Trends of non-CFC insulation materials and thermal characteristics of CO2-foamed plastic insulation materials

Abstract

This study has been conducted to analyse the domestic trends of non-CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbon) insulation materials and the thermal characteristics of carbon dioxide-foamed insulation materials. With a growing interest in low-energy building, the insulation market has developed towards high performance insulation materials. Under the Montreal Protocol to phase out the use and production of CFCs, the extruded polystyrene insulation materials have to replace Hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) with other foaming agents, for example, carbon dioxides. This study also analysed the correlation of cell size, void fraction and thermal conductivity through literature review. As a result, the thermal conductivity was found to be decreased with a higher void fraction and smaller cell size if the cell size of CO2-foamed extruded polystyrene becomes under 100 µm.