Many people confuse PIR polyisocyanurate with fire retardants, when in fact it is neither a fire retardant nor a fire-retardant. Its primary uses are as a thermoset and a vapour barrier. Read on to discover the key characteristics of PIR and what makes it the right choice for your application. It is a highly versatile high-performance insulator, but there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best type.
It is not fire retardant
The main difference between PIR and PUR is that the former is non-reactive to flames and flammable liquids. As the name suggests, PIR polyisocyanurate does not melt at high temperatures and does not release toxic fumes when burned. PIR polyisocyanurate is a better fire retardant than PUR in many situations. PIR is a good choice for insulation panels, pipes, and tanks because it can be used at temperatures ranging from -196 degC to 150 degC. Its excellent thermal insulation properties also make it a good choice for ethylene, liquefied natural gas, and nitrogen liquids.
Although PIR polyisocyanurate is frequently marketed as being fire retardant, it is not a true fire-retardant. The problem lies in the tests that are conducted on small scales and do not represent real-world fire conditions. Also, studies conducted with PIR have failed to reveal the full scope of toxic byproducts and resistance to fire. Unlike PIR polyisocyanurate, the test results are inconclusive, making it difficult to draw conclusions.
Using PIR insulation in fermenters and tanks has a number of advantages over PUR polyisocyanurate. ERESSON used it in the fermentation tanks of the HEINEKEN VUNG TAU 1 – 2018 project. In addition, Krones-Eresson implemented the Suoi Tien water plant project. As PIR meets rigorous standards of fire resistance and insulation, it can replace PUR in many applications.
Polyisocyanurate is a thermoset thermoplastic. Its strength lies in its ring structure and high cross-link density. As such, it is much better at preventing fire and moisture than PIR. It is also 50% thinner than comparable PUR insulation. But Kingspan’s QuadCore Technology outshines PIR in fire-retardant.trecută Polyisocyanurate – Does it Have a Better Fire Retardant
It is a vapour barrier
PIR polyisocyanurate is one of the most widely used materials for insulation, and has a much higher R-value than conventional insulation. However, in the building industry, PIR is still regarded as semi-permeable, and its application as an exterior insulation is quite limited. There have also been fewer research studies on the material’s thermal performance. In this article, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of PIR.
During the heating season, moisture vapor inside the building is forced outwards into the exterior walls. This moisture vapor condenses on a surface below the dew point, which is typically the exterior sheathing. As a result, rigid foam board and expanded polystyrene are used as vapour barriers. However, these two materials have different characteristics, and this means that a vapor barrier is necessary for the highest r/u values.
The performance of PIR is highly dependent on the thickness and the facer material. In the laboratory, the thickness of PIR is measured for the insulation’s hygrothermal characteristics. When measured, the material’s hygrothermal properties are extrapolated to other thicknesses, including 0.5 in. Then, the density is determined by measuring oven-dry mass and physical dimensions.
It is a thermoset
Polyisocyanurate is a type of thermoset plastic that is often produced in the form of a rigid thermal insulation panel. This type of insulation is highly thermally efficient and has an R-value of around 6.5 or higher per inch. While polyisocyanurate is not as good in colder temperatures, it does have some advantages. Its physical properties are far superior to those of polyurethane.
The preparation of PIR foams consisted of two steps. First, the mixture of polyester polyol, stabilizers, surfactants, blowing agents, and catalyst was mixed. Once this step had been completed, the isocyanate was added. Then, the mixture was poured into an open mold. After mixing, the foaming process was measured as cream time and setting time. Then, fiber time was measured, which is the time that the foam expands and turns into solid fibers.
Polyisocyanurate is a thermosetting plastic, similar to polyurethane. It is commonly produced as a foam in buildings. It is also sprayed and blown into cavities as a thermal insulator. It is similar to polyurethane, although it has a higher percentage of MDI. Its chemical stability and stiffness make it superior to polyurethane.
Polyisocyanurate is produced by reacting polyol and MDI at higher temperatures than PUR manufacture. At these temperatures, MDI will react with itself first to produce a stiff ring molecule that is called a reactive intermediate. This reactive intermediate is a tri-isocyanurate. Then, the remaining MDI will react with polyol to form a complex polymer. Finally, the polymer is foamed with suitable blowing agents.
It is a high-performance insulation material
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) is an effective insulation material that comes in various forms and has varying density levels. It is produced as bunstocks and is available in two main forms: continuous or individually box poured. Continuous PIR insulation is more consistent and produces higher-quality materials than box poured PIR. Typical PIR products come in pipe shells, which are approximately three to four feet long and fit over a nominal pipe size. In some applications, such as in air conditioning units, more complicated shapes can be fabricated to accommodate around equipment.
PIR is often marketed as a fire-retardant, but this is a misnomer. While it contains chemicals to resist fire, small-scale fire tests are often not representative of actual fire conditions. It is impossible to know exactly how much resistance PIR offers to fires in a building, and the scope of toxic byproducts resulting from different fire scenarios.
Modified PIR foam was first commercialized in 1996. It has since been used widely in the construction industry around the world. It is also increasingly being rated for fire resistance due to its thermal stability bonds. For this reason, it is gaining increasing attention in the building industry for both thermal and industrial insulation. It can be used as a substitute for more traditional building materials such as clay or wood.
Polyisocyanurate foam insulation panels are available with foil on both sides. Foil is a very effective vapour barrier that prevents more moisture from entering the structure than normal polyethylene. They can also be used inside of high-performance stud walls. This makes them more durable than standard panels. This material is available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses.
It has a lower U-value than PUR
There are some significant differences between PIR and PUR. For one, PIR has a higher R-value while PUR has a lower R-value. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that PIR is better. This is because their U-values are not directly proportional to each other, and the R-value of a material depends on the material’s insulating capacity.
This chemical composition is similar between PIR and PUR, but the two products have significant differences in performance and thermal stability. Both PIR and PUR are environmentally-friendly and recyclable, and they are both lightweight. The main difference between the two types of foams is how they are produced. PUR foams are created by reacting the polyol with the iso component. In this process, the OH groups of the polyol component balance out the NCO groups in the iso component. In contrast, PIR foams are created by a trimerization process between the two compounds.
One notable difference between PIR and PUR is the higher R-value of PIR polyisocyanurate. For the same R-value, PIR polyisocyanurate has a lower U-value. Both types of PIR have similar thermal properties, but PIR has a lower U-value. If you’re interested in saving energy and money, PIR is a great option for your next project.
The second significant difference between PIR and PUR is in the U-value. Although PIR is often marketed as a fire-retardant, its U-value is lower than PUR because of its higher density and higher R-value. While PIR is slightly less expensive than PUR, it’s not more efficient in cold climates and has a lower U-value than PUR. If you live in a flood-prone area, PIR is the perfect choice.