Aged Thermal Resistance of Extruded Polystyrene Foams An Approach of a Small,Newer Manufacturer

Abstract

New plastic foam insulation manufacturers or products encounter the problem that long age thermal performance data cannot be available, such as 5 years old. A method for estimating long-term thermal performance of extruded polystyrene foams based on computer curve fitting against a menu of classic techmcal equations is presented and compared with actual measurements at 5 years after insu lation manufacture. The effect of closed cell content, deviation of the foam from ideal uniformity, and foam density is discussed. The method permits estimation of long age thermal performance using relatively short age measurements without detailed and accurate knowledge of gas permeabilities, foam cell morphology, and deviations from ideal foam uniformity.