Insulated sandwich panels made of PUR and rockwool are two of the most common kinds. This post will explain how the two panels are different.
First, let's say a few words about sandwich panels. Sandwich panels have a layer in the middle that is held between two sheets of metal. From this, they get their name. The two outer layers are held up by the core layer. This makes a composite structure that is strong but doesn't weigh much. The fire resistance of glasswool panels is well known, but polyurethane panels also have their own benefits. The main difference between the two panels is the material in the middle that keeps the heat in.
PUF Panels
The polyurethane foam (PUR or PU) in the middle of PUF panels is what keeps the heat in. During the making process, the material is poured between two layers of GI sheets. When the foam that is poured hits the air, it starts to harden. This solid layer holds the two sheets together, making a single piece that is very good at insulating.
The insulation properties of PUR, which stands for "rigid polyurethane," are also very good. These are light panels that can be stuck to many different things. These panels are very strong for how light they are. Because these panels are flexible and good at insulating, they can be used in a wide range of products.
Rockwool panels
The main layer of insulation in a Rockwool panel is rock wool, which is also sometimes called mineral wool. Mineral wool, also called rockwool, is stuck between the two GI sheets to make a single piece.
Mineral wool is used to make the insulation in the middle of Rockwool panels. Two sheets of metal are held together by a layer of rockwool. Mineral wool is just a fibrous material made by spinning molten mineral or rock materials like slag and ceramics. Mineral wool is mostly used to keep out noise and prevent fires.
The main ways in which PUF and Rockwol panels are different are:
- Properties of Insulation
- Fire resistive capabilities
- Isolation from noise
- Installation takes some practise.
Let's take a closer look at a few of these properties:
1. Properties of Insulation
Polyurethane is better at keeping heat in than rockwool is. For example, a PUR or PUF panel that is 50 mm thick provides the same amount of insulation as a rockwool panel that is 80 mm thick. Because of this, factories and other industrial buildings use PUF or PUR panels as wall and roof panels. Through its ability to insulate, it keeps the inside of a building at the right temperature.
2. Fire resistive capabilities
Polyurethane is an organic compound that makes it easier for fires to spread. On the other hand, rockwool is made of inorganic materials, which makes it hard for flames to spread past a certain point. So, if you need a panel that can stop a fire from spreading for an hour or so, rockwool is the answer.
3. Keeping noise out
A big benefit of rockwool panels is that they block out sound, in addition to being fire resistant. The rockwool fibres break up the sound waves and make them less powerful.
4. Installation takes some practise
Polyurethane panels are lighter than rockwool panels. So it needs to be handled with a bit more care than other things. After a few practise runs, it would be easy to set up.
Also Read: What One Need To Know About The 5 Essential Components Of A Pre Engineered Steel Warehouse