Cellular Glass
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Insulation Type: Cellular Glass
Other Names: Foam Glass, Cell Glass
Construction: Closed Cell
Thermal Conductivity @ 300°F: 0.048 (BTU/hr/ft/°F)
Temperature Range: -450°F to 800°F
Moisture: Does not absorb moisture (impermeable)
Crush Resistant: Yes
Best Application: Wet environments
Price: mid-range
Notes: Smells when disturbed and is often avoided for indoor use.
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Calcium Silicate
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Insulation Type: Calcium Silicate
Other Names: Cal Sil
Construction: Granular (Open Cell)
Thermal Conductivity @ 300°F: 0.041 (BTU/hr/ft/°F)
Temperature Range: 80°F to 1,200°F
Moisture: Disintegrates when wet unless modified to resist moisture
Crush Resistant: Yes
Best Application: General use provided it is moisture resistant; high traffic areas
Price: mid-range
Notes: Should not be used unless modified to resist moisture; un-modified cal-sil will disintegrate when wet.
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Expanded Perlite
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Insulation Type: Expanded Perlite
Other Names: Molded Perlite, Perlite
Construction: Granular (Open Cell)
Thermal Conductivity @ 300°F: 0.050 (BTU/hr/ft/°F)
Temperature Range: 80°F to 1,200°F
Moisture: Absorbs moisture but does not wick
Crush Resistant: Yes
Best Application: High traffic areas
Price: mid-range
Notes: Typically a good choice when crush resistance is a priority.
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Fiberglass
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Insulation Type: Fiberglass
Other Names: Fibrous Glass, Glass Wool
Construction: Fibrous
Thermal Conductivity @ 300°F: 0.031 (BTU/hr/ft/°F)
Temperature Range: 0°F to 1,000°F
Moisture: Absorbs moisture and wicks
Crush Resistant: No
Best Application: None
Price: inexpensive
Notes: Same price as mineral wool, but has inferior performance
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Mineral Wool
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Insulation Type: Mineral Wool
Other Names: Rock Wool, Slag Wool
Construction: Fibrous
Thermal Conductivity @ 300°F: 0.031 (BTU/hr/ft/°F)
Temperature Range: 0°F to 1,400°F
Moisture: Absorbs moisture but does not wick
Crush Resistant: No
Best Application: General Use
Price: inexpensive
Notes: Best performance:cost ratio. Typically the logical choice for general use.
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Aerogel
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Insulation Type: Aerogel
Other Names: Pyrogel™
Construction: Fibrous Reinforced Aerogel
Thermal Conductivity @ 300°F: 0.016 (BTU/hr/ft/°F)
Temperature Range: 0°F to 1,200°F
Moisture: Does not absorb moisture (impermeable)
Crush Resistant: No
Best Application: Congested areas or skids where reduced insulation thickness is a priority
Price: expensive
Notes: New on the market, does not yet have ASTM recognition
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