General Details
INSULATION

General properties of expanded cork agglomerate

Cork is a 100% natural product and the natural material with the highest insulating capacity. Agglomerated corkboard is a natural cork product bonded together by heat. This process results in the fusion of suberin, a biopolymer present in the cellular structure of cork which acts as a binding agent and allows the boards to form completely naturally without any chemical additives. The heating process also enhances the insulating performance of cork. The cells expand, increase in volume and improve thermal and acoustic performance.

 

Pure insulation: Excellent thermal, acoustic and vibration insulation. Climate regulator free of condensation effects. Lowers energy consumption in the house, does not accumulate static electricity and has a stable thermal conductivity coefficient.

 

Insulation and lining of exterior façades: Ideal product for installing in exposed façades. The boards are installed in the façade using mechanical fasteners or breathable glue mortar.

 

Granulate: Product obtained during the recycling of expanded corkboard. The material is ground to form the granulate, which maintains all the insulating properties of the original board. It can be applied directly between partitions or mixed with sand and water to build insulating floor slabs. Good thermal insulation and very effective for airborne noise insulation.

 

Technical Information
TECHNICAL INFORMATION

 

FEATURES SPECIFICATIONS (EN 13170:2008)
Density
 Thermal conductivity coefficient 0.037 to 0.040 W/mK
Flexural strength >/= 130 Kpa
Compressive strength of 10% >/= 110KPa
Temperature range -180 C to +140 C
Water vapour permeability 386 ng/Pa.sm2
Vapour diffusion factor μ = 7 to 14
Fire resistance class (for explosion situations) Class E-s1, d0
Fire resistance class (for ETICS) Class B-s1, d0
Length x Width 1000x500mm / 900x500mm
Thickness 10 to 300 mm
  • Density: 100-120 kg/m3
  • Thermal conductivity: 0.040 W/m2 k med. temp. 20 °C
    • Vapour permeability: 0.002 / 0.006 g / h.m.mm Hg
    • Pressure limit: 150 kPa (15,000 kgf/m2)
    • Maximum pressure in flexible ends: 50 kPa (5,000 kgf/m2)
    • Dimensions: 1,000 x 500 mm; 915 x 610 mm
    • Thickness: 10-300 mm
    • Operating temperature: -180 °C to +140 °C

Other densities available, depending on application: decoration, load bearing, separation and expansion joints.

  • HD 9/10 lbs– 145 to 160 kg/m3
    HD 11/12 lbs – 175 to 190 kg/m3
    • REV – Exposed cork exterior façade siding – 140 to 150 kg/m3

The expanded cork agglomerate with densities between about 90-140 kg/m3 has thermal conductivity values ​​(at a reference temperature of 10 °C) of around 0.037 W/mK at 0.040 W/mK, which makes it a top performer among thermal insulation products for buildings.

The thermal resistance offered by the usual ICB application thickness — 300-60 mm — easily ensures obtaining the K values ​​(thermal transfer coefficient) recommended for ceilings and walls under current building thermal rating standards.

Temperature limits for the use of cork agglomerate cover the current range of values ​​found in building applications — -180 °C to +140 °C — without problems of degradation, deformation or irreversible change of properties.

The composition of cork allows exposure to extreme temperatures well above those noted, a fact that allows it to withstand without damage the application of bitumen binder (heated to temperatures well above 100 °C) used in bonding roof waterproofing systems, or use ICB in the thermal insulation of industrial facilities and equipment at extremely low temperatures.

Expanded agglomerate corkboard features relatively high water vapour permeability, about 386 ng/Pa.sm2. Thus, to avoid undesired condensation inside building elements or in the ICB themselves, suitable building arrangements are adopted, usually the application of vapour barriers (inside) or more vapour permeable solutions from the outside of the expanded agglomerate corkboard.

Since it is an organic material, agglomerate cork is a combustible product, although in comparison to other insulators (as some cellular plastics) it boasts numerous fire safety advantages.

Unlike some of these materials, which can easily melt at temperatures above 100 °C, expanded cork agglomerate degrades thermally (becomes carbonised) without melting. The bonding of thermal insulation means, on one hand, a total loss of strength and shape (with implications for the stability and adherence of other connected elements), and secondly, the loss of the molten combustible material which ultimately catches fire.

The combustion of expanded cork agglomerate does not produce significant amounts of other high-toxicity fumes, in addition to carbon monoxide generated by the thermal degradation of most organic materials.

Existing protection solutions can easily be extended and adopted for expanded cork agglomerate, consisting of gypsum or wooden boards of the appropriate thicknesses.

When paints and varnishes are applied, the ICB protection rating increases to class B.

The key mechanical characteristics for expanded cork agglomerate applications are compressive strength, cohesion and the corresponding shear.

The compressive strength of the expanded agglomerate corkboard has values ​​between 100 and 200 kPa, allowing it to withstand relatively high loads without excessive deformations. Cohesion resistance, an important property when the boards must resist traction stress perpendicular to the major surfaces, easily exceeds 50 kPa.

Although caused by different actions, agglomerated corkboard cutting resistance also exceeds 50 kPa. Stress of this type comes from elements adherent to the board surface either from improper weight or movements, usually from  temperature and humidity conditions. Another positive aspect of expanded cork agglomerate is that it has good dimensional stability bearing in mind the significant variations in temperature and relative humidity it may be exposed to in certain applications, such as when used as thermal insulation for terrace roofs.

Expanded cork agglomerate has no compatibility problems with other building materials it comes into contact with in standard applications. There are therefore no problems of chemical interaction with substances in other products, plasticisers, solvents, resins, aromatic compounds or hydraulic binders, which in other thermal insulations can lead to premature deterioration of one or both of the products in contact with each other. It should be remembered that a wide variety of adhesives (PVA film, etc.) and other binders (bitumen applied hot or cold, cement-based, etc.) that can be used in the affixing of ICB onto various surfaces. The use of protective or decorative paints likewise does not pose any adhesion or chemical compatibility problems. As has been already noted, expanded cork agglomerate has excellent durability when applied to well-designed and implemented constructive solutions.

Worth highlighting, for example, are the thermal conductivity tests carried out in the INETI’s Unidade de Tecnologia da Madeira e da Cortiça. They tested expanded agglomerate corkboard samples taken from demolished buildings used 30 to 50 years and results indicated that after all these decades the parameters remained stable. It was also observed that the boards collected had the same visual appearance and texture as the new material.

Expanded agglomerated cork has a higher thermal lag compared to other systems, such as XPS and MW. It is also noted that it is the material with the lowest maximum temperature in the adjoining surface. The thermal inertia of solutions shows the difference over time between a change in temperature on either side of the construction and the moment when this variation is detected on the opposite side, when the system is subject to a variable heat transmission rate. Solutions with a greater thermal lag contribute to improve the thermal performance of buildings, since they retard heat loss or gain from the environment.

Expanded agglomerated cork is rated A+ in terms of quality of material emissions for indoor air. This means that the application of cork boards for interiors is not a threat to human health. Once again, it shows that cork is a 100% natural product.

Main applications of expanded cork agglomerate in thermal insulation for buildings:

Thanks to its characteristics, expanded cork agglomerate has been used for thermal insulation of ceilings, walls and floors of buildings, equipment and industrial facilities (particularly cold areas).

The significant increase in demand for thermal insulation, in particular since the early seventies, led to rapid development and diversification in this area.

In recent years, the awareness of health and environmental problems inherent in the production and use of certain products (asbestos fibres, CFCs used as agents in some cellular plastics, release of irritants from urea formaldehyde foam insulation) has renewed interest in thermal insulation solutions based on expanded cork agglomerate, especially in countries like Austria, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom and Italy.

Some application examples:

  • Exterior wall insulation as per ETICS • Exposed cork exterior façade siding
  • Insulation of double walls (plenums) • Insulation of flat roofs
    Thermal insulation of roofs and attics
    • Thermal insulation of earthen floors
  • Insulation in the transmission of noise impact
    Insulation of anti-vibration machines
    • Thermal insulation for cold storage chambers

Thermal insulation of roofs

In buildings, expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) is used for terrace roof insulation, providing thermal insulation functions and aiding in waterproofing.

Expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) boasts indisputable advantages including dimensional stability, resistance to high temperatures (needed to attach the boards to the support base or board waterproofing membranes) and mechanical stress (compression and cohesion).

These properties, coupled with its compatibility with traditional or innovative waterproofing materials give it good performance and durability ideal for a variety of applications.

For roofs where minimising weight is essential, it shows even greater advantages over alternative thermal insulations.

For walk-out terraces expanded cork agglomerate provides great soundproofing of percussion sounds (foot traffic, falling objects), provided that some specific construction requirements are met.

The good acoustic characteristics of expanded cork agglomerate are also used for solutions using false ceiling plates. In addition to provided insulation, the boards’ sound absorption contributes significantly to improve the acoustic conditions of the isolated place and reduce the rate of reverberation (echo reduction).

Expanded agglomerate corkboard can be applied in sloping roofs, in inclined slabs or horizontal mat, possibly protected from accidental infiltration of rain due to defects in the outer roof.

The mechanical strength and deformability of agglomerated corkboard (ICB), makes it suitable for horizontal application (floor) in the attics under sloping roofs, used for storage. They just need to be protected from specific loads and the wear caused by foot traffic.

Thermal insulation of walls (plenums)

Expanded agglomerate corkboard (ICB) is used to insulate double walls by filling the intermediate wall, in part or entirely.

Complete filling is easy to perform on site, although it has the disadvantage of placing the expanded cork agglomerate at risk of contact with water that accidentally seeps in (or condensates) through the outer wall fabric.

However, the best solution from a technical and cost effective standpoint involves securing the insulation from the outer side of the inner fabric, between the expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) and the outer fabric, thereby ensuring an air and drainage space vented to the exterior.

One way of achieving internal thermal insulation is to glue together ICB and plasterboard, which add a mechanical and fire protection.

Thermal insulation for exterior walls (façades) 

Interest in the use of natural and organic products, such as expanded cork agglomerate, led several countries — including Austria and Switzerland — to develop thermal insulation solutions for walls.

These systems feature the collage principle of expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) to the outer face of the wall and the subsequent application of a suitable coating on the insulating material. The coating should ensure both protection (from mechanical shock, rain, fire) and provide a proper surface for the finishing coat.

As with other similar thermal insulation of exterior walls, a technical study should be carried out prior to application. Only specialised teams should implement these solutions.

Thermal insulation of floors

Thermal insulation of building floors is only carried out when they are either in passages or spaces open to the outside, or in places without heating or ventilation. In ground floors, pavement insulation can be justified with an underfloor heating system.

In general, in order to protect the cork agglomerate, the boards must be installed on the inside, so below the ground slab.

Floor covering is generally installed on a floor previously build over the expanded cork agglomerate, separated by a plastic sheet or a bituminous felt.

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Plates:

medidas-placas

Granulates:

 

40 AND 250l SACS ON PALLET

 

BIG BAGS

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