External wall insulation materials are mainly divided into the following five categories based on their material and performance characteristics:

1、 Organic insulation material

Using polymer as the matrix, it has advantages such as low thermal conductivity, light weight, and convenient construction, but its fire resistance is relatively weak.

Molded polystyrene foam board (EPS): it is formed by foaming polystyrene particles, with a density of 15 – 22 kg/m ³, thermal conductivity ≤ 0.041 W/(m · K), low cost, and is widely used in external wall thermal insulation system of civil buildings.

Extruded polystyrene foam board (XPS): a closed cell structure is formed by continuous extrusion process, with a density of 25 – 35 kg/m ³, thermal conductivity ≤ 0.030 W/(m · K), high compressive strength, and suitable for basement, exterior wall and roof insulation.

Rigid polyurethane foam (PUR/PIR.

2、 Inorganic insulation material

Using natural minerals or industrial waste as raw materials, it has the characteristics of Class A non combustible, good durability, and excellent environmental protection, making it the preferred choice for high-rise buildings and public facilities.

Rock wool board/strip: It is made of basalt and other natural ores after melting and fibrosis, with a density of 80 – 150 kg/m ³, thermal conductivity of 0.035 – 0.040 W/(m · K), high temperature resistance (> 600 ℃), low moisture absorption, and is widely used in fire compartments and super high-rise buildings.

Glass wool board: made of molten glass fibers, with a density of 30-100 kg/m ³ and a thermal conductivity of 0.036-0.042 W/(m · K). It has excellent sound insulation performance and is suitable for residential and public buildings with noise reduction needs.

Expanded perlite insulation board: made of natural perlite expanded at high temperature and pressed with inorganic cementitious materials, with a density of 120-200 kg/m ³ and a thermal conductivity of 0.050-0.070 W/(m · K). It is corrosion-resistant and non aging, and is commonly used as an insulation layer for dry hanging curtain walls.

Foamed cement (foam concrete): it is poured with cement, foaming agent and water, with a density of 200 – 600 kg/m ³, a thermal conductivity of 0.06 – 0.10 W/(m · K), can be poured on site, and has strong adhesion with the base course. It is suitable for roof slope making and filling and insulation.

3、 Composite insulation material

Combining the advantages of organic and inorganic materials, achieving complementary performance, and improving the overall safety and insulation efficiency of the system.

Rubber powder polystyrene particle insulation slurry: made by mixing waste polystyrene particles, cement-based cementitious materials, and additives, with a thermal conductivity of 0.060-0.070 W/(m · K). It can be used for on-site plastering construction and is suitable for complex facades. It is commonly used for energy-saving renovation of existing buildings.

Silicate composite insulation board: based on inorganic silicate, composite polyphenyl particles or phenolic foam, thermal conductivity ≤ 0.050 W/(m · K), both Class A fire protection and good thermal insulation, has been listed in the Shandong Green Building Materials Promotion Catalogue.

4、 Air gel insulation material (emerging high-end category)

With nanometer silica aerogel as the core, it has the advantages of ultra-low thermal conductivity and extremely thin thickness, and is suitable for projects with limited space or high energy saving standards.

Silica aerogel felt: the thermal conductivity coefficient is as low as 0.015 – 0.020 W/(m · K), the thickness is only 1/3 – 1/5 of the traditional material, and the temperature resistance is up to 600 ℃. It is suitable for curtain wall interlayer, pipeline insulation and ultra-low energy consumption buildings, but the cost is high. At present, it is mostly used for demonstration projects.

5、 Other special insulation materials

Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP): Encapsulated by a porous core material after vacuum pumping, with a thermal conductivity of ≤ 0.008 W/(m · K) and insulation performance 5-10 times that of traditional materials. However, it is prone to damage and has a limited lifespan. It is commonly used in refrigerators, cold chains, and high-end curtain wall systems.

Phase change insulation material: embedded with microencapsulated phase change substances (such as paraffin), which can absorb and release heat when temperature changes, regulate indoor thermal environment. It is still in the pilot application stage and has not been widely promoted.

New residential and public buildings in Linyi, Shandong Province generally use rock wool board+EPS composite system or rubber powder polystyrene particle insulation slurry, which meets the mandatory requirements of Class A combustion performance and heat transfer coefficient ≤ 0.45 W/(m ² · K) for insulation materials in the "Energy saving Design Standards for Residential Buildings in Shandong Province" (DB37/5026-2023).

Shandong Huaneng Insulation Materials Co., Ltd. specializes in the production and sales of integrated insulation and decoration, pipeline insulation, exterior wall insulation materials, extruded polystyrene boards, thermosetting polystyrene boards, and rubber insulation. It is an enterprise that integrates production, sales, and construction. Phone: 400-013-5133.