Cellular polyurethane, insulation material

In the mid-to-late 1980s, growth estimates of the use of polystyrene and polyurethane cellular plastic insulation materials and products were a healthy 10% per year and greater for phenolic (40,41). The principal application where strongest growth was forecast for these types was for roofing, especially single-membrane systems (42). 

Some commonly used insulating materials are calcium silicate, mineral slagwool, glass fiber, cellular glass, and polyurethane. 

This book, consisting of 16 chapters, is the proceedings of the Conference, "Fire and Cellular Polymers," organized by the Fire and Materials Centre, Queen Mary College and the Fire Research Station, UK, in October 1984. First published in Cellular Polymers, the material presented reviews the most important cellular polymers and their applications in different environments where fire hazards exist. Topics include cellular polymers, rigid foam insulation board, polyurethane foams. 

A variety of cellular plastics exists for use as thermal insulation as basic materials and products, or as thermal insulation systems in combination with other materials (see Foamed PLASTICS). Polystyrenes, polyisocyanurates (which include polyurethanes), and phenolics are most commonly available for general use, however, there is increasing use of other types including p olye thylene s, polyimides, melamines, and poly (vinyl chlorides) for specific applications. 

Thermal insulators comprise an equally broad range of materials. Such inorganics as mineral fibers, magnesia, aluminum silicate, cellulose, and glass fibers are widely used for steam and hot-water pipes, furnaces, and blown-in home insulation. Organic products that are effective include plastic foams (polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene) and cellular rubber. There are a number of materials that may be called double insulators, since they have both electrical and thermal insulating properties,... 

Flexible plastic foams may be found in the form of very soft cushioning materials used in upholstery, clothing interlayers, automobile seats, vibration absorbers, etc. The most common flexible foam resins are polyurethanes, foamed vinyls, cellular polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, and silicone foam. Semirigid foams are used for floatation devices, marine bumpers, special electrical insulation on television cables, packaging, and a host of other applications. Rigid foams are used in the production of airplane parts, boats, electronic encapsulation, and many furniture applications where wood was formerly used. 

The use of rigid polyurethane as an insulation foam is well known. Low density polyurethane foam is a cellular material with a unigue combin-ation of properties such as... 

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