Expanded Cork Agglomerate â ICB - Sofalca
Expanded Cork Agglomerate – ICB Technical Characteristics Essential Characteristics Density
Performance
Harmonized Technical Specifications
< 120 Kg/m3
Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity
0.037 a 0.040 W/m.K
Flexural Strength
≥ 130 Kpa
Compressive Strength at 10%
≥ 110 Kpa
Temperature of Use
- 180 °C a + 140 °C
Water Vapor Permeance
386 ng/Pa.sm2
Resistance to Water Vapor Diffusion
µ = 7 a 14
Class of reaction to fire (for exposed situations)
Classe E-s1,d0
Class of Reaction to Fire (for ETICS systems)
Classe B-s1,d0
Length x Width
1000x500 mm / 900x500 mm
Thickness
10 a 300 mm
Other densities are produced, depending on the application to use, decoration / design, load bearing, separation, and expansion joints • HD 9/10 Lbs - 145 a 160 Kg/m³ • HD 11/12 Lbs - 175 a 190 Kg/m³ • REV – Exterior Façade Lining with Cork in Sight - 140 à 150 kg / m³
General properties of the Expanded Cork Agglomerate:
EN 13170:2008
• Density: 100-120 Kgs./m3 • Thermal Conductivity: 0.040 w/m2 k med. temp. 20º C • Vapor Permeability: 0.002 / 0.006 g / h.m.mm Hg • Limit Pressure: 150 kPa (15 000 kgf / m2) • Maximum Pressure on Flexible Terms: 50 kPa (5 000 kgf / m2) • Measurements: 1000 x 500 mm; 915x 610 mm • Thickness: from 10 to 300 mm • Operating temperature: -180º C a +140º C
We’ll address the general properties of ICB relevant to the most significant applications in solutions of thermal insulation of buildings. The production of expanded cork agglomerate for thermal insulation features, in today’s market the two types of ICB: Pure thermal and acoustic insulation, with bulk density generally in the range 110-120 kg/m3. (STD) Exterior Façade Insulation and Lining with Cork in Sight, bulk density generally in the range 140-150 kg/m3. (REV.) The expanded cork agglomerate with densities between about 90-140 kg/m3 presents values of thermal conductivity (at the reference temperature of 10 ° C) in the order of 0.037 W / mK to 0.040 W / mk, which guarantees you a "captive place" in the diverse family of thermal insulation products for buildings. Thermal resistances provided be the usual thicknesses of ICB application – 300 to 600 mm – easily guarantee obtaining the values of K (heat transfer coefficient) recommended for roofs and walls of buildings on the current rules of the thermal characteristics of buildings. The temperature limits for use of cork agglomerate
cover the current range of values found in building applications - from -180 ° C to +140 ° C – without the occurrence of degradation problems, deformations or irreversible alteration of properties. The composition of cork allows exposure to extreme temperatures well above those indicated, a fact which enables it to withstand without damage the application of melted bitumen (heated to temperatures well above 100º C) used in the bonding of the terraced roof waterproofing systems, or use the ICB in thermal insulation of equipment and industrial installations at extremely low temperatures. The expanded cork agglomerate slabs have relatively high permeability to water vapor, about 386 ng / Pa.sm ². Thus, to avoid the occurrence of unwanted condensation inside the building elements, or on the ICB slabs themselves, appropriate constructive measures are taken, including the use of vapor barriers (the inner side) or more permeable to vapor solutions outside the expanded cork agglomerate boards. As the organic material that it is, cork agglomerate is a fuel product, although compared to other insulating materials, such as certain cellular plastics, it presents many benefits from the behavior towards fire point of view. Unlike some of these materials, that can easily melt at temperatures slightly above 100 ° C, the expanded cork agglomerate is degraded thermally (it carbonizes) without melting. The fusion of a thermal insulating means, on the one hand the total loss of strength and shape (with possible implications on the stability and adherence of other elements connected to it) and on the other hand, the dripping fuel flow or molten matter, eventually ignited.
Photo of an ICB “corner” after 30 minutes of exposure to direct flame at about 900 ºC
The combustion of the expanded cork agglomerate doesn’t produce significant quantities of other high toxicity products, other than the carbon monoxide generated by the thermal degradation of most organic materials. In the case of expanded cork agglomerate simple protection solutions, such as wooden or cast boards with the right thickness, can be easily adopted. With the application of paints or protection varnishes the classification of ICB passes to class B. The mechanical characteristics of greater importance for the applications of expanded cork agglomerate are the corresponding compressive, cohesion and cutting strength. The compressive strength of current cork agglomerate boards present values between 100 and 200 kPa, which allows it to withstand relatively high loads without showing excessive deformations. The resistance cohesion, an important property since the boards must support traction efforts perpendicular to the major faces, easily exceeds the value of 50 kPa . Although caused by different actions, the efforts to cut that the expanded cork boards have to resist also exceed the value of 50 kPa. Efforts of this kind may be introduced by elements adherent to the surfaces of the boards as a result of either the own weight, or the movements, namely of thermo-hygrometric sources of these elements. Another positive aspect featuring expanded cork agglomerate is that
it delivers good dimensional stability against significant variations in temperature and relative humidity that it can be subjected to in certain applications, such as when performing the roofing insulation in terrace. The expanded cork agglomerate has no compatibility issues with other building materials with which it comes into contact in their usual applications. Thus, there are no problems of chemical interaction with substances contained in other products, such plasticizers, solvents, resins, aromatic compounds or hydraulic binders, that in other thermal insulation can lead to premature degradation of one or both of the products into contact. Note also the wide variety of adhesives (PVA, contact, etc.) and other binders (bitumen applied hot or cold, cement-based etc.) that can be used in the solidarization of ICB boards to various types of surfaces. The application of protective or decorative paintings also raises no problems of chemical compatibility or adhesion. It has already been referred the excellent durability of expanded cork agglomerate when applied to well-designed and well-implemented constructive solutions. Note, for example, that the thermal conductivity determinations made in the Unidade de Tecnologia da Madeira e da Cortiça of INETI on samples of expanded cork agglomerate taken from demolished buildings, with 30 to 50 years of use, showed that, after all those decades the parameter values remained the same as those currently. It was also observed that the collected boards had identical visual appearance and texture to the new material. The Expanded Cork Agglomerate has a higher thermal lag when compared with other systems, XPS and MW. It is also observed that it is the one that has the lowest value of maximum temperature in the receiving surface. The thermal lag of the solutions shows us the diffe rence of time between a change in temperature on either side of the building system and the manifestation of said variation on the opposite side, when the system is subject to a variable rate of heat transmission. Solutions with a higher thermal lag contribute to improving the thermal performance of buildings, as they retard the loss or gain of heat through the surrounding.
The Expanded Cork Agglomerate produced by Sofalca is rated A + in assessing the quality of the material associated emissions for Indoor Air. This means that the indoor application of Sofalca’s cork boards poses no threat to human health, once again demonstrating that we have a 100% natural product.
Main applications of expanded cork agglomerate in thermal insulation of buildings: Because of its characteristics, the expanded cork agglomerate boards have been used for the thermal insulation of roofs, walls and floors of buildings, equipment and industrial installations (particularly cold ones). The huge increase in demand for thermal insulation, recorded in particular since the early seventies, led to the rapid development and diversification in this area. In recent years the recognition of health and environmental problems inherent to the production and use of certain products (fibers of asbestos, CFCs used as blowing agents of some cellular plastics,release of irritating products foams of urea formaldehyde) has renewed the interest in thermal insulation solutions made with expanded cork agglomerate, particularly in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the UK and Italy. Some examples of application: • Exterior Walls Insulation with ETICS; • Exterior Facades Lining with Cork in Sight; • Insulation of Double Walls (Air Chambers); • Flat Roof Insulation; • Thermal Insulation of Roofs and Attics; • Thermal Insulation of Ground Floors; • Insulation of Reverberation Transmited Noises; • Anti-vibration Machine Insulation; • Thermal Insulation of Cold Rooms. Thermal Roof Insulation In buildings, the expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) finds its “noble" application in the insulation of terraced roofs, performing the functions of thermal insulation and waterproofing system support.
The dimensional stability, resistance to high temperatures (necessary to glue the boards to support bases or waterproofing membranes to the plates) and mechanical characteristics (compression and cohesion) which characterize the expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) are indisputable advantages. Those properties and compatibility with the materials of traditional or innovative waterproofing allow you to perform various solutions with good and durable. In roofs where the weight minimization is a tax (usually metal roofs with sturdy structure, requiring the application of self-protected waterproofing membranes) those advantages are even more notorious over other alternative thermal insulating materials. In accessible terraces it may also be possible to take advantage of the favorable characteristics of percussion soundproofing (movement of persons, falling objects) that expanded cork agglomerate presents, provided they meet some specific construction requirements. Good acoustic characteristics of expanded cork agglomerate are also utilized in solutions that use false ceilings made with this product. In addition to the insulation provided, the sound absorption of the boards contributes significantly to improve the acoustic conditions of the isolated place, reducing its rate of reverberation (echo reduction). In sloping roofs the expanded cork boards can be applied on leaning or horizontal slabs, eventually protected from accidental infiltration of rainwater caused by defects in the exterior roof covering. The mechanical strength and deformability of agglomerated cork boards (ICB) makes them suitable for application on horizontal mats (floor) of garrets of pitched roofs intended for storage. They just have to be protected from point loads and wear caused by movement. Thermal Insulation of Walls (Air Chambers) In thermal insulation of double walls, expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) have been placed in the
intermediate wall space, filling it fully or in part. The total fill, easy to perform on site, has the disadvantage of placing the expanded cork agglomerate at risk of contact with water accidentally infiltrated through the outer wall cloth (or condensed in it). However, the best solution from a technical-economic perspective consists in fixating the insulating material to the exterior face of the interior cloth between the expanded cork boards (ICB) and the exterior cloth, thereby maintaining a drained and vented air space to the outside. One way of making the thermal insulation from the inside is to associate (by gluing) the boards (ICB) and plasterboards, which impart a mechanical protection against the action of fire. Thermal Insulation for Exterior Walls (Facades) The interest in the use of a natural and ecological product, such as the expanded cork agglomerate, led to the development in several countries, including Austria and Switzerland, of thermal insulation solutions from exterior walls. These systems have, as a principle, the gluing of the expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) boards to the outer face of the wall and the subsequent application of an appropriate coating on the insulator. The coating must ensure both its protection (mechanical actions, rain, fire, etc.) and the final finish. As with other systems of thermal insulation from the exterior walls its application should be based on a previous technical study. The implementation of these solutions on site should only be carried out by specialized teams. Thermal Flooring Insulation Thermal insulation of buildings’ floors is only performed when they are located either on passages or open spaces to the outside, or on non-heated and ventilated places. The insulation of pavement on ground floors can be justified if it is used a radiant flooring system.
In general, and for reasons of protection of the cork agglomerate, the boards must be applied to the inner side, which means, over the slab on the ground. The floor covering generally is seated over a screed previously performed on the cork agglomerate with the interposition of a plastic sheet or a bituminous felt.
Performance
Harmonized Technical Specifications
< 120 Kg/m3
Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity
0.037 a 0.040 W/m.K
Flexural Strength
≥ 130 Kpa
Compressive Strength at 10%
≥ 110 Kpa
Temperature of Use
- 180 °C a + 140 °C
Water Vapor Permeance
386 ng/Pa.sm2
Resistance to Water Vapor Diffusion
µ = 7 a 14
Class of reaction to fire (for exposed situations)
Classe E-s1,d0
Class of Reaction to Fire (for ETICS systems)
Classe B-s1,d0
Length x Width
1000x500 mm / 900x500 mm
Thickness
10 a 300 mm
Other densities are produced, depending on the application to use, decoration / design, load bearing, separation, and expansion joints • HD 9/10 Lbs - 145 a 160 Kg/m³ • HD 11/12 Lbs - 175 a 190 Kg/m³ • REV – Exterior Façade Lining with Cork in Sight - 140 à 150 kg / m³
General properties of the Expanded Cork Agglomerate:
EN 13170:2008
• Density: 100-120 Kgs./m3 • Thermal Conductivity: 0.040 w/m2 k med. temp. 20º C • Vapor Permeability: 0.002 / 0.006 g / h.m.mm Hg • Limit Pressure: 150 kPa (15 000 kgf / m2) • Maximum Pressure on Flexible Terms: 50 kPa (5 000 kgf / m2) • Measurements: 1000 x 500 mm; 915x 610 mm • Thickness: from 10 to 300 mm • Operating temperature: -180º C a +140º C
We’ll address the general properties of ICB relevant to the most significant applications in solutions of thermal insulation of buildings. The production of expanded cork agglomerate for thermal insulation features, in today’s market the two types of ICB: Pure thermal and acoustic insulation, with bulk density generally in the range 110-120 kg/m3. (STD) Exterior Façade Insulation and Lining with Cork in Sight, bulk density generally in the range 140-150 kg/m3. (REV.) The expanded cork agglomerate with densities between about 90-140 kg/m3 presents values of thermal conductivity (at the reference temperature of 10 ° C) in the order of 0.037 W / mK to 0.040 W / mk, which guarantees you a "captive place" in the diverse family of thermal insulation products for buildings. Thermal resistances provided be the usual thicknesses of ICB application – 300 to 600 mm – easily guarantee obtaining the values of K (heat transfer coefficient) recommended for roofs and walls of buildings on the current rules of the thermal characteristics of buildings. The temperature limits for use of cork agglomerate
cover the current range of values found in building applications - from -180 ° C to +140 ° C – without the occurrence of degradation problems, deformations or irreversible alteration of properties. The composition of cork allows exposure to extreme temperatures well above those indicated, a fact which enables it to withstand without damage the application of melted bitumen (heated to temperatures well above 100º C) used in the bonding of the terraced roof waterproofing systems, or use the ICB in thermal insulation of equipment and industrial installations at extremely low temperatures. The expanded cork agglomerate slabs have relatively high permeability to water vapor, about 386 ng / Pa.sm ². Thus, to avoid the occurrence of unwanted condensation inside the building elements, or on the ICB slabs themselves, appropriate constructive measures are taken, including the use of vapor barriers (the inner side) or more permeable to vapor solutions outside the expanded cork agglomerate boards. As the organic material that it is, cork agglomerate is a fuel product, although compared to other insulating materials, such as certain cellular plastics, it presents many benefits from the behavior towards fire point of view. Unlike some of these materials, that can easily melt at temperatures slightly above 100 ° C, the expanded cork agglomerate is degraded thermally (it carbonizes) without melting. The fusion of a thermal insulating means, on the one hand the total loss of strength and shape (with possible implications on the stability and adherence of other elements connected to it) and on the other hand, the dripping fuel flow or molten matter, eventually ignited.
Photo of an ICB “corner” after 30 minutes of exposure to direct flame at about 900 ºC
The combustion of the expanded cork agglomerate doesn’t produce significant quantities of other high toxicity products, other than the carbon monoxide generated by the thermal degradation of most organic materials. In the case of expanded cork agglomerate simple protection solutions, such as wooden or cast boards with the right thickness, can be easily adopted. With the application of paints or protection varnishes the classification of ICB passes to class B. The mechanical characteristics of greater importance for the applications of expanded cork agglomerate are the corresponding compressive, cohesion and cutting strength. The compressive strength of current cork agglomerate boards present values between 100 and 200 kPa, which allows it to withstand relatively high loads without showing excessive deformations. The resistance cohesion, an important property since the boards must support traction efforts perpendicular to the major faces, easily exceeds the value of 50 kPa . Although caused by different actions, the efforts to cut that the expanded cork boards have to resist also exceed the value of 50 kPa. Efforts of this kind may be introduced by elements adherent to the surfaces of the boards as a result of either the own weight, or the movements, namely of thermo-hygrometric sources of these elements. Another positive aspect featuring expanded cork agglomerate is that
it delivers good dimensional stability against significant variations in temperature and relative humidity that it can be subjected to in certain applications, such as when performing the roofing insulation in terrace. The expanded cork agglomerate has no compatibility issues with other building materials with which it comes into contact in their usual applications. Thus, there are no problems of chemical interaction with substances contained in other products, such plasticizers, solvents, resins, aromatic compounds or hydraulic binders, that in other thermal insulation can lead to premature degradation of one or both of the products into contact. Note also the wide variety of adhesives (PVA, contact, etc.) and other binders (bitumen applied hot or cold, cement-based etc.) that can be used in the solidarization of ICB boards to various types of surfaces. The application of protective or decorative paintings also raises no problems of chemical compatibility or adhesion. It has already been referred the excellent durability of expanded cork agglomerate when applied to well-designed and well-implemented constructive solutions. Note, for example, that the thermal conductivity determinations made in the Unidade de Tecnologia da Madeira e da Cortiça of INETI on samples of expanded cork agglomerate taken from demolished buildings, with 30 to 50 years of use, showed that, after all those decades the parameter values remained the same as those currently. It was also observed that the collected boards had identical visual appearance and texture to the new material. The Expanded Cork Agglomerate has a higher thermal lag when compared with other systems, XPS and MW. It is also observed that it is the one that has the lowest value of maximum temperature in the receiving surface. The thermal lag of the solutions shows us the diffe rence of time between a change in temperature on either side of the building system and the manifestation of said variation on the opposite side, when the system is subject to a variable rate of heat transmission. Solutions with a higher thermal lag contribute to improving the thermal performance of buildings, as they retard the loss or gain of heat through the surrounding.
The Expanded Cork Agglomerate produced by Sofalca is rated A + in assessing the quality of the material associated emissions for Indoor Air. This means that the indoor application of Sofalca’s cork boards poses no threat to human health, once again demonstrating that we have a 100% natural product.
Main applications of expanded cork agglomerate in thermal insulation of buildings: Because of its characteristics, the expanded cork agglomerate boards have been used for the thermal insulation of roofs, walls and floors of buildings, equipment and industrial installations (particularly cold ones). The huge increase in demand for thermal insulation, recorded in particular since the early seventies, led to the rapid development and diversification in this area. In recent years the recognition of health and environmental problems inherent to the production and use of certain products (fibers of asbestos, CFCs used as blowing agents of some cellular plastics,release of irritating products foams of urea formaldehyde) has renewed the interest in thermal insulation solutions made with expanded cork agglomerate, particularly in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the UK and Italy. Some examples of application: • Exterior Walls Insulation with ETICS; • Exterior Facades Lining with Cork in Sight; • Insulation of Double Walls (Air Chambers); • Flat Roof Insulation; • Thermal Insulation of Roofs and Attics; • Thermal Insulation of Ground Floors; • Insulation of Reverberation Transmited Noises; • Anti-vibration Machine Insulation; • Thermal Insulation of Cold Rooms. Thermal Roof Insulation In buildings, the expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) finds its “noble" application in the insulation of terraced roofs, performing the functions of thermal insulation and waterproofing system support.
The dimensional stability, resistance to high temperatures (necessary to glue the boards to support bases or waterproofing membranes to the plates) and mechanical characteristics (compression and cohesion) which characterize the expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) are indisputable advantages. Those properties and compatibility with the materials of traditional or innovative waterproofing allow you to perform various solutions with good and durable. In roofs where the weight minimization is a tax (usually metal roofs with sturdy structure, requiring the application of self-protected waterproofing membranes) those advantages are even more notorious over other alternative thermal insulating materials. In accessible terraces it may also be possible to take advantage of the favorable characteristics of percussion soundproofing (movement of persons, falling objects) that expanded cork agglomerate presents, provided they meet some specific construction requirements. Good acoustic characteristics of expanded cork agglomerate are also utilized in solutions that use false ceilings made with this product. In addition to the insulation provided, the sound absorption of the boards contributes significantly to improve the acoustic conditions of the isolated place, reducing its rate of reverberation (echo reduction). In sloping roofs the expanded cork boards can be applied on leaning or horizontal slabs, eventually protected from accidental infiltration of rainwater caused by defects in the exterior roof covering. The mechanical strength and deformability of agglomerated cork boards (ICB) makes them suitable for application on horizontal mats (floor) of garrets of pitched roofs intended for storage. They just have to be protected from point loads and wear caused by movement. Thermal Insulation of Walls (Air Chambers) In thermal insulation of double walls, expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) have been placed in the
intermediate wall space, filling it fully or in part. The total fill, easy to perform on site, has the disadvantage of placing the expanded cork agglomerate at risk of contact with water accidentally infiltrated through the outer wall cloth (or condensed in it). However, the best solution from a technical-economic perspective consists in fixating the insulating material to the exterior face of the interior cloth between the expanded cork boards (ICB) and the exterior cloth, thereby maintaining a drained and vented air space to the outside. One way of making the thermal insulation from the inside is to associate (by gluing) the boards (ICB) and plasterboards, which impart a mechanical protection against the action of fire. Thermal Insulation for Exterior Walls (Facades) The interest in the use of a natural and ecological product, such as the expanded cork agglomerate, led to the development in several countries, including Austria and Switzerland, of thermal insulation solutions from exterior walls. These systems have, as a principle, the gluing of the expanded cork agglomerate (ICB) boards to the outer face of the wall and the subsequent application of an appropriate coating on the insulator. The coating must ensure both its protection (mechanical actions, rain, fire, etc.) and the final finish. As with other systems of thermal insulation from the exterior walls its application should be based on a previous technical study. The implementation of these solutions on site should only be carried out by specialized teams. Thermal Flooring Insulation Thermal insulation of buildings’ floors is only performed when they are located either on passages or open spaces to the outside, or on non-heated and ventilated places. The insulation of pavement on ground floors can be justified if it is used a radiant flooring system.
In general, and for reasons of protection of the cork agglomerate, the boards must be applied to the inner side, which means, over the slab on the ground. The floor covering generally is seated over a screed previously performed on the cork agglomerate with the interposition of a plastic sheet or a bituminous felt.
