Thermal Insulation

Faraydwn Farsat Hakim

Email:- faraydwn.farsat10001zp@gmail.com
Outline
Introduction
Type Of Insulator
Classification of Thermal Insulators
Application of Insulation
Properties of Thermal Insulators
Advantage Of Thermal Insulation
Conclusion
References
Introduction
Thermal insulation materials are those materials that prevent or reduce various
modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation) from the outside to the
inside or the opposite direction, whether the environment temperature is high or low.
This term usually used with building applications. Thermal insulation includes the
use of appropriate insulation materials and design adaptations for buildings to reduce
heat loss or gain. The transfer of heat is caused by the temperature difference
between indoors and outdoors.
Type Of Insulation
1. Thermal insulators
2. Acoustic insulators
3. Waterproofing insulators
4. Radiation insulators
5. Electrical insulators
Classification of Thermal Insulators
1). According to the structure
A. Organic materials: such as cotton, wool, natural rubber and cellulose.
B. Inorganic materials: such as glass wool, rockwool, perlite, asbestos and calcium silicate.

2). According to the shape

Roll: this type is the most common insulator which is produced as a blanket or a roll,
like: glass wool, rock wool and polyethylene (EPE or XPE). It has various degrees of
flexibility as well as the ability to bend.
• Slab (panel): it is a rigid type due to the mixing with some resins, like: fiberglass.
polyurethane panels, cellulose sheets and polystyrene sheets (EPS or XPS). It comes
in different dimensions and thicknesses.

• Granular: a powder or grain placed in the spaces between the walls and it can be
mixed with some other materials. Examples of such materials granulated cork and
polymers. - Liquid or gaseous fluids: poured or sprayed on to form the desired layer,

such as polyurethane foam and epoxy.

3). According to the usage
Polystyrene (EPS or XPS): it is usually used with low-temperature applications like buildings
and containers.

Glass wool or rock wool: it is usually used with high-temperature applications like boilers and
ovens, but it could be used with buildings and ducts.

Polyurethane: due to its efficient insulation, it is usually used with refrigerators, ducts, pipes
and energy efficient buildings.

Calcium silicate: it is used with furnaces

due to its strength and resistance to high temperature.
Application of Thermal Insulation
According to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) thermal insulation is one of the most
used forms of insulation for businesses and homes. It is used in order to contain heat as long as possible or
avoid it, thus it installed in the roof, floor and walls of a building. However, there are range of applications
and conditions where thermal insulation is
used, for example thermal insulation is applied to:-
Buildings
Furnaces
Refrigerators and freezers
water heaters and boilers
Pipes and vessels
Mugs and containers
Aircrafts and spacecrafts
Equipment
Properties of Thermal Insulators
1) Thermal conductivity
2) Reflectivity
3) Absorptivity
4) Heat capacity
5) Density
6) Thermal expansion coefficient
7) Mechanical
8) Safety
1. Thermal Conductivity
it is the property of a material to conduct heat Heat transfer occurs at a higher rate across
materials of high thermal conductivity than across materials of low thermal conductivity good
insulation material should have a thermal conductivity less than (0.2 W/m.K)
The coefficient of thermal conductivity can be measured by
a thermal conductivity meter apparatus
❖ the thermal conductivity is increased with
increasing of moisture content, thus less thermal resistance.
2. Reflectivity
it is the ratio of reflected radiation from a surface to the total incident radiation. The factors
affecting the amount of reflectivity are the color and the level of fine-tuning the surface. The
following table shows values of reflectivity for some materials

3. Absorptivity:
it is the ratio of absorbed radiation by the surface. The color of the surface affects
the amount of absorption.
4. Heat capacity
it is the ability of material to store the heat. The material with high heat capacity is called
thermal mass.

5. Density:
A material's density may affect other properties of that material, such as compressive strength.
The weight of the insulated system must
be known in order to design the proper support.

6. Thermal expansion coefficient

is the amount of change in the volume of material
as a result of temperature change.
7. Mechanical
Such as durability, compression, tensile and shear stresses. Some insulators are
characterized by strength and endurance than others. That makes sense to be used for
supporting of the building beside to the goal of thermal insulation.

8. Safety
Some insulating materials could get hurt to human during storage installation and usage. These
may cause deformities in the human body poisoning, infections or allergies in the skin and eyes,
which requires importance of knowing the chemical composition of the material and ability to
interact with the environment and constitute a mold, germs and insects.
❖ There are some physical properties should be considered like the ability of combustion and
sublimation.
Advantage Of Thermal Insulation
Energy Efficiency And Energy Saving
Stronger And Longer-Lasting Buildings
Positive Effect On Human Health
Environment And Ecological Balance
Helping Sound Insulation
Contribution To National And Family Economy
Conclusion
In conclusion, thermal insulation is an essential component of building design and is used to improve energy
efficiency and reduce energy costs. It is a material or system of materials that are used to slow down the flow of
heat from one area to another and is often installed in the walls, floors, and attics of buildings.
✓ Many types of thermal insulation materials are available, including fiberglass, cellulose, foam, and mineral wool.
The best material for a particular application will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the project.

✓ The benefits of thermal insulation include energy savings, improved comfort, noise reduction, environmental
benefits, increased property value, and increased durability.

✓ However, some health and environmental concerns may be associated with certain types of insulation, and it is

essential to carefully consider these concerns when selecting an insulation material.

References
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350905688_Insulation_materials_Fundamentals_and_Applications/link/64cd0afc40a524707b9522a6/
download
https://www.teknopanel.com/en-us/product-detail/thermal-insulation-in-buildings-thermal-insulation-
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