Diffusivity and Climatic Simulation of Hybrid Foams

Abstract

Hybrid composite phenolic foams reinforced with glass and aramid fibers were prepared and evaluated as potential materials for insulation and cladding applications. In particular, moisture uptake, flammability, and accelerated aging experiments were performed. A statistical approach was employed to model and predict the moisture absorption of the foams. Hybrid foams exhibited much lower diffusivity of water molecules and moisture content compared to unreinforced foam. The properties of hybrid foams were also compared to commercial expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. The flammability properties of hybrid foams were markedly superior to EPS. Accelerated aging test revealed excellent dimensional stability of hybrid foams even under extreme conditions. Compressive stiffness of hybrid foams was retained even after aging.

Keywords

foams fibers insulation climatic simulation.

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