Abstract
The following article presents comprehensive research results for the insulation material based on polystyrene wastes. The presented product has the form of plates to be applied for thermal insulation of external envelopes from the inside. The laboratory tests were focused on the determination of basic technical parameters for this type of materials, i.e., thermal conductivity coefficient, diffusion resistance coefficient, reaction to fire, material sorption, and strength characteristics. For the recycling material, the obtained thermal conductivity value was 0.055 [W/mK]. The diffusion resistance coefficient was 5 [–], and therefore, this component has been qualified to a group of solutions that allow for interstitial condensation in the envelope. For the developed product, in situ tests were carried out on the actual wall system in a historical building. Based on the research, temperature and humidity profiles were obtained in the selected planes of the envelope. The performance of this material in real conditions was observed in relation to the reference product, i.e., lightweight cellular concrete (commonly used as thermal insulation from the inside). For the conducted in situ research, statistical inference was applied, which included the verification of the hypothesis-recycling panels in wall systems follow a trend of changes similar to that of slabs made of lightweight cellular concrete (a group of materials that allows for interstitial condensation). The proposed method of using secondary raw materials in insulation products allows us to obtain a product with high technical parameters that do not differ in quality from new components.
Highlights
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
The main aim of the study is to propose the use of polystyrene waste as a basic ingredient for the production of internal insulation panels
The panels are primarily dedicated to thermal insulation from the inside, but they can be used as insulation of diaphragm walls, insulation of voids in walls, and insulation of ceilings (Figure 1)
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The care and protection of the environment as well as the improvement of life quality enforces the application of a suitable waste management policy. It mainly involves the recovery of raw materials through recycling and the disposal of wastes that cannot be reused. The greatest potential for the utilization of wastes is offered by the construction sector of the economy [1,2,3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
