INSULATING MATERIALS

HEAT INSULATION
SOUND OR ACOUSTIC INSULATION
FIRE INSULATION
WATER PROOFING

MODES OF HEAT TRANSFER

FACTORS INFLUENCING HEAT INSULATION
WHY IS INSULATION REQUIRED?
MATERIALS USED FOR THERMAL INSULATION
ELUCIDATION OF SPECIFIC MATERIALS FOR THERMAL INSULATION
AND THEIR PROPERTIES AND USES.
(CORK, ROCKWOOL, THERMOCOL, GYPSUM, VERMICULITE, WOOL,
ASBESTOS, FIBREGLASS, ALUMINIUM FOILS, AEROGELS)
MODES OF SOUND TRANSFER
MATERIALS USED FOR ACOUSTICAL INSULATION
ELUCIDATION OF SPECIFIC MATERIALS USED IN SOUND - PROOFING
AND THEIR PROPERTIES AND USES.
(ACOUSTICAL BATTS AND BOARDS,QUILTS AND MATS,FOAM,
CEILING TILES, LAMINATE FLOOR TILES)
SOUND INSULATION: CORK FLOATING FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
INSTALLATION OF SOUND - PROOF MATERIALS
MATERIALS USED FOR FIRE INSULATION
ELUCIDATION OF SPECIFIC MATERIALS FOR FIRE INSULATION AND
THEIR PROPERTIES AND USES
(PERLITE, VERMICULITE, GYPSUM, ASBESTOS)
STRUCTURAL FIRE PROTECTION: BASIC PRINCIPLES
WATER - PROOFING: MATERIALS USED FOR WATER - PROOFING
ELUCIDATION OF SPECIFIC MATERIALS USED IN WATER - PROOFING
AND THEIR PROPERTIES AND USES
(ASPHALT, BITUMEN, TAR)

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HEAT INSULATION
MODES OF HEAT
TRANFER
CONDUCTION

HEAT ENERGY IS TRANSFERRED DIRECTLY THROUGH A

MATERIAL WHERE A TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE EXIST
EXAMPLE:
HEAT TRANFER ALONG A METAL ROD IS A SIMPLE EXAMPLE OF
CONDUCTION

 CONVECTION
THE TRANSFER OF HEAT THROUGH A FLUID (LIQUID OR GAS)
CAUSED BY MOLECULAR MOTION
(METEOROLOGY) THE VERTICAL MOVEMENT OF HEAT OR
OTHER PROPERTIES BY MASSIVE MOTION WITHIN THE
ATMOSPHERE

 RADIATION
ENERGY THAT IS RADIATED OR TRANSMITTED IN THE
FORM OF RAYS OR WAVES OR PARTICLES

ORS THAT COMPROMISE INSULAT

HEAT BRIDGING
Comparatively more heat flows through a path of least
resistance than through insulated paths. This is known as a
thermal bridge, heat leak, or short-circuiting. Insulation
around a bridge is of little help in preventing heat loss or
gain due to thermal bridging; the bridging has to be rebuilt
with smaller or more insulative materials. A common
example of this is an insulated wall which has a layer of
rigid insulating material between the studs and the finish
layer. When a thermal bridge is desired, it can be a
conductive material, a heat pipe, or a radiative path.

MOISTURE

Damp materials may lose most of their insulating properties.

The choice of insulation often depends on the means used to
manage moisture and condensation on one side or the other of
the thermal insulator. Clothing and building insulation depend
on this aspect to function as expected.

HY DO WE NEED HEAT INSULATIO

When well insulated, a building:
Is energy-efficient, thus saving the owner money.
Provides more uniform temperatures throughout the
space.
Has minimal recurring expense.
Unlike heating and cooling equipment, insulation is
permanent
Many forms of thermal insulations also absorb noise and
vibration,
Does not both
require
maintenance,
upkeep,
orand
adjustment.
coming
from the
outside
from other
rooms inside the house, thus producing a more
comfortable occupant environment.
Pipe insulation is also important in buildings for pipes
that carry heated or cooled fluids.

CHOICE OF HEAT INSULATING

MATERIALS:
Prevailing climate
Ease of installation
Durability
Toxic effect/ off gassing
Environmental impact and
sustainability
Cost of installation and
MATERIALS
maintainance USED FOR HEAT

INSULATION:
Cork

Glasswool
Asbestos
Rockwool
Thermocol
Gypsum
Vermiculite

CORK:
Cork material is a prime-subset of generic cork tissue,
harvested for commercial use primarily from the Cork Oak
tree (Quercus suber)

PROPERTIES OF CORK

Elastic
Anti-static
Sound absorbing
Thermal and electrical insulation
Anti-allergic
It can be cut and sawn without any difficulty
It is light in weight
It is porous
Moisture resistant and resilient

USES OF CORK:

WINE BOTTLE CORKS

CORK FLOORING

ROCK WOOL:
Rock and slag wool: Usually made from rock (basalt,
diabase) or iron ore blast furnace slag. Some rock
wool contains recycled glass.

PROPERTIES:
It promotes excellent acoustical insulation and
reduces noise level.
Prevents condensation
Density:100-150Kg/m3
Maximum service temperature: 750C
Thermal conductivity: Extremely low K value for a
wide range of temperature .It varies with density of
insulation
Sound insulation: Excellent noise absorption .
Compression resistant: high resistance to
compression. Regains nominal thickness after removal
of compressive load.
Moisture resistant: Thermal efficiency is restored
after becoming dry.
Corrosion resistant: does not initiate or cause any

ROCK WOOL:
Rock wool mattresses are used for both hot and cold
temperature to conserve energy.

Rock wool pipe and slab

THERMOCOL:

Molded expanded polystyrene, also known as MEPS, EPS, or

beadboard, consists of many tiny foam beads molded and
pressed together
EPS is manufactured in low-density and high-density versions.
Low-density EPS is relatively inexpensive, resistant to the effects
of moisture, and can be used underground.
High-density EPS is even more moisture-resistant, and is
manufactured
for use on exterior foundation walls and burial
PROPERTIES:
against
Light footings,
in weight if the soil is relatively dry.
Snow white in colour
Low value of thermal conductivity
98% of air trapped in it (by
volume)
Density:150-300N/mm2
Operational range: -200C to 80C
Compressive strength: 0.07 0.1
Resistant to water, salts, soaps,
bleaching agent, HCl (35%),
HNO3(50%), H2SO4(95%), caustic
soda, caustic potash, strong
ammonia, alcohol, petroleum and
gasoline.

Polystyrene
Density

1050 kg/m

Density of EPS

25-200 kg/m

Specific Gravity

1.05

Electrical conductivity(s)

10-16 S/m

Thermal conductivity (k)

0.08 W/(mK)

Young's modulus (E)

Tensile strength(st)

3000-3600 MPa

Elongation at break

34%

Notch test

25 kJ/m

Glass temperature

95 C

Melting point[1]

240 C

Vicat B

90 C

Heat transfer coefficient (Q)

0.17 W/(m2K)

Linear expansion coefficient (a)

8 10-5 /K

Specific heat(c)

1.3 kJ/(kgK)

Water absorption(ASTM)

0.030.1

4660 MPa

USES:

Roofing materials
Packaging materials
Heat and sound materials

GYPSU
It is basically hydrated sulphates of calcium.
M:
Gypsum occurs in nature as flattened and often

twinned crystals and transparent cleavable masses

called selenite.
A very fine-grained white or lightly-tinted variety of
gypsum is called alabaster

PROPERTI
ES:

White crystalline substance

Soft [hardness- 2(in Mohs Scale)]
Density: 0.023N/cm3
As a binding material, sets and
hardens quickly.
Soluble in HCl, water
Insoluble in H2SO4

Gypsum Ore
(Desert Rose)

Satin spar, a fibrous variety

of gypsum.

Selenite, a granular variety of

gypsum

Alabaster, a translucent and amorphous

variety of gypsum.

USE
S:

Blackboard chalk
Additive in cement
Drywall
Plaster, a construction
material
Dental modes
Surgical casts
Paint filler
Toothpaste
Moulds for casting
metals
Agricultural soil
amendment
Solidifying earth (cast
earth construction)
Tofu

GYPSUM

BOARD:
STANDARD
SIZES
9.5

GYPSUM WALL BOARD/

DRYWALL

Sizes vary from 4 x 8 ft to 4 x 12 ft.

Available thicknesses : 0.25-0.5inches

X 1200
2400MM
9.5 X 1220
2440MM
9.5 X 1200
3000MM
12 X 1200
2400MM
12 X 1220
2440MM
12 X 1200
3000MM
12.7 X 1200
2400MM
12.7 X 1220

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

VERMICULITE:

ember of phyllosilicate or sheet silicate group of mine

formed by hydration of certain basaltic minerals

PROPERTIES:
Exhibits remarkable ability of
EXFOLIATION. (i.e. it expands many
times its original volume on being
heated)
Fire resistant
Refractory nature
Thermal and acoustic insulation
High absorption capacity
Low density
Ease of handling and placement
Low moisture content

USES:

moulded shapes, bonded with sodium silicate for use in:

high-temperature insulation
refractory insulation
fireproofing of structural steel and pipes
soil conditioner
as loose-fill insulation
packing material, valued for its high absorbency
suitable as a substrate for various animals and/or incubation of eggs
lightweight aggregate for plaster, proprietary concrete compounds, fire stop
mortar and cementitious spray fireproofing
as an additive to fireproof wallboard
component of the interior fill for fire stop pillows, along with graphite
carrier for dry handling and slow release of agricultural chemicals
soil additive for plants, together with perlite for potted plants
growing medium for hydroponics
means to permit slow cooling of hot pieces in glassblowing, lamp work, steelwork,
and glass bead making
used in-ground swimming pools to provide a smooth pool base
used in commercial handwarmers
used as a sterile medium for the incubation of reptile eggs
light-weight insulative concrete
used in AGA cookers as insulation
used in explosives storage as a blast mitigant

The Health Risks Of Vermiculite Containing Amphibole Asbestos

Although the overall percentages of amphibole asbestos in bulk vermiculite are very low,
the airborne percentages can increase if the material is disturbed. Asbestos poses health
risks only when fibres are present in the air that people breathe. If asbestos fibres are
enclosed or tightly bound in a product, for example in asbestos siding or asbestos floor
tiles, there are no significant health risks. How exposure to asbestos can affect you depends
on:
the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air;
how long the exposure lasted;
how often you were exposed;
the size of the asbestos fibres inhaled; and
the amount of time since the initial exposure.
When inhaled in significant quantities, asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis (a scarring of
the lungs which makes breathing difficult), mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the
chest or abdominal cavity) and lung cancer. The link between exposure to asbestos and
other types of cancers is less clear.
Based on current information, there is no evidence that vermiculite currently available for
horticultural purposes (e.g. potting plants) is a health risk when used as directed.

CEILING TILES

anufactured from high density boards

PROPERTIES

Light in weight
Fire resistant
Cost effective and durable
Good thermal and sound insulator
Available in varied finishes,
hickness, size.

WOOL
Wool insulation is made from
sheep wool that is mechanically
bonded together to form
insulating batts and ropes.

ASBESTOS

A sample sheep wool insulation batt.

Asbestos once found common use as an insulation

material in homes and buildings because it is fireproof,
a good thermal and electrical insulator, and resistant
to chemical attack and wear.

USES:

Boiler and furnace insulation.

Heating duct wrapping.
Pipe insulation ("lagging").
Ducting and transite pipes
within slabs.
Acoustic ceilings.
Textured materials.
Resilient flooring.
Blown-in insulation.
Roofing materials and felts. Asbestos panelling

Asbestos pipe

BERGLASS BATTS AND BLANKETS:

FIBERGLASS: Made from molten glass, usually with
20% to 30% recycled industrial waste and postconsumer content. Nonflammable, except for the
facing (if present). Sometimes, the manufacturer
modifies the facing so that it is fire-resistant.
Some fiberglass is unfaced, some is paper-faced
with a thin layer of asphalt, and some is foil-faced.

ALUMINIUM FOILS:
PROPERTIES:
Decorative aluminium foils
Aluminium foils thicker than 0.025 mm (0.001
in) are impermeable to oxygen and water.
Aluminium foil has a shiny side and a matte
side.
The reflectivity of bright aluminium foil is 88%
while dull embossed foil is about 80%

USES

Packaging
Insulation
Cooking
Art and decoration

AEROGELS
AEROGELS, a highperformance, low-density
material.
SILICA AEROGEL has the
lowest thermal
conductivity of any known
substance
CARBON AEROGEL
absorbs infrared radiation
efficiently.
The combination of
SILICA AND CARBON
AEROGEL - best insulating
properties of any known
material; approximately
twice the insulative
protection of the next

AEROG
EL

AEROGEL
IMPREGNA
TED
SHEETS

SOUND INSULATION
BASIC SOUNDPROOFING
PRINCIPLES
SPACE.
The more space there is, the
more noise reduction there is.
As an exaggeration, if you are
10 miles away, you will not
hear it, except under strange
circumstances.
MASS.
A six foot thick concrete wall
works great!! If it is heavy, it
will work well. Remember, if it
does not weigh much it will
not stop much.
DAMPENING.
This requires a little
explanation. Like a wine
glass, when you make it

MATERIALS USED FOR

SOUND INSULATION

CORK
THERMOCOL
MATS AND QUILTS
ACOUSTICAL PLASTER
ASBESTOES
CANE
ACOUSTICAL PULP
UNIFIL ACOUSTICAL PLASTER
ACOUSTICAL BOARDS AND MATS

MODES OF SOUND TRANSFER

AIR BORNE TRANSMISSION

A noise source in one room sends air
pressure waves which induces vibration
to sides of the wall which is then
transmitted to the walls of rooms
adjacent to it.
It can be reduced by
i. STRUCTURAL ISOLATION
ii. AIR TIGHTNESS
IMPACT
TRANSMISSION
iii. ADDING
MASS TO THE STRUCTURE
A noise source in one room, resulting out of
impact of an object on the separating surface
( floor, walls ) transmits the sound to an
adjacent room.
It can be minimalised by
i. ISOLATING THE SOURCE OF IMPACT (by
FLANKING
TRANSMISSION
cushioning)
A more complex form of noise transmission ,
where the noise is transmitted by the structural
elements (reinforcement) incorporated within the
building itself

PROPER
TIES
ASBESTOS

LAMINATE FLOORING

CEILING TILES
ROCKWOOL

anufactured with high density boards

THERMOCOL

PROPERTIES
Light in weight
Fire resistant
Cost effective and durable
Good thermal and sound
insulator
Available in varied
finishes,
thickness, size.

CEILING TILES

OUSTICAL BOARDS AND MATS FOAM

ACOUSTICAL BATT

MINERAL WOOL

CORK

QUILTS

GLASSWOOL

CORK FLOORING
CONSTRUCTION:
Floating Floor (glueless
application)
CORK UNDERLAYMENT
This is flexible low-density cork
material used to provide acoustic
insulation. It may be applied separately
but is usually made an integral part of
a floating floor panel.

STABILIZING CORE
This is the structure of the floor panel
and is made from either HDF (High
Density Fiberboard) or MDF (Medium
Density Fiberboard). The edges of the
core will be milled in such a way as to
allow the interlocking of the panel to
adjoining pieces.

CORK CORE
The inclusion of this component varies
by manufacturer but its intent is to
provide additional insulation and
impact absorption comfort for walking
and standing.

CORK BARK VENEER OR TOP LAYER

This layer is the layer on the top that is
visible. It can be the veneer from the

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USES
Cork is used to
provide
sound insulation to
floors
Rockwool promotes
excellent
acoustical insulation
and
reduces noise level.

USES

FIRE PROOFING
MATERIALS USED FOR FIRE
INSULATION:
PERLITE
VERMICULITE
GYPSUM
ASBESTOS

PERLITE AND VERMICULITE

Perlite and vermiculite aggregates
have been used in fire-proofing
products for decades.
PLASTERS Among the better known
uses of perlite and vermiculite for
fire-protection has been in fire-proof
plasters.
Traditionally "plaster" had been
made from a mix of gypsum plaster
and sand; and sometimes to
strengthen the plaster reinforcing
materials like horsehair was added.
The problem with sand plaster is
that in a fire the sand "explodes" and
cracks, and can be easily destroyed.

PLASTE
Plasters
have been in use in passive fire
RS

protection, as fireproofing products, for

many decades.

It also provides some insulation to retard

heat flow into structural steel elements,
that would otherwise lose their strength
and collapse in a fire.
Initially, plasters that had been
extensively used were asbestos fibres,
which have by now undergone removal and
re-coating work.
Modern plasters fall into the following
categories:
i.

Fibrous (including mineral wool & glass

fiber) cement mixtures either with
mineral wool or with vermiculite gypsum
plasters, leavened with polystyrene beads
ii. Replaced with drywall, also composed

Gypsum-based
plaster used in spray
fireproofing in a lowrise industrial
building in Vancouver,
British Columbia.

A
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Asbestos fire blanket

Sprayed 'limpet'
asbestos coating

Sprayed 'limpet'
asbestos on the
underside of an
asbestos cement roof

STRUCTURAL FIRE
PROTECTION:
It is typically achieved by the
following means:
PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION:
(use of integral, fire-resistance
rated wall and floor assemblies
that are used to form fire
compartments intended to limit
the spread of fire, or occupancy
separations, or firewalls, to keep
fires, high temperatures and flue
gases within the fire
compartment of origin, thus
enabling firefighting and
evacuation)
ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION:
(manual and automatic detection
and suppression of fires, as in
using and installing a Fire

Fire-resistance rated wall assembly

with fire door, cable tray penetration
and intumescent cable coating.

This I - beam has a fireproofing

material sprayed onto it as a form of
passive fire protection.

WATER PROOFING
MATERIALS
USED FOR
WATERPROOFING:
ASPHALT
BITUMEN
TAR
ASPHALT ROOFING
SHINGLES

COAL
TAR

BITUM
EN

ASPHALT
PROPERTIES:

Putting a stop to
Glare:
Asphalts dark surface
absorbs light and
reduces glare and
reflection, keeping
roads safe in all
weather.
Ease of repair
Low maintenance
Redundancy of layers
reduces chance for
leaks
Superb tensile
strength
Strong and tough,
today's formulas resists
weathering

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ASPHALT
USES:

used for flooring,

paving, roofing.
Construction of
metallic roads.
Used for lining
water tanks,
swimming pools.

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BITUMEN
It is a binding material present in asphalt
It is also called Mineral tar
Obtained by partial distillation of crude petroleum

PROPERTIES

Black or brown in colour

Obtained in solid or semi solid states
Insoluble in water
Completely carbon disulphide ,
chloroform , benzol, coal tar, naphtha,
alkalies, alkaline carbonates, etc

FORMS OF BITUMEN

Cut back bitumen

Plastic bitumen
Blown bitumen
Straight run bitumen
Bitumen emulsion

BITUMINOUS FELT SHEETS

Available in 1.5, 2, 3, 4 mm
thickness of water proof
membrane rolls
Sizes:1mx1m to 10mx10m.

BITUMEN
USES:

Constructions of roads, runways and platforms.

Water proofing to prevent water seepage.
Mastic floorings for factories and godowns.
Canal lining to prevent eroding.
Damp-proof courses for masonry.
Lining of water tanks.
Joint filling material for masonry
Electrical cables and junction boxes.
Battery manufacturers as sealing compound.
Paint industries for manufacturing black paints and anti
corrosive paints.
Ceramic industries.
Printing inks.
Water proof papers.
Electrical capacitors.
Bituminous felts.
Bituminous grease for lubricating open gears.

TAR
Black solid
mass obtained
from coal, wood
and other
organic matter
by destructive
distillation

PROPERTIES
Higher toxicity
Higher percentage of carbon
Properties depend upon
i. the type of raw materials
ii. method of distillation

USES

Roofing , road making

Bituminous paints
Water proof compounds
Preservative for timber
Saturant for felts

TYPES OF TAR
Coal tar
Mineral tar
Wood tar

WOOD
TAR

REFERENCE:

www.wikipedia.org
www.designboom.com
www.geology.com
www.qualityasphaltroofing.org
www.arma.com

THANK-YOU

(FOR SOUND PROOFING UR YAWNS &

SNORESzzzzz)