Q&AChoice of insulation material

How to know the thermal performance of insulating material?

The choice of insulating material in terms of thermal performance involves studying two factors: thermal resistance R and the thickness of the insulating material.

Thermal resistance (R)

To evaluate the thermal insulation of a material, it is necessary to know its resistance to heat flow (m2.K/W) presented by a material in a given thickness. The higher the thermal resistance R, the better insulation is provided by the material.

Thermal conductivity (λ )

Thermal conductivity or λ is the quantity of heat W/m.K that may be transferred into a material, at a given time. The lower the λ value, the higher the insulation of the material. Insulating materials have a thermal conductivity lower than 0.060 W/mK.