Multilayer Facer Barriers for Enhanced Thermal Stability in Rigid Foam Insulations

Invention Reference Number

202305444

Woman building engineer in hardhat holding foam blocks for external cladding and wall insulation, preparation of materials for finishing works. Image from Envato

The use of novel multilayer barrier facers improves the initial and long-term thermal performance of rigid foam insulation, commonly used in building, refrigeration, and aerospace applications. The �鶹Ӱ�� addresses minimizing the loss of low thermal conductivity blowing agents during foam production and thermal aging, a degradation of insulation effectiveness over time, by incorporating advanced facer films with diffusion-tight bonding between the foam and facers to minimize gas diffusion. This solution significantly improves the performance of insulations to retard thermal losses.

Description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a technique to apply multilayer facers with diffusion-tight bonding between the foam and facers designed to reduce thermal aging in isocyanurate-based rigid foams. Thermal aging occurs as low conductivity gases within the foam cells diffuse out while atmospheric gases diffuse in, decreasing insulation performance. This technology integrates specialized multilayer films, including metalized and polymeric components, to limit such gas exchange and achieve high initial thermal resistivity (R-value) and minimize the aging effect. ORNL developed a surface treatment technique that enhances the adhesion between the foam and facer, ensuring a diffusion-tight bond. Optimizing the formulation of the foam and the surface chemistry of the facer further improves long-term performance. The result is a composite that retains its R-value significantly better than conventional materials over extended periods.