The optimal heat-insulating component for filling expansion joints are high-quality PENOPLEX boards.® from extruded polystyrene foam.
To fill expansion joints, a complex of materials is used, including sealing mastics, as well as sealing, tape and thermal insulation materials. The latter perform an important function of reducing heat losses and increasing the energy efficiency of the facility.
Extruded polystyrene foam has the highest heat-shielding properties, strength, moisture resistance and durability of all widespread thermal insulation materials.
The heat-shielding properties of the material are determined by the coefficient of thermal conductivity not more than 0.034 W / m ∙ K - one of the lowest among modern heaters. Strength of PENOPLEX insulation boards® for compression at 10% deformation is at least 0.15 MPa, the modulus of elasticity is 15 MPa. The moisture resistance is almost absolute, since the water absorption is only 0.5% by volume.
Durability of PENOPLEX extruded polystyrene foam® was determined during tests in a climatic chamber at the Research Institute of Building Physics of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Building Sciences (NIISF RAASN). Material samples were subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. Each loop looks like this:
The abscissa shows the time intervals in hours, the ordinate shows the temperature in degrees Celsius.
PENOPLEX® withstood 90 such cycles. After processing the results of the experiment with the corresponding calculations, the durability of the material was determined "50 conditional years of operation." More information about the process and the results of the experiment can be found on the official website of the PENOPLEX company, where the test report No. 132-1 dated October 29, 01 is posted. About the use of PENOPLEX boards® as a filler for expansion joints can also be read in a special section of the company's official website.
