What are some interior wall insulation materials?

With increasing demands for comfortable living environments and growing awareness of energy efficiency, building energy conservation has become an indispensable part of modern building design and construction. As a key measure to improve building energy efficiency, interior wall insulation technology reduces heat transfer by adding insulation materials inside the walls, thus achieving warmth in winter and heat insulation in summer. This article will detail several common interior wall insulation materials currently on the market and their characteristics.

I. Expanded Polystyrene Board (EPS)

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) board is a lightweight, high-strength insulation material with good thermal insulation performance and low cost. It is made by heating expandable polystyrene beads, resulting in low density and low thermal conductivity, making it suitable for both interior and exterior wall insulation projects. However, EPS boards are flammable, therefore fireproofing treatment or the selection of flame-retardant products is necessary before use.

II. Extruded Polystyrene Board (XPS)

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) board is another high-efficiency insulation material. Compared to EPS, it has higher strength, lower water absorption, better compressive strength, and a longer service life. The closed-cell structure of XPS boards gives them excellent waterproof and moisture-proof properties, making them suitable for insulation needs in humid environments. However, due to its higher cost, it is generally used in applications with specific insulation requirements.

III. Rock wool board

Rock wool boards are made from fibrous materials that are molten natural rocks, such as basalt, at high temperatures and then sprayed onto the surface, followed by processing and fixing. Rock wool boards not only have excellent thermal insulation properties but also superior fire resistance, meeting stringent fire safety standards. Furthermore, they offer sound insulation and noise reduction, making them ideal for use as interior wall insulation materials in residences, office buildings, and other similar locations.

IV. Glass wool board

Glass wool boards are porous materials made primarily of glass through a special process. They possess excellent thermal insulation properties and some sound absorption, making them widely used in interior wall insulation systems for various industrial plants, commercial buildings, and residential homes. However, glass wool may contain tiny fibers, so care must be taken during installation to prevent inhalation.

V. Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is a high-efficiency thermal insulation material available in sprayed or prefabricated form. It boasts excellent adhesion and a closed-cell structure, effectively preventing airflow and providing superior insulation performance. Polyurethane foam can be customized to fit the specific shape of the wall, reducing thermal bridging at joints. However, it's important to note that this material may release harmful gases during production, so its environmental friendliness and safety must be ensured when selecting it.

VI. Inorganic thermal insulation mortar

Inorganic thermal insulation mortar is mainly composed of cement-based or other inorganic binders and lightweight aggregates. It is a wet-applied type of insulation material. The advantages of this type of material are its low price, ease of construction, and good adhesion to the base wall. However, its insulation performance is generally not as good as the aforementioned organic insulation materials, so it is more often used as an auxiliary insulation layer or the base layer of an external wall insulation system.

VII. New Composite Thermal Insulation Materials

In recent years, with the development of technology, many new composite insulation materials have emerged, such as vacuum insulation panels (VIP) and phase change energy storage materials. These materials often combine the advantages of multiple traditional insulation materials while overcoming the shortcomings of single materials. For example, VIP utilizes the ultra-low thermal conductivity of a vacuum environment to achieve extremely high insulation performance; while phase change materials can absorb or release latent heat when the temperature changes, maintaining a stable indoor temperature.

In conclusion, choosing suitable interior wall insulation materials requires consideration not only of their insulation performance but also of factors such as cost, construction difficulty, safety, and environmental friendliness. For different types of building projects, the most suitable insulation solution should be selected based on specific needs and conditions. In the future, with the development of new materials and technological advancements, it is believed that more high-performance, environmentally friendly interior wall insulation materials will appear on the market, creating more comfortable and energy-efficient living spaces for people.