are sent to the oven on a conveyor belt. Under the influence of high temperature, the foaming agent is activated, and many pores are formed in the structure of the material.
When producing foil-coated isolon, at the last stage, thin aluminum foil is glued to a layer of foamed polyethylene using the lamination method.
Foil-coated isolon in roll
Varieties of isolon
The quality of cross-linked isolon is higher than that of non-cross-linked isolon, since cross-linking provides higher heat resistance of the material.
This material comes in 2 types: cross-linked (PPE) and non-cross-linked (NPE). The first option has a structure reminiscent of polyethylene, which does not change even during heat treatment. Such products do not pose a danger to humans and the environment. Cross-linked polyethylene foam has a slight specific odor that disappears after 2-3 weeks.
Read also: properties and characteristics of Izolon PPE insulation.
Non-crosslinked isolon has an unbound molecular structure, so the product is more resistant to aggressive environments and durable. In addition, it does not require special care.
The difference between these materials is determined, as a rule, by resistance to dynamic impacts and tensile strength. Moreover, the first indicators for PPE are significantly higher than for NPE. Isolon is marked as follows:
- A - the product is covered with aluminum-based foil on one side;
- C - material with an adhesive layer;
- B - products with double-sided foil;
- ALP is a foil-reinforced self-adhesive sheet covered with a protective film.
These characteristics will help you easily select the appropriate thermal insulation material, focusing on individual preferences and application.
We bring to your attention a video that shows in detail how to efficiently and independently insulate a balcony with isolon material:
Use of cross-linked polyethylene foam
Thanks to its sanitary and epidemiological qualities and unique technical properties, the range of applications of this material is constantly expanding. The installation of such a product is often used in the engineering industry to insulate heat-reflecting screens, refrigerators, isothermal cabinets and climate control equipment. Isolon is also in demand in construction, where it is used for the following purposes:
- waterproofing of basements and foundations;
- protection of communications;
- heat and vapor insulation of rooms with high humidity (bathrooms, saunas);
- insulation and waterproofing of partitions, roofs, walls, ceilings, ceilings and floors.
This thermal insulation material is often used in the automotive industry. This product is used to cover the interior for sound insulation and also to reduce vibrations. Among other things, it is used as a sealant, a protective element against corrosion, and a damping gasket.
The material in question is used in medicine to make elastic products for specialized purposes, thermal blankets, insoles, as well as orthopedic products.
In addition, isolon is used to create packaging materials. They are used for the safe transportation of products and storage of various products for household and industrial purposes.
The foiled isolon material has increased moisture resistance.
A variety of things for tourism and sports are made from this universal material. These mainly include gloves, mats, life jackets, punching bags, mats, helmets and swimming boards.
How to choose
When choosing, it is important to pay attention not only to the type of Izolon, but also to its thickness, since this parameter depends on the area of application. The following ratios are recommended:
- If you want to additionally insulate the floor, PPE with a thickness of 2-5 mm is suitable as a substrate. You can use regular or foil polymer.
- Insulation of concrete or wood floors is made from 8-10 mm fabric.
- Rolled Izolon 4-10 mm thick will help to reliably isolate the roof and premises from external noise.
- Izolon in the form of blocks is suitable for internal thermal insulation of rooms and interfloor ceilings. With its help it is convenient to insulate the foundation and roof of any type (flat, pitched).
Heat and sound insulation of a residential building Source vesta-teplij-pol.ru
- Pipes located underground are insulated with 15-45 mm polyethylene foam.
- To install heated floors, you need thin (up to 2-4 mm) material.
- Foil fabric is chosen for insulating pipes and dry screed. If you want to level the floor using a wet cement-sand screed, use a sheet with a double-sided metallized layer.
- For small jobs, Izolon, produced in the form of a tape, is suitable. It is used to glue cracks and seal door and window openings.
Facade insulation works Source znatoktepla.ru
Application of uncrosslinked material
To obtain the best result, Isolon NPE is laid on a surface cleared of dust and large debris.
This insulation also has good properties and characteristics. It is a non-toxic material, so it is often used as packaging. This versatile product is capable of absorbing mechanical and shock loads. Izolon NPE was able to supplant bubble wrap and even corrugated cardboard, gaining enormous popularity.
Non-crosslinked polyethylene may burst upon contact with a sharp object or a point load. But this does not limit its use. Izolon packaging is suitable for storing household, electronic and computer equipment, glass items, dishes, furniture and other products. It is convenient to use NPE during transportation as wrapping material or gasket.
Izolon is not afraid of severe frosts, this allows the use of insulation at temperatures from -40 to +90°C
In the mechanical engineering industry, the use of isolon is limited when performing construction and repair work. But if there are no large load-bearing loads and high temperatures, then it is laid as thermal insulation, protection against condensation, steam and noise. The material is also used to make underlays for leveling flooring before laying parquet or laminate. Foiled polyethylene foam is used as reflective insulation to reduce energy costs.
Disadvantages of Penofol
Like other thermal insulation materials, Penofol is not without its drawbacks, so let’s look at what they are.
1. Foamed polyethylene, which is used as a base and acts as heat-absorbing insulation, does not have sufficient rigidity. Therefore, it is not possible to plaster it on top or use it for wallpapering. Just a little pressure is enough and the material bends.
2. Attaching the material to surfaces can also be difficult. To do this, you will most likely have to buy special adhesives. It is not advisable to use various devices for fastening that pierce it, since the thermal insulation qualities of the material will deteriorate. The company is trying to eliminate this drawback, which is why Penofol with a self-adhesive surface was released onto the market.
3. No matter what wonderful properties foamed polyethylene has, the use of Penofol alone as the main thermal insulation of external walls of buildings and structures is naturally not enough. In this case, it can be used as additional thermal insulation, which, first of all, will provide reflection of thermal energy. Here you already need to calculate everything in monetary terms, because there are types of insulation that contain reflective insulation and can be used as the main insulation.
Technical specifications
During operation, it must be taken into account that the characteristics of the isolon insulation will differ depending on the type. For example, closed-cell cross-linked material is available in thicknesses ranging from 1 to 50 mm. Its moisture absorption is no more than 1% , in other words, it almost does not absorb water. The sound insulation of the insulation reaches about 68%. Izolon density readings range from 25 to 200 kg/m³, and the maximum level of foil reflection is 97%. Permissible temperature of use is from -50 to +85˚С.
When laying self-leveling floors, specialists most often use thin thickness isolon
But the dimensions of unstitched isolon are slightly different from the previous material. This type of insulation has a thinner thickness, which ranges from 1 to 16 mm. Sound insulation in it does not exceed 13%, and the degree of moisture absorption is 0.2%. Unstitched thermal insulation has almost complete water-repellent properties. Its density varies between 19-35 kg/m³. This insulation can be used at temperatures from -80 to +80˚С.
The properties and characteristics of isolon listed above allow it to be used for about 80 years. It perfectly withstands the adverse effects of atmospheric phenomena. The thermal conductivity of the material varies from 0.031-0.037 W/m*C depending on its thickness and type.
Getting to know Penofol
This insulation consists of several layers. In the middle there is a self-extinguishing polyethylene foam type, and at the edges there is high-quality aluminum foil. Its thickness ranges from 12 to 30 microns, and the proportion of pure substance in it is 99.4 percent. The result is a material of small thickness and weight that does not contain any harmful additives and is absolutely safe.
This is what Penofol looks like from a very close distance.
Being practically unable to absorb thermal radiation, Penofol works on the principle of its reflection. This distinguishes it from the vast majority of thermal insulators, the layers of which retain the heat escaping from the room. It should be noted that the word PENOFOL does not mean the type of insulation at all, but the name of the brand.
To understand how heat is reflected by Penofol, let us remember how a Dewar flask works. This device, usually called a Dewar flask, was invented by a Scotsman - a scientist in the field of physics and chemistry, James Dewar. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he conducted a series of experiments in the laboratory to test how heat would behave when isolated by the walls of a vessel. The same principle applies to all thermoses.
Advantages of insulation
Izolon is an environmentally friendly and safe material. It is characterized by elasticity and ease of processing. To cut this insulation, you can use a stationery knife or regular scissors. It is easy to lay on surfaces of any configuration, since the material is very light.
By properly insulating your walls with isolon, you will protect your home from the penetration of cold wind and dampness.
The advantages include high thermal insulation qualities. The main operational property of isolon is its low thermal conductivity coefficient, which ranges from 0.03 W/m*K and higher (the indicator depends on the manufacturer and variety). Moreover, the material has good vapor permeability and moisture resistance, because each cell in the insulation is closed, so the material does not absorb water, thereby protecting the surface.
Isolon can be fixed with staples, glue, screws or nails. It instantly restores its shape and is wear-resistant. Thermal insulation material can be used repeatedly, since it is not afraid of temperature fluctuations, precipitation and ultraviolet rays. Manufacturers of isolon assure that such a product will last at least 80 years.
Disadvantages of thermal coating
Due to its rather low strength, isolon can be easily torn or deformed.
But in addition to the advantages described above, this material also has its disadvantages. Unfortunately, isolon also has negative aspects that you need to know:
- Low strength. Insulation covered with foil can easily be torn or pierced. True, this drawback is found in many modern insulators, except for polyurethane foam and penoplex.
- A ventilation gap is required. When overheated, the foil material begins to lose its properties. It is this gap of 1-2 cm that will help avoid this, but in some cases it is extremely inconvenient to do.
- Corrosion gradually begins to form on the aluminum coating of the material at high humidity, which negatively affects its effectiveness.
Summary
Now you know what isolon is needed for and what it comes in. If you want to learn about the installation process, you can watch the video in this article, where the relevant technology is described in some detail. And you can leave your own opinion about the information presented in the material in the comments.
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September 6, 2016
Insulation materials, Thermal insulation
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Preparation before installation
Nowadays it is popular to lay insulation with a thickness of no more than 10 mm on the floor. Izolon can be placed in any room to avoid heat loss. But first you need to remove the old flooring and remove all debris.
Laying isolon insulation can be done independently without much difficulty
After this, you should inspect the underlying structure, where there should be no damaged screed. It is best to pour new cement mortar. In addition, it is necessary to check the reliability of the butt seams. Any holes on them must be sealed with foam. Before laying isolon, do not forget about waterproofing the base. To do this, the floor is covered with a primer, and when it dries, polyethylene must be laid on top of it. It is recommended to secure the film with tape.
Laying foil insulation
The next step is the installation of the first layer of insulation. But before this, you need to cut the isolon to size, and there should be no gaps between the pieces of sheets. At the joints, the material is fixed with tape. If one layer of thermal insulation is enough, then you need to lay more waterproofing on top of the isolon, and then proceed to installing the finished floor.
It should be taken into account that when insulating walls and ceilings, good ventilation in the room must be ensured
When laying several layers of insulation, it is necessary to install logs after the first layer. For such purposes, timber pre-treated with an antiseptic is cut and mounted above the thermal insulation. At the edges, it is recommended to install these beams near the walls. During such work, you need to constantly monitor the evenness of the position of the lag using a level. After eliminating the differences, the elements can be secured with dowels or self-tapping screws.
Isolon is laid with foil down in the space between the joists. It must completely occupy the void. Thermal insulation material should be installed as tightly as possible, leaving no gaps. After the work is completed, all that remains is to lay the finishing floor.
