Insulation Materials for Container Houses
Commonly used insulation materials in container houses include expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boards, polyurethane (PU) foam, rock wool boards, glass wool blankets, vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), and thermal insulation cotton, among others. Each material has distinct performance characteristics and should be selected based on specific needs.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam Boards: With a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.033 - 0.038 W/(m·K), EPS foam boards offer good thermal insulation, are lightweight, easy to install, and cost-effective, making them suitable for temporary buildings or simple container house renovations. However, their fire resistance is poor, and they should be used with fire-resistant coatings to avoid safety hazards.
Polyurethane (PU) Foam: Featuring a high closed-cell ratio and a thermal conductivity of about 0.022 - 0.028 W/(m·K), PU foam provides excellent thermal insulation and has good strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for container houses with high insulation requirements and long service lives. Although the cost is relatively high, the long-term energy-saving effects are significant, reducing operational costs.
Rock Wool Boards: As Class A non-combustible materials, rock wool boards offer excellent fire resistance, good thermal insulation, and sound absorption properties, along with high-temperature resistance, making them suitable for container houses in factory warehouses or high-temperature environments. However, protective gear should be worn during installation to avoid skin irritation from fibers, and construction requirements are relatively high.
Glass Wool Blankets: Soft and flexible, glass wool blankets can be easily cut and have a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.032 - 0.040 W/(m·K), providing good thermal insulation and significant sound absorption, making them suitable for container houses used as offices or dormitories where a quiet environment is needed. Moisture-proof treatment is necessary, as their thermal insulation performance will significantly decrease after absorbing water.
Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs): With an extremely low thermal conductivity of 0.004 - 0.008 W/(m·K), VIPs offer exceptional thermal insulation, are thin, and provide significant energy savings, making them suitable for special projects with extremely high insulation requirements, such as cold chain logistics and laboratories. However, they are costly, and care must be taken during installation to avoid damage that could lead to vacuum failure, which would drastically reduce performance.
Thermal Insulation Cotton: Combining excellent fire resistance, low thermal conductivity, and high compressive strength, thermal insulation cotton is suitable for various harsh environments. During installation, it should be tightly fitted against the inner walls of the container to avoid gaps that could affect thermal insulation performance, requiring high construction precision.
In addition, closed-cell insulation methods such as expanded perlite boards, or applying insulation layers through plastering, clay walls, or wooden boards, can further reduce heat loss and improve overall thermal insulation performance.
