Insulation Materials for Container Houses

Common insulation materials for container houses include expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boards, polyurethane (PU) foam, rock wool boards, and vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), in addition to materials like polystyrene boards and polyurethane foam boards. Selection should be based on a comprehensive consideration of performance requirements and usage scenarios.

1. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)/Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Boards
EPS and XPS foam boards are common choices for insulation in container houses. EPS is cost-effective but has high water absorption, which can lead to a decline in insulation performance over time. XPS, produced through an extrusion process, features a dense closed-cell structure, offering superior water resistance and compressive strength, making it suitable for humid environments or ground insulation. Its thermal conductivity is approximately 0.03-0.04 W/(m·K), providing moderate insulation, but its fire resistance is generally average (usually B2 rated), requiring the use of fire-resistant coatings or flame retardant treatments.

2. Polyurethane (PU) Foam
PU foam comes in two forms: on-site spraying and prefabricated panels. On-site spraying allows for seamless coverage, adapting to complex structures, but requires higher construction standards. Prefabricated panels are easy to install and have a low thermal conductivity of 0.022-0.028 W/(m·K), offering excellent insulation performance. PU foam has a closed-cell rate of over 95%, providing outstanding water resistance and can achieve a B1 fire rating by adding flame retardants. However, it is costly and may release harmful gases at high temperatures, necessitating the use of environmentally friendly materials.

3. Rock Wool Boards
Rock wool boards are made from basalt, melted at high temperatures and then fiberized. They are classified as Class A non-combustible materials, offering excellent fire resistance and are suitable for scenarios with strict fire safety requirements. Their thermal conductivity is approximately 0.036-0.044 W/(m·K), providing moderate insulation, but they excel in sound absorption, noise reduction, and moisture resistance. Rock wool boards are relatively hard and require secure installation, and prolonged contact may irritate the skin, necessitating the use of protective gear during construction.

4. Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs)
VIPs reduce thermal conductivity to 0.004-0.008 W/(m·K) through vacuum technology, making them one of the best insulation materials available. They are only 1/5 to 1/10 the thickness of traditional materials, suitable for container houses with limited space. However, they are expensive and prone to performance degradation due to edge air leakage, requiring regular inspection and maintenance. They are typically used in high-end or special-demand scenarios.

Selection Recommendations:

• Cost-sensitive: Prioritize EPS or XPS to balance performance and budget.
• Fire safety priority: Choose rock wool boards or PU foam with added flame retardants.
• Limited space: Opt for VIPs or high-density PU prefabricated panels.
• Humid environments: Use XPS or PU foam to avoid the water absorption issues of EPS.