May 4 2012
BASF is continuously developing its Neopor product range. With a declared lambda value of 0.030 W/m*K, the optimized insulating material Neopor Plus (EPS, expandable polystyrene) now provides the best rated value for thermal conductivity for EPS insulating materials in Europe - coupled with efficient use of material.
According to the current German standard, with Neopor Plus it is possible to achieve a thermal conductivity of 0.031 W/m*K with bulk densities of less than 20 kg/m3. By comparison, the thermal conductivity of standard white EPS of a similar bulk density, is markedly inferior with 0.035 W/m*K.
The high-performance insulating material Neopor Plus is thus an economical solution for insulating flat roofs, for example. "With the combination of the properties of Neopor Plus - high compressive strength coupled with low thermal conductivity - we offer along with our partners a product which is optimized for this type of roof," says Gregor Haverkemper, product management for Neopor at BASF. When it comes to the insulation of flat roofs, the insulating material Neopor Plus is a cost-efficient solution when sealed with an average compressive stress (DAA dm) in accordance with DIN V 4108-10 with a load of 100 kilopascals.
In general, EPS offers a persuasive choice compared with other insulating materials for flat roof insulation: When water infiltrates, draining and sealing are possible without any problems; no irritant dusts are released during processing. Particularly when designing a sloping roof for the purpose of draining off surface water, it is advisable to use EPS insulation panels: insulation panels made from Neopor can be customized to fit any desired slope.
However, external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) remain the most widespread application of Neopor insulating materials. The optimized Neopor Plus also offers advantages when it is used in ETICS thanks to its improved insulating performance: The insulating performance allows a lower thickness of panel and thus greater flexibility for planners and architects.
BASF develops market for gray insulating material
The silver-gray Neopor gets its color and special performance capability thanks to the addition of particles of graphite - compared with a white EPS insulating material, Neopor offers a level of insulating performance which is up to 20 percent better. BASF introduced the raw material Neopor onto the market over ten years ago. Following the successful market launch in all European countries, successes are now also being seen in the USA and in the emerging markets in Asia. Only recently, Neopor was presented with a prize at the 2nd Green Construction Technology and Building Materials Awards by the government in Korea. This means that the silver-gray insulation panels made from Neopor are also developing to become the standard choice globally for facade insulation.
Neopor insulation
The gray plastic granular material Neopor is the advanced version of the insulation classic Styropor. It contains special graphite particles that reflect heat radiation like a mirror and so reduce heat loss in a house. The granular material is foamed by BASF's customers and converted to insulating boards and molded parts for insulating facades, roofs and floors. Neopor insulating materials meet the standards for passive house construction and in warm climatic zones also save at least 30 percent of cooling energy for residential buildings.